Dog Bite Liability in Illinois
Whether a dog owner in Illinois is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: Strict liability. If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures a person who is behaving peaceably in a place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner is liable for the full amount of the injury. 510 ILCS 5/16
| Dog bites | Strict liability. If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures a person who is behaving peaceably in a place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner is liable for the full amount of the injury. Source: 510 ILCS 5/16 |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | A lawsuit for injury to the person (and for false imprisonment or malicious prosecution) must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrued. Claims for damages from first degree murder or a Class X felony, where the perpetrator is convicted, are excluded from this limit. Source: 735 ILCS 5/13-202 |
More Illinois personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Illinois
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Illinois
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Illinois
- Car Accident Claims in Illinois
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Illinois
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Illinois
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Illinois
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Illinois
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Illinois
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Illinois
- Truck Accident Claims in Illinois
- Construction Site Injuries in Illinois
- All Illinois personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Illinois?
Strict liability. If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures a person who is behaving peaceably in a place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner is liable for the full amount of the injury.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Illinois?
A lawsuit for injury to the person (and for false imprisonment or malicious prosecution) must be filed within 2 years after the cause of action accrued. Claims for damages from first degree murder or a Class X felony, where the perpetrator is convicted, are excluded from this limit.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.