Cynophobia is the fear of dogs. While pet owners may scoff at this phobia, animals can be a serious and valid source of anxiety for many people. An animal attack can cause serious injuries and occasionally even death. If you suffer a dog bite in Illinois you may be able to receive compensation for expenses and damages incurred during the aftermath.
You may be entitled to compensation if you can prove that:
- You were attacked by the dog
- The attack caused your injuries, and,
- The attack was unprovoked and in a location where you had the right to be
Work with a Kane County dog bite lawyer to ensure your rights are protected and you receive the full amount of compensation that you are entitled to.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in IL?
Animal attacks can be painful and severely damaging. Keeping this in mind, the Illinois Animal Control Act encourages controlling your pets and animals and aims to prevent rabies, injuries, and other associated ailments.
The law states “If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of injury proximately caused thereby.”
Under this act, a victim of a dog bite or animal attack is entitled to collect compensation from the owner.
What Damages Can I Receive For a Dog Bite?
When a person is attacked by a dog or other animal they can face serious injuries and repercussions associated with the situation. A dog owner may be responsible for paying damages to the victim including the following.
- Medical expenses: After the bite or attack the victim may need to take an ambulance ride, stay in the hospital, undergo surgery, attend doctor visits, be prescribed medication, etc. Compensation can cover these expenses and more.
- Future medical expenses: Depending on the extent of the injury the victim may require long-term medical care or cosmetic surgery to repair physical damage later on. They can be awarded compensation for these expenses.
- Pain and suffering: The victim can be compensated for their pain, loss of enjoyment of life, emotional distress, scarring, and more.
- Psychological counseling: A dog attack can cause extensive trauma and the development of new phobias and mental disorders. The costs of any counseling can be billed to the animal owner.
- Loss of wages: If the attack forces the victim to take time off of work they can be reimbursed for the wages, bonuses, commissions, and opportunities they missed due to their absence.
If you were bit or attacked by a dog you may be entitled to compensation. Do not hesitate to contact an attorney and acquire legal representation to ensure your rights are protected and you are awarded a fair amount of compensation.
