Rockford Dog Bite Lawyer

Compassionate Legal Representation for Dog Bite Injury Victims in Rockford

A Rockford dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation after suffering injuries in a dog attack. Pet owners are responsible for containing their animals so others in Rockford, IL, are safe. However, dog attacks are more common than you might expect, and they result in serious injuries.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers know what it takes to win a civil claim involving dog bite victims.

Settlements Recovered by Our Legal Team

Dog bites can result in physical and emotional trauma to the victims. Our firm has worked with many injured victims to recover damages after dog attacks successfully. Here are a few settlements we have secured for victims of dog bites in the past.

• $1.2 million when a relative’s Doberman Pinscher bit a toddler on the face
• $885,000 for a teenager who was knocked into a firepit by a large dog at a cookout
• $195,500 when an 11-year-old was bitten by a dog that had broken out of a fence

Liability for Dog Bites in Rockford, IL

Dog bite laws in Rockford, Illinois, are clear and include the following:

• The Illinois Animal Control Act maintains a one-bite rule, which means the dog owner is liable following a dog bite, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.
• Winnebago County ordinance requires vicious dog owners to maintain direct control and supervision following a dog bite.
• Violating dog bite and animal control laws in Illinois could also lead to a Class A misdemeanor for first-time offenders and felony charges for subsequent offenders.
• Municipal Code Section 4-58 Article II states owners must prevent dogs from running at large.

Some breeds are more likely to attack than others, such as Chihuahuas, English Bulldogs, German Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, and Cocker Spaniels. In a strict liability state like Illinois, the only exceptions are if the dog was provoked or if the victim was unlawfully in the location where they were attacked.

Third-party liability could play a role in your legal action as well. Other parties could be responsible for your suffering if they played a role in allowing the attack, such as paid dog walkers, veterinarians, pet sitters, and landlords.

Why Choose Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers

The circumstances surrounding a dog attack can be difficult to prove if you suffer serious injuries. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers will investigate your claim, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and even represent you in court if necessary.

Rockford Dog Bite Statistics

Illinois had the 8th highest number of dog bite claims in 2023. In 2022, there were 56 reported deaths from dog attacks, and this number has climbed steadily each year. In February 2024, a 4-year-old boy was mauled and killed by a dog in Monroe Center, not far from Rockford.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite can be severe and life-altering, often leading to:

• Lacerations and cuts
• Permanent scarring
• Broken bones
• Soft tissue damage
• Nerve damage
• Puncture wound
• Rabies
• Tetanus
• Muscle pain

Our Rockford wrongful death lawyers can help represent you and your family if you lost a loved one due to the complications of a dog bite.

Damages Awarded to Dog Bite Injury Victims in Rockford

You can be left with a long list of damages when an animal attacks. Filing a dog bite lawsuit against negligent dog owners allows you to recover the following damages:

Economic damages are actual financial damages that arise from the dog attack and may include:

• Lost wages
• Diminished earning capacity
• Medical expenses, including expected medical bills
• Emergency medical attention needs (i.e., ambulance)
• Property damage

Non-economic damages are just as important to your Rockford dog bite case. These damages are more difficult to calculate and typically cover the value of your emotional trauma.

Non-economic damages in dog bite cases might include the following:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of quality of life
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Seeking compensation for a dog bite in Illinois will require reviewing the specific details of your case. How much compensation you receive in your case depends on the particular details of your injury and damages.

Illinois courts consider factors like your current and expected medical bills, ability to work, and overall emotional trauma when determining how much compensation you deserve.

Consult a Rockford Dog Attack Attorney Near You!

If a dog attacked you or one of your family members, you may be eligible for compensation through a strict liability personal injury lawsuit. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers offers a free consultation for all dog bite victims so you can learn about your legal rights.

Seeking compensation for your injuries may not remove the pain and suffering you have endured, but it can help you cover your medical bills and other associated costs, like lost wages.

Let Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers protect your legal rights and fight for the compensation you deserve following a dog bite. Call our Rockford personal injury lawyers today at 888-424-5757 or contact us online.

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Mr. Rosenfeld and every last one of his associates did an incredible job helping me out with my case. They explained the process thoroughly and made sure I was helped through every step. Very professional and I got a good settlement, strongly recommend Rosenfeld!

– Daniel Gallegos

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.