The dog bite laws in Illinois are among the strictest in the country. Put in place by the Animal Control Act, these laws state if a dog attacks or injures any person — without provocation — in a place they are lawfully permitted to be, the dog owner will be held liable.
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Additionally, Illinois is a strict liability state, meaning the owner will need to pay the full amount of damages for the injuries caused by their dog.
Updates to Illinois Dog Bite Laws in Recent Years
In 2019, Illinois adopted a new dog bite law to protect people and their pets from dangerous dogs. The new law — called the “Justice for Buddy Act” — stemmed from an attack on a Yorkie who was killed by a neighbor’s dog in 2017.
This addition states that if a dog that has bitten a person or another dog without provocation is found off-leash, the owner will be considered reckless. The dog may also be taken away from the owner. Furthermore, any reckless dog owner will not be permitted to own dogs for a period of up to three years.
The Dangerous Dog Law
Illinois law declares a dog to be dangerous if it has seriously injured or killed another person or animal. After a dog is declared dangerous under the law, the owner must follow certain steps such as registering it with the local animal control agency, posting warning signs on the property where the dog resides, and keeping the dog contained in a secure area.
If the owner of a dangerous dog fails to comply with the requirements, they may be subject to fines or have the dog confiscated.
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Ask a Vet Live NowWhat Is a Dog Bite Injury in Illinois?
Dog bites in this state are any injury that a dog causes with their teeth, such as puncturing or tearing the skin. It can also include any scratches and lacerations, though the dog does not have to bite someone for the owner to be held liable.
For example, if a dog knocks you over and scratches you when you are peacefully and lawfully on public or private property, the owner could still be held responsible. Since dog bite liability is strict in Illinois, it does not matter if the owner has any indication that their pet could behave this way.
Exceptions to Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
There is only one exception to the state’s strict liability dog bite laws. If you trespass on the dog owner’s property or intentionally provoke the dog, the owner may not bear any liability.
In personal injury cases involving dog bites, it’s always important to gather proper evidence. You will want to show that you were lawfully permitted on the property and that you did not antagonize the dog to cause it to attack.
What Financial Obligations Will the Dog Owner Have?
After being bitten by a dog, you may file a personal injury lawsuit to recover your damages. Generally, these will include your medical expenses for treating your injuries, future medical expenses for ongoing care, and compensation for your lost wages. Since dog bite injuries can be traumatic, damages often include pain and suffering.
It’s often difficult for dog bite victims to prove that they did not provoke the dog that injured them. This is why you may find it helpful to discuss your case with a dog bite lawyer who can explain your legal options.
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Tom
Tom has always loved to write since he was little - he wanted to be either a writer or a veterinary doctor, but he ended up being a professional writer while most of his works are based on animals. He was born in San Francisco but later moved to Texas to continue his job as a writer. He graduated from the University of San Francisco where he studied biotechnology. He is happily married and a soon to be father!
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