Collinsville sits right at the crossroads of I-55, I-70, and I-255, making it one of the busiest and most connected communities in Madison County. With a large population and plenty of neighborhoods, parks, and family gatherings, dog bite incidents unfortunately happen more often than residents might expect. If a dog attack has left you injured, the team at West & Ginos, LLC is ready to help you fight for fair compensation.
We’ve represented injury victims throughout the Metro East region, and we understand how intimidating it can feel to go up against an insurance adjuster after a traumatic attack. You don’t have to handle it alone.
To set up a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today.
The Real Toll of a Dog Attack
Dog bites can range from minor to life-altering. Injuries we commonly see include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
- Infections
- Traumatic brain injury from falls during an attack
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD and a lasting fear of dogs
These injuries often mean missed work, mounting medical bills, and long recovery periods. In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance is responsible for covering these losses, even if the attack didn’t happen at the owner’s home.
Illinois’ Strict Liability Standard
Illinois doesn’t require dog bite victims to prove an owner was careless. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/16, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their animal as long as the victim was behaving peaceably, did not provoke the dog, and was lawfully present where the bite occurred. This makes Illinois one of the more favorable states for injury victims pursuing a claim.
There are limits, however. An owner generally won’t be held liable if the victim was trespassing, acting aggressively, or provoked the animal. Insurance companies frequently look for ways to apply these exceptions, so it helps to have a lawyer who can push back with the facts on your side.
Pursuing a Negligence Claim
In some cases, a negligence claim may apply alongside or instead of a strict liability claim. This requires showing the dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions, such as leashing a dog known to be aggressive or ignoring a broken fence that let the dog escape into a neighborhood like those throughout Collinsville.
When Your Pet Is the Victim
If your own dog or cat was attacked by another animal in Collinsville, you may be able to recover veterinary costs and, if the pet did not survive, its value. We handle these claims too.
Get Legal Help Today
If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog in Collinsville, contact West & Ginos, LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll walk you through your options and help you understand what your claim may be worth.
