Sitting at the crossroads of Interstates 57 and 70, Effingham sees a steady flow of both residents and travelers passing through. With that comes plenty of neighborhoods, parks, and homes where dogs are part of the family — and, unfortunately, occasional dog bite incidents. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog in Effingham, the attorneys at West & Ginos, LLC can help.
Whether the attack happened at a private residence, in a public park, or while you were simply walking down the street, you deserve to understand your rights and options under Illinois law.
To set up a free, no-obligation review of your case, contact our experienced dog bite attorneys today.
Injuries From Dog Attacks
Dog bites can cause serious, sometimes permanent, harm. Injuries our clients have experienced include:
- Punctures and lacerations
- Broken bones
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Infections
- Traumatic brain injuries from falls sustained during the attack
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD and a lingering fear of dogs
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy is responsible for these damages. Insurance companies, however, don’t always make the claims process easy.
Illinois’ Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, 510 ILCS 5/16, dog owners are held strictly liable when their animal injures someone who was behaving peaceably, did not provoke the dog, and had a legal right to be on the property at the time. This means an injury victim generally doesn’t need to prove the owner was careless, just that the attack occurred under these conditions.
There are exceptions. An owner is typically not liable if the victim was trespassing, behaving aggressively, or provoked the dog. Insurance adjusters often try to use these exceptions to reduce or deny valid claims, which is where an experienced attorney can make a real difference.
When a Negligence Claim Applies
Dog bite victims may also pursue a negligence claim, which requires showing the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Common examples include not leashing a dog with a known history of aggression or leaving a gate or fence in poor repair, allowing the dog to escape into the neighborhood.
Attacks on Pets
If your dog or cat was attacked by another animal in the Effingham area, you may be entitled to recover veterinary bills and, if your pet did not survive, its value.
Get Legal Help Today
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Effingham, reach out to the Law Offices of West & Ginos, LLC for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and what your claim may be worth.
