Dog attacks can turn an ordinary day in Lake County into something far more serious. When you are hurt by a dog that should have been under control, it is easy to feel unsure about who is responsible or how to move forward.
Your dog bite lawyer in Lake County at Therman Law is here to help you understand what comes next and what options you have. Your Lake County personal injury lawyer will be ready to listen, help you take action, and fight for what you deserve.
We’ve recovered over $100 million for our clients and are ready to put that experience to work for you. If you are ready to talk, contact us today.
Where Dog Bite Accidents Commonly Occur in Lake County
Dog bites in Lake County are more common in everyday places than you might expect. Neighborhood streets, local parks, and even your own front porch can all become dangerous when a dog is not properly secured.
These situations often lead to serious harm, especially when dog owners skip critical safety steps or ignore city, county, or state rules about dogs.
Incidents Involving Loose Dogs in Subdivisions and Parks
When dogs escape from backyards or roam freely through suburban neighborhoods, the risk of injury climbs quickly. Gaps in fencing, open gates, or owners ignoring leash laws all play a part in preventable bites. Local ordinances require dogs to be restrained in most public areas, but not every owner takes that seriously.
Our firm has helped many people after unexpected run-ins at public parks, walking trails, or on their own block. If you were injured in a setting like this, your Lake County dog bite attorney with Therman Law can help you sort through what happened and explain whether the dog’s owner may be liable.
These claims often come down to where the dog was, whether it had shown signs of aggression before, and whether the owner followed safety rules.
Injuries Reported by Delivery Workers and Visitors at Private Homes
Many dog bite cases happen during deliveries, drop-offs, or quick visits to someone’s home. A postal carrier may walk up a driveway expecting a clear path, only to be met by a barking dog with no leash or gate in sight. Bites at the front door are more common than people realize, especially when pets react to strangers or unexpected movements.
Even friendly dogs can act aggressively when they feel protective or startled. If you were bitten while working or visiting someone’s home, the dog owner may still be responsible for your injuries. We can help you gather the facts, review the circumstances, and understand how premises liability may apply in your case.
Dog Owner Behavior Before the Attack Matters in Lake County Claims
Some dog bite injuries happen in an instant, but the choices made beforehand often carry just as much weight. When an owner ignores leash rules, skips warnings, or brushes off signs of aggression, the consequences can be serious.
In Lake County, these choices matter when it comes to proving who is responsible. Some of the most common warning signs or oversights we see include:
- Ignoring leash requirements in public areas
- Letting a dog roam freely without supervision
- Not using a muzzle on dogs with known aggression concerns
- Failing to repair broken or loose fencing where the dog regularly stays
- Not putting up any warning signs about the dog
- Dismissing previous bites or aggressive incidents
- Refusing to act on complaints from neighbors or mail carriers
- Keeping the dog in shared or open spaces
- Leaving side gates or doors unsecured
- Claiming the dog has “never done this before,” despite red flags that signal aggressive behavior
- Allowing children to interact with the dog unsupervised despite past concerns
- Leaving the dog outside for long periods without checking on them, their behavior, or their surroundings
Even if the bite happened suddenly, these details often point to negligence. The investigation often includes what our team uncovers before and after the incident. You can also read our testimonials to see how we have helped others in similar situations.
How Liability Is Established in Dog Bite Cases Under Illinois Law
Figuring out who is legally responsible for a dog bite depends on what happened before the injury. Some owners ignore warning signs or take chances with fencing, leashes, or social situations that put others at risk.
Under 740 ILCS 130/2, a property owner has a duty to keep their space reasonably safe, especially when they know a dog could be dangerous.
Control, Prior Aggression, and Fencing Issues Can Affect Liability
Owners have a legal duty to manage their dogs responsibly. That includes obeying leash laws, repairing fences, and responding to neighbor complaints or past bites. When someone gets hurt, those choices often become part of the story.
Courts may also consider whether the owner put up warning signs or knew their dog had acted out before. Even one overlooked incident can matter. If the bite happened on private property, the Illinois Premises Liability Act may apply depending on the circumstances.
Insurance Coverage and Legal Defenses Used by Dog Owners
Most dog bite cases go through insurance, but getting fair treatment from a provider is not always easy. Some insurers try to delay or downplay claims, hoping you will accept a low offer. Others may question whether the injury was serious or suggest the dog was simply startled.
It is also common for defense teams to raise issues like trespassing or provocation. These tactics can complicate your case, especially if you are still healing. Under 735 ILCS 5/13-202, you typically only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, which makes timing important.
Work with a Lake County Dog Bite Lawyer Who Knows How to Build Your Case
At Therman Law, we will take the time to listen to your story and walk you through what options may be available in your case.
We have helped people across Lake County stand up for themselves after serious dog attacks, and we know how much courage it takes to speak up.
Your dog bite attorney in Lake County will be here when you are ready to talk, so contact us today.
