Carlinville is a close-knit Macoupin County community, and for most families here, dogs are part of the household. Unfortunately, even a well-loved family dog can bite when startled, threatened, or provoked, and the resulting injuries can be serious. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in or around Carlinville, the attorneys at West & Ginos, LLC can help you understand your legal options and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Our firm has served Macoupin County and the surrounding region from our nearby Litchfield office for years. We know the roads, the courts, and the insurance companies you’ll be dealing with after a dog bite, and we put that experience to work for our clients.
To set up a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
A dog attack can happen in an instant, but the physical and emotional damage often lasts far longer. Common injuries our Carlinville clients have suffered include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve and soft tissue damage
- Facial injuries
- Infections, including risk of rabies exposure
- Traumatic brain injuries from a fall during the attack
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD and lasting fear of dogs
Many of these injuries require ongoing medical treatment, and some leave permanent scars, both physical and emotional. A dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy typically covers these damages, though insurers don’t always make it easy to collect what you’re owed.
Illinois Law Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable
Illinois takes a strong stance when it comes to dog bite injuries. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/16, a dog owner can be held strictly liable for injuries their animal causes, provided the victim was acting peaceably, was not provoking the dog, and had a legal right to be where the attack occurred. This means you generally don’t have to prove the owner was negligent, just that the attack happened and you meet those conditions.
That said, there are exceptions. An owner may avoid liability if the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog, or wasn’t behaving peaceably at the time of the attack. Insurance companies often try to lean on these exceptions to deny or minimize claims, which is why having an experienced dog bite attorney on your side matters.
When Negligence Comes Into Play
Beyond strict liability, Illinois law also allows dog bite victims to pursue a negligence claim against a dog owner. This route requires showing that the owner failed to act as a reasonably careful person would, and that failure led directly to the attack. Examples include letting a dog with a known history of aggression roam off-leash, or failing to properly secure a fence around a yard where the owner knew the dog could pose a danger to others.
Injuries to Your Pets
Dog attacks don’t only harm people. If your pet was attacked and injured (or killed) by another dog in the Carlinville area, you may be entitled to compensation for veterinary bills and, in the case of a pet’s death, the animal’s value.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Carlinville or anywhere in Macoupin County, don’t try to navigate an insurance claim alone. The Law Offices of West & Ginos, LLC offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you understand your rights and the value of your claim.
