Illinois is more favorable to dog bite victims than many states. You generally do not need to prove the dog had bitten someone before.
What the Animal Control Act requires
- The animal attacked, attempted to attack, or injured you
- You were peaceably conducting yourself in a place you had a lawful right to be
- You did not provoke the animal
- The defendant owned or was in control of the animal
Injuries are often more serious than they look
Puncture wounds carry a high infection risk, and nerve damage, scarring, and psychological trauma are common, especially for children. Follow-up with a physician and, where scarring is involved, a plastic surgery consultation both matter to your health and to the claim.
Who pays
Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Pursuing a claim is not about punishing a neighbor. It is about accessing insurance that exists for exactly this situation.
Steps to take
- Get medical treatment and document every wound with photos
- Report the bite to Kankakee County animal control
- Identify the owner and any witnesses
- Request the dog's vaccination and bite history
Talk With a Kankakee Personal Injury Attorney — Free
Have questions about what are my rights after a dog attack? Every case is different, and general information is no substitute for advice about your own situation. Call us or send a short message and we'll review your case at no cost and with no obligation.
This article is general information about Illinois law and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Deadlines and outcomes depend on the specific facts of each case.