Animal Attack Injury
Animals—from pets like dogs and cats to livestock and farm animals—are an important part of many people’s lives. However, interactions with animals can sometimes result in serious or even life-threatening injuries. Animal attacks can happen in a variety of circumstances, and the legal basis for a claim depends on the facts and the law that applies. In these situations, you may be able to seek compensation for your losses.Â
The personal injury team at Wallace Miller works to make sure every client is able to seek justice for injuries caused by an animal attack. We can help you assess your legal options and pursue a civil claim against the responsible parties.
Table of Contents
Types of animal attack cases
Depending on our jobs, hobbies, and lifestyles, we interact with many different types of animals in our day-to-day life. And while most of these interactions are positive, some result in serious injuries.
Dog bites
The majority of animal attack lawsuits involve dog bites. Dog attacks can cause significant physical and emotional harm and may result in extensive medical treatment and life-long injuries and trauma.Â
Because dog bites are so common, many states have laws in place addressing liability for injuries caused by dogs and other animals. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights and determine the best route to move forward.Â
Other domestic animals
While dog bites are the most common type of animal attack, other animals can also cause harm. Cats, snakes, birds, rodents, and other animals can scratch or bite their owners and other people and may cause infection or disease.Â
Farm animals and livestock
When large farm animals aren’t adequately controlled, they can cause devastating injuries. Cows, horses, pigs, goats, alpacas, and other animals can injure the people working with them, visitors to farms and other facilities, and people in nearby areas if they aren’t properly contained.Â
Auctions, fairs, and petting zoos
Animals at state fairs, petting zoos, or auctions can cause serious injuries to owners and visitors if not properly contained and controlled. These events can be chaotic and require the owners and organizers to take adequate measures to keep visitors and buyers safe.Â
Animals kept illegally
State and federal law prohibits people from keeping some animals, like monkeys, large reptiles, and big cats, as pets. These laws are not only for the animals’ well-being, but also for the safety of the people around them. Illegal pets that are not meant to be kept in captivity may attack their owners or other people, resulting in civil and criminal charges for their owners.Â
Photo © Pixabay
Common injuries caused by animal attacks
Injuries caused by animal attacks can be serious and even life-threatening. Common injuries from dogs, livestock, and other animals include:Â
- Bites and puncture woundsÂ
- Scrapes and lacerationsÂ
- Broken bonesÂ
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)Â
- Spinal cord injuriesÂ
- Infections caused by bacteria in animals’ teeth or clawsÂ
- Scars and disfigurementÂ
- Internal bleeding and organ damageÂ
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)Â
Photo © Pixabay
Who can be held responsible for an animal attack?
Legal responsibility for an animal attack depends on the circumstances of the injury. In many cases, the owners or keepers of the animal may be held responsible under the law that applies to the incident. In some situations, negligence may be an issue.  Examples of negligence may include failing to leash a dog, failing to warn about a dangerous animal, or failing to keep livestock contained.Â
In some cases, the owners of the premises on which the attack occurred may also be held accountable for injuries caused by an animal depending on the facts and circumstances surrounding the incident. Â
Many people hesitate to pursue legal action after an animal attack because they’re worried about suing someone they know. However, insurance is often available to cover the losses for the animal’s owner or other responsible parties. Many farm owners, stable owners, event operators, livestock handlers, and businesses that deal with animals carry liability insurance to cover potential harm caused by their animals.Â
Legal rights after an animal attack under Illinois lawÂ
State laws vary in how they provide legal rights to people injured by animals. In Illinois, one important statute is the Illinois Animal Control Act. This act allows injured parties to file a civil case against the person who keeps or owns the animal when the statute’s requirements are met:Â
- They were lawfully present on the property where they were injured;Â
- They didn’t provoke the animal;Â
- They were peacefully conducting themselves; andÂ
- They suffered injuries caused by the animal’s attack (or attempt to attack).Â
If these conditions are met, the injured person may be able to hold the owner liable for an attack in a private residence, on a farm, at a country fair, or at another location.Â
While some states take into account an animal’s history of aggression, Illinois operates under a statute that can impose liability without requiring proof that the owner knew the animal had previously been dangerous. This means that an owner can be held liable for injuries caused by an animal they own if the statutory requirements are met, regardless of whether it had any history of aggression.Â
Compensation after an animal bite or other animal injuryÂ
In a personal injury case, injured people may seek compensation for the harm they suffered. While money can’t fully make up for harm caused, it can help people cover medical costs and get back on their feet.Â
Damages, or the money awarded to make up for the plaintiffs’ losses, can include:Â
- Hospital bills and other medical expensesÂ
- Lost incomeÂ
- Future medical costsÂ
- Compensation for pain and sufferingÂ
- Compensation for disabilityÂ
- Compensation for loss of quality of lifeÂ
Q&A
How long do I have to file a personal injury lawsuit?
The deadline to file a lawsuit depends on the facts of the case, the type of claim, and the state where it happened. In Illinois, many personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations, but exceptions can apply. Because deadlines can vary, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible.
What should I do after an animal attack?
After an animal attack, the first thing you should do is make sure that you and anyone else at the scene is safe. Seek immediate medical attention, and report the attack to the police or local animal control.Â
If you’re able to do so, it can be helpful to gather as much information as possible about the attack. That may include photos of your injuries and the scene, contact information for witnesses, and identifying information for the animal’s owner or keeper, their insurance carrier, and their insurance policy number. Â
Finally, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your potential case. Be careful when speaking with insurance representatives before you understand your rights and the facts of your potential claim.Â
How can a personal injury lawyer help after an animal attack?
After an animal attack, you should be able to focus on recovery, not worry about navigating a complicated legal system. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you:Â
- Assess your situation, injuries, and losses.Â
- Understand the law and know your rights.Â
- Negotiate with insurance companies for fair compensation.Â
- Litigate and try the case if necessary. Â
At Wallace Miller, we work on a contingency model, which means there are never any out-of-pocket fees. We fight for you, so we only get paid if you do.Â
Related Blogs
Contact
Free consultation: Reach out to the personal injury attorneys at Wallace MillerÂ
The personal injury team at Wallace Miller is dedicated to providing compassionate, effective legal representation for our clients. Based in Chicago, we take animal attack cases across the country.Â
Our team offers flexible, free consultations that respect your schedule and timeline. If you have been the victim of an animal attack, reach out to our team at 331-425-8022 or via our online case evaluation. We can help you assess your situation and determine the best path forward.Â
Wallace Miller partner Nicholas P. Kelly
Tell Us Your Story
"*" indicates required fields
