In Illinois, the Animal Control Act governs the process in which victims of dog bites submit claims to the court for compensation. According to these laws, the victim has the right to damages, if the dog was not provoked or didn’t have a valid reason for attacking them. However, the victim must prove that they had the legal right to be on the property. If you were injured during a dog attack, you should contact a Personal Injury Lawyer in Joliet IL today.
Animal Control Laws
The first course of action that is necessary in an animal attack is to seek medical attention. According to the animal control laws, any injuries sustained by a dog or cat require the medical professional to report it to the county animal control agency. Once the report is filed, the animal control officer will issue a notice to the pet owner which requires them to quarantine the animal for a period of no less than twelve days.
This quarantine period is utilized to determine whether or not the animal has rabies. If after this period, it is determined that the animal exhibits characteristics of rabies exposure, the animal control officer renders the decision to euthanize the animal. In these instances, the victim is vaccinated for rabies. If the animal doesn’t show signs of rabies, he or she is released to their owner.
Filing a Claim
A Personal Injury Lawyer in Joliet IL files a claim against the pet owner based upon the severity of the victim’s injuries and laws that applicable to this case. For instance, if it was determined that the animal had rabies, the pet owner is responsible for all medical expenses associated with this attack, including the rabies vaccinations required. The claim could also include tort concepts such as emotional distress. You should consult a personal injury lawyer to make these distinctions.
By understanding the animal control laws, you determine whether or not the pet owner is liable for your injuries. However, it must be determined that you were not in violation of the law when you were attacked. This includes trespassing, whether this action was intended or not. To identify your rights in this case, you should contact a Dog Bite Attorney immediately following your medical treatment.
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