Cook County Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Lawyers Helping Victims of Animal Attacks in Glenview and Northbrook

In millions of households across the country, dogs are more than just pets. They are loyal and devoted companions, and they are part of the family as much as their human owners are. While most dogs have not injured and will never injure anyone, some dogs unfortunately do tend to attack and bite. According to recent federal estimates, almost 5 million people suffer injuries as the result of dog bites in the United States each year, and a large number of victims are small children.

The experienced attorneys at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. understand the devastation that a serious dog bite injury can cause. Owners who fail to control their dogs must be held accountable when their animals attack and injury another person. If you or a member of your family—including your child—has suffered injuries due to a dog bite or dog attack, reach out to a top dog bite injury attorney in your area to discuss your options for seeking compensation.

Strict Liability Laws

Illinois uses a principle known as "strict liability" in dog bite and animal attack cases, which means that the owner of the animal—or any person who has assumed temporary responsibility—can be held liable if another individual suffers injuries caused by the animal biting or attacking. While strict liability laws allow you to seek compensation without having to prove negligence on the part of the owner or caretaker, there are sometimes exceptions into these laws. For example, Illinois law absolves the owner of liability if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.

Indirect Injuries and One-Bite Laws

Under Illinois law, strict liability also applies to injuries caused indirectly by an animal. Consider, for example, a situation in which a dog starts to come at you in what appears to be an aggressive manner. You turn to run, but you trip and fall, breaking your arm in the process. The dog never actually touched you but you suffered an injury because of the actions of the dog. You may be entitled to collect compensation under Illinois strict liability laws because of the perceived attack.

Another example of an indirect injury would a scenario in which a dog runs into the street. A driver might swerve to miss the animal, ending up in an injury-causing car accident. This type of indirect injury is not usually covered under strict liability laws, but it may be possible to show that the dog owner should share in the liability for the driver's injuries due.

Seeking Compensation for Your Injuries

Dog bites and other types of animal attacks can cause severe injuries and even death in extreme cases. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be eligible to recover compensation to cover your medical expenses, including emergency treatment and any ongoing rehabilitation that you need. You could also recover lost wages for time away from work, as well as considerations for your pain, any permanent scarring, and a reduced quality of life as a result of your injuries.

Contact an Attorney at Our Office Today

If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog or injured in any type of animal attack, contact our office to discuss your options for taking action. Call 847-729-7660 to schedule a free consultation at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. today. We serve clients in Cook County, Lake County, DuPage County, the North Shore, Glenview, Northbrook, Wheeling, Buffalo Grove, Evanston, Skokie, and the surrounding areas.