773-365-0040
Bites from aggressive animals may cause painful injuries and lifelong disfigurements. As the victim of a dog bite, you are entitled to a settlement from negligent pet owners.
- Showing Responsibility: In order to prove a defendant pet owner for a dog bite, certain facts must be proven. The defendant must be proven to be the primary owner of the dog. The injured person must show that the attack was unprovoked by their intentional or unintentional actions. The injured person must also prove that they were no trespassing on private property during the time of the attack. If there is sufficient evidence, the dog in question may be deemed “dangerous” by the police. Notes such as these often add weight to proving negligence on the part of the owner.
- Defining “Vicious:” A dog that receives multiple “dangerous” designations or commits severe injury against a person may also be labeled a “vicious” dog. The statues of Illinois hold higher legal expectations for owners of “vicious” dogs. All animals deemed “vicious” must be kept behind six feet high fences. When removed from these confines, owners must secure their pets with muzzles and a chain with tensile strength over 300 lbs. Failing to comply by these laws will likely increase the liability of a defendant dog owner.
- Possibly Liable Parties: In some injury cases, the owner may not be directly liable for the dog’s actions. For bites occurring in kennels, the keepers will likely be found responsible. If a child’s dog bites someone, then the parents are often held responsible.
Dog bites injure thousands of Chicago residents each year. Those at greatest risk are children, who often both physically and emotionally. Following a pet attack, contact the animal injury specialists at Shea Law Group. We will work with you to gain due compensation from an unprovoked dog attack. Dial (773) 365-0040 for more information.
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