In Illinois, dog attacks occur for a multitude of reasons. Primarily, the attacks happen due to a failure to maintain control over the animal. Pet owners are required to follow lease laws and prevent probable attacks. A personal injury lawyer in Centralia, IL helps victims file a legal claim after a dog attack.
Investigating the Attack
Animal control officers investigate dog attacks after the victim’s doctor notifies the agency. Under state laws, all doctors who treat dog bite injuries are legally obligated to report the attack. The officers notify the pet owner and collect information about the dog and the attack.
Did the Pet Owner Follow Vaccination Laws?
The first objective is to determine if the dog had rabies. Animal control officers contact the pet owner and determine if the dog was vaccinated for the rabies virus. If the pet wasn’t vaccinated, the owner must surrender the animal to a licensed vet for a 12-quarantine. Twelve days is the incubation period for the rabies virus. The findings of the quarantine define the fate of the animal.
Were the Victim’s Injuries Life-Threatening?
Medical documentation is evaluated to determine if the victim’s injuries were life-threatening. If the victim dies due to their injuries, the pet owners could face criminal charges. The victim’s family is within their rights to file a wrongful death lawsuit against the pet owner to collect compensation through the civil court.
Does a Strict Liability Apply?
A strict liability applies if the dog was involved in previous attacks. The animal control officer provides a notification to the victim if the dog was involved in previous attacks. Pet owners facing a strict liability pay all medical expenses for the victim and provide tort-based awards for pain and suffering.
In Illinois, dog attacks result from a failure to control the animal and allowing it roam free in a neighborhood. However, some victims could lose their case if they caused the attack by abusing or provoking the animal. An injury attorney reviews the circumstances of the case and determines if the victim has a viable case. Victims of the attacks contact a personal injury lawyer in Centralia, IL or Visit the website MTVernonLaw.com for more information right now.
