Legal Question in Civil Rights Law in Illinois

In July 2011 my American Stafford Pit Bull (current on vaccines) broke her collar in the back yard and attacked the neighbor's dog: flesh wounds. We told the neighbor, and we did indeed pay the vet bills. We received a ticket, went to court and paid a fine and court cost for violation of the village ordinance (Westmont, IL), "Dangerous Animal at Large". Recently my dog jumped up on the back screen door, while I was outside, and bit a man in our driveway. We cleaned up the man's wounds, bandaged him & told him to go to the Doctor and let us know of any doctor bill's he occurs, as we would take care of them as well as the time he missed from work that evening. He agreed and even called us when he made it home. The next day, we received a call from a Westmont, IL Officer that he needed to come and make a police report regarding the bite. Please advise our liability and rights as well as possible upcoming law suit that I am guessing the man is going to file.


Asked on 10/25/11, 6:39 am

1 Answer from Attorneys
Betty Tsamis Tsamis Law Firm PC

You have two issues that I see: personal injury liability for the injuries sustained by the man in your driveway and the issue of whether your dog will be ordered euthanized.

As to issue 1, you should report the incident to your insurance company right away. They are required to defend you. As to issue 2, you need to decide if your dog is truly dangerous and can be controlled or not controlled. I have defended dogs and dog owners in euthanasia -ordered cases before and I am happy to speak with you about this. As a dog lover, I know how these decisions are often difficult.

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Answered on 10/25/11, 6:53 am


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