Plainfield, Illinois Dog Bite Attorney

Lawyer Representing Dog Bite Victims in Will County and Throughout Illinois

Nearly one in three Illinois households own at least one dog. While many dog owners could never imagine their furry friends intending to hurt another person, the reality is that thousands of dog bites occur every year, often resulting in emergency room visits, hospitalizations, and, in extreme cases, even death. Sadly, many dog bite victims are young children. At Flaherty Law, we love dogs too, but we are committed to hold owners responsible when their animals cause injuries. If you have been seriously injured by a dog bite, the road to recovery can be long and arduous. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.

Notable Case Result: $80,000 for a woman who suffered a small facial laceration after being bitten by a homeowner’s dog while cleaning the homeowner’s home. Read more.

Liability for Dog Bites Under Illinois Law

Under Illinois law, a dog owner may be held liable for injuries that result from a dog bite regardless of whether the attack happened on public or private property. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, the owner, or another party assigned as custodian for the animal, is responsible for any and all injuries caused by the dog (or other animal) as long as:

• The animal was not provoked;
• The victim was conducting himself or herself in a peaceable manner; and
• The victim was in a place that he or she was legally permitted to be.

This means if you were not trespassing or provoking the dog and you were bitten, you would likely have legal recourse against the owner for your injuries.

Dog Bites and Premises Liability

Many dog bite injury cases also fall under the body of law in Illinois known as premises liability. These laws specify the duty of care that a property owner owes to guests and visitors regarding their safety. When you go into another person’s home or business, you have the right to assume the owner has made reasonably sure that you will not be injured. Therefore, if a dangerous dog or other dangerous animal attacks you, the owner can be held liable for your injuries.

Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims

As an experienced personal injury lawyer, Attorney Daniel Flaherty has worked with many clients injured by dog bites. He has battled homeowners’ insurance carriers and the owners of dangerous animals to help victims collect the damages they deserve and without unnecessary delays. If a dog bite has required you to seek medical care, miss work, or otherwise alter your life, he is ready and willing to assist you. His dedication and work ethic have resulted in numerous courtroom victories and negotiated settlements, and he pledges to bring that same commitment to your case.

When you or your child has been the victim of a dog bite, you need a personal injury attorney you can trust. Contact Flaherty Law by calling 815-577-7500 to schedule your free initial consultation today. For your convenience, we can even come to you. We will evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you prepare to take the necessary steps in recovering full compensation for your injuries. At our law firm, there is no fee unless you collect. From our office in Plainfield, Illinois, we are proud to serve clients throughout Will, DuPage, Cook, Kane, Kendall, and Lake Counties.