Getting bitten by a dog in Arlington Heights can leave you hurt, shaken up, and unsure of what to do next. These cases come with specific rules about liability, and it often takes guidance from Arlington Heights dog bite lawyers to make sure the right person is held accountable.
Fortunately, Therman Law knows how to walk you through that process. Our Arlington Heights personal injury lawyers bring over 75 years of combined experience and have helped recover more than $100 million for people in situations like yours.
Reach out when you are ready, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.
What You Need to Know About Dog Bite Liability in Arlington Heights
Illinois takes dog bite cases seriously. If you were bitten, the law is designed to protect you. Strict liability laws apply in most cases, which means you may not need to prove that the owner did anything wrong ahead of time.
Strict Liability Applies Even Without Prior Aggression
In Illinois, dog owners are often held responsible even if their dog has never growled, snapped, or bitten anyone before. If the dog caused injury and you were not trespassing or provoking it, the owner may still be legally responsible for what happened.
When Dog Owners Try to Shift the Blame
It is common for dog owners to deny fault or suggest that you did something to cause the attack. They might claim that you entered their yard without permission or startled the dog in a way that made it react. In some cases, they may say you were too close to the animal or should have known not to approach it.
These arguments can complicate things, but they do not always hold up under closer review. Witness statements, security footage, and even emergency medical records can help show what really happened. We look at the full picture, not just what the owner says after the fact.
The Setting of the Attack Can Impact Your Claim
Where the dog bite happened can affect how your case moves forward. Bites that occur in public places like parks or sidewalks are often handled differently from those that happen on private property.
If the attack occurred in a business, apartment complex, or another shared space, multiple parties may share responsibility. These details help shape the legal strategy we use to protect your claim.
Situations That Can Complicate Your Dog Bite Injury Case
Not every dog bite case is simple. Certain situations can make it harder to file a claim, especially when there are questions about who is responsible or how serious your injuries are. If the facts are unclear or the insurance company challenges them, the process may take longer and require additional evidence.
Here are a few situations that could make your case more challenging:
- The bite occurred on a shared property
- The victim did not receive medical attention right away
- The owner disputes who had control of the dog
- There were no witnesses
- Prior bite complaints were never documented
- The owner fled or refused to cooperate
- The dog belonged to a tenant, not the property owner
- Conflicting stories between victims and owners
- The incident involved a service or emotional support animal
Under 510 ILCS 5/16, Illinois law applies strict liability under the Animal Control Act, which means dog owners are often responsible even if the animal had no history of aggression.
Dog Bite Claims Require Legal Strategy in Illinois
Even when it is clear who owns the dog, getting a fair outcome is not always simple. Claims can get delayed, downplayed, or even denied without warning. That is why it helps to have a plan and a team that knows how to keep things moving in the right direction.
Medical Records Often Undervalue Hidden or Long-Term Damage
Some dog bite injuries show up right away, but others take time. Infections, nerve damage, and soft tissue injuries may not appear until days or even weeks later.
Your Arlington Heights dog bite attorney with Therman Law can help you track those symptoms and make sure they are fully documented, especially when they affect your daily life or keep you from working.
Property Owners and Landlords May Share Liability
It is not always just the dog owner who is responsible. If the attack happened at an apartment building, shopping center, or rental home, the landlord or property manager may also be part of the case. This is especially true if they ignored complaints or allowed a known dangerous dog to stay on the property.
Under 740 ILCS 130/2, property owners in Illinois have a duty to keep visitors safe from hazards they know about. That includes aggressive dogs, broken fences, or ignored leash rules. If someone had a chance to fix the problem and did nothing, they may share the blame for what happened to you.
Illinois Law Has Strict Timelines and Reporting Obligations
If you are thinking about a claim, it is important to know the deadlines. In most cases, you have two years to file under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, and every dog bite must be reported to your local animal control office under 510 ILCS 5/13.
Missing either step could make it harder to get the compensation you need, even if the injury is serious.
Call a Dog Bite Attorney in Arlington Heights You Can Rely On
At Therman Law, our dog bite lawyers in Arlington Heights understand how overwhelming it can feel to deal with medical care, insurance claims, and emotional recovery all at once.
We have experience handling severe injuries and pediatric cases, and we know how to build a claim that reflects everything you are going through.
You can Choose Charlie today by scheduling your free, no-obligation consultation with our dedicated team.
