Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite in Illinois?

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite wound, you may want to know if you have to report a dog bite in Illinois. Yes, by Illinois law (510 ILCS 5/13), if an animal bites someone, the owner must have it examined by a vet within 24 hours for a checkup, rabies vaccination, microchipping, and to submit a report. Authorities and the bitten person are notified if rabies is confirmed.

In this situation, an experienced dog bite lawyer from our law firm can review your animal bite case and help you understand your rights under Illinois law.

Reporting a Dog Bite in Illinois

What Illinois Laws Apply to Dog Bites?

According to the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), Illinois is a strict liability state.

• Dog owners are liable for any damages or injuries caused by their pets, regardless of awareness of aggressive tendencies.
• Owners are responsible if an incident occurs in a public place or the victim had permission to be on private property and did not provoke the dog. The law includes dangerous or vicious dog components.
• All companion animals aged 4 months or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian.
• Local animal control authorities are responsible for implementing animal and rabies control rules.

What Is a Dangerous Dog in Illinois?

A dangerous dog in Illinois is defined as a dog that, without provocation or exhibiting dangerous behavior, poses a serious threat of injury or bites to a person or another domestic animal without causing severe harm or death.

Local animal control officers declare dangerous dogs after investigating incidents. Owners of dangerous dogs must follow regulations, such as restraining or confining the dog and posting warning signs.

How Many Dog Bites Occur in Illinois?

According to insurance data, in 2023, there were 19,062 dog bite claims in the U.S.—amounting to $1.1 billion in damages. Illinois ranked eighth in the country for dog bite claims. Insurance companies paid more than $61.8 million for 837 Illinois dog bite injury claims, with an average payout of $73,797.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), in 2022, the U.S. reported 3,579 rabies animal cases, often contracted from dogs or other animals.

What Should a Dog Bite Victim Do?

If you have been bitten by a dog, here are the steps you should take:

1. Wash bites with mild soap and apply antibiotic ointment. Then, seek proper medical care and a tetanus shot.
2. Collect the dog owner’s name, contact info, and the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
3. Report dog bite incidents and file a bite report within 24 hours to animal control at your local police department. Save the police report.
4. Document injuries by photographing them and keeping related medical records.
5. Consult a personal injury attorney to discuss a potential legal claim.

Who Is at Greatest Risk of Being a Victim of a Dog Bite?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most dog bites victimize children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old—who are at the highest risk for dog bites. Seniors and mail carriers are also common victims of dog attacks.

When Is a Dog Bite Injury a Valid Personal Injury Claim?

To have a valid personal injury claim for a serious physical injury, you must prove that a negligent dog owner failed to control their pet or did not take reasonable measures to prevent dog bites. This can include failing to leash or restrain their dog in public places or allowing aggressive behavior to go unchecked.

What Damages Can I Recover from a Dog Bite Injury Claim?

Dog bite cases often involve damages beyond medical bills for the medical attention they require, such as lost wages, pain and suffering, infection, and significant disfigurement and scarring. In fatal attacks, surviving family members may also be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Should I File a Dog Bite Insurance Claim?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, start by checking if the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance covers dog bites, as many policies do. Gather medical records and photos of your injuries to strengthen your claim.

If the insurance company denies your claim, it could be due to reasons like unpaid premiums, the dog was newly adopted and unlisted, the owner moved without notifying the insurer, or claims that the dog was provoked. Even if liability is accepted, the insurer might offer inadequate reimbursement. In such cases, legal counsel can protect your legal rights and assist in negotiating fair compensation.

How Can The Kryder Law Group, LLC Accident and Injury Lawyers, Help Me?

We offer a free consultation for dog bite victims. An experienced attorney from our law firm will discuss the legal process, review the information collected, and outline your legal options to ensure the negligent dog owner is held responsible for your injuries.