For most dog owners, our furry friends are important members of our families. A dog owner’s worst nightmare, however, is if or when their dog gets into a violent encounter with a person. Worse than that, however, is being on the other end of a Chicago dog bite attack. When…
Most people understand that when an Illinois resident is injured by another person, state law allows them to file a civil negligence claim to recover for their damages. However, the same principle is usually true even if the victim was injured by an animal, not a person. And, just like…
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, if you or a loved one are injured by an animal, you may have a claim against the owner. The law holds animal owners strictly liable if their pet attacks another person unless the attack was provoked or certain other exceptions are met under…
If you own a dog in Chicago or in the State of Illinois, it is your legal obligation to care for that dog in a safe manner that does not threaten others. Failing to do so may lead to a dog bite incident and can cause people to be injured,…
A 3-year-old boy was mauled by two pit bulls in the South Shore neighborhood of Chicago last Monday evening. He sustained puncture wounds to his ears, neck, body, and legs before an adult neighbor came to his rescue and fought off the dogs. The child was visiting a home in…
The third week of May every year is National Dog Bite Prevention Week in America and is designed to raise awareness that nearly all dog bites can be prevented with proper steps and procedures. Pet ownership is at an all time high in the United States right now, and that…
A loose pit bull in the Englewood neighborhood of Chicago attacked a 63-year-old man in the area of 59th Street and Eggleston Avenue Wednesday morning. The man reportedly sustained several puncture wounds and needed medical treatment at Christ Hospital, where he was expected to recover. Onlookers called police for assistance…
Most lawsuits in Illinois relating to injuries resulting from an animal attack are filed on the basis of the Illinois Animal Control Act (“ACA”). The ACA contains a strict liability standard for dog owners who are held liable for injuries inflicted by the dog on another person, even in cases…
On March 2, 2013, a seven-year-old boy from Galesburg, Illinois was killed in a horrifying attack by a pit bull named Ghost during a visit to the home of his sibling’s father. Between December-February, Galesburg Animal Control had responded to complaints that the dogs residing at this home were neglected…
A 44-year-old suburban Chicago woman who is both a firefighter and paramedic was reportedly killed by a 140 pound Mastiff at her home in Big Rock. The unsocialized dog was reportedly adopted by the woman and her husband about one week prior to the fatal attack so it would not…