Interior Of The Office Of Schramm Law Group, LLC

Representing Clients In DuPage County And Across Illinois

Balancing The Scales After
An Injury And Seeking
Justice For You

The Chicago Bar Association | Member 2014 2015
Member Firm | ISBA
DCBA | DuPage County Bar Association | Member
Rated By | Super Lawyers | Rising Stars | Adam E. Schramm | SuperLawyers.com
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Dog Bites And Animal Attacks In Illinois

Even the most properly trained and well-behaved animals can be unpredictable with strangers or even with close friends and family. In many cases, however, pet owners know when an animal has aggressive tendencies that could potentially harm someone. It is a pet owner’s responsibility to control the animals he or she cares for to protect others from serious dog bites or animal attack injuries.

At Schramm Law Group, LLC, we offer experienced personal injury representation to clients throughout the Chicagoland area. Our practice is dedicated to giving injury victims a voice against at-fault or negligent parties, and their insurance companies.

A Lawyer Aggressively Fighting For The Compensation You Need

Remember that insurance companies are motivated to save money at every turn. Even when your injuries are indisputably tied to an animal attack, the opposing party will do everything possible to limit the amount of compensation you receive.

You need to have a detailed case presented aggressively in settlements or trial to recover what you deserve. Let our attorneys help you. Contact us online or call 630-412-1073 for a free initial consultation. We can help you recover dog bite compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Permanent scars or disfigurement
  • Serious illnesses or infections
  • Pain and suffering
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage
  • Wrongful death

Determining Liability When Bitten By A Dog

Dog bite injuries in Illinois are governed by the Animal Control Act (hereafter “Act”). This Act was intended to broaden the common law liability of owners and keepers of animals. The pertinent section of the Act states as follows:

If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby. 510 ILCS 5/16.

The Act defines an “owner” as follows:

‘Owner’ means any person having a right of property in an animal, or who keeps or harbors an animal, or who has it in his care, or acts as its custodian, or who knowingly permits a dog to remain on any premise occupied by him or her. 510 ILCS 5/2.16

To be found liable under the Act the plaintiff must be able to prove the following:

  1. An injury caused by the Defendant’s animal;
  2. Lack of provocation;
  3. Peaceable conduct of the person injured; and
  4. The presence of the injured person where he or she had a right to be.

These requirements simplify the plaintiff’s burden of proof with the intention of holding animal owner’s responsible for injuries his or her animal causes. The purpose of the Act is to encourage strict control over animals by imposing liability on their owners for injuries caused to individuals who are peaceably conducting themselves in a location where they have a right to be. Partipilio v. DiMaria, 211 Ill. App. 3d 813 (1991).

To better understand your situation and learn about your options,  contact our office in DuPage County, Illinois, and arrange a free initial consultation. We offer representation in personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees until we recover compensation on your behalf.

Schramm Law Group, LLC Practice Areas

Personal
Injury

Slip & Fall/
Property Owner
Negligence

Motorcycle
Accidents

Dog Bites

Truck
Accidents

Nursing Home
Abuse

Rideshare
Accidents

Workers'
Compensation

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