CRASHING INTO CATTLE: ANIMAL LIABILITY
Mere days ago, a 17-year old in southern Illinois was seriously injured after her vehicle struck a cow in the roadway. Police have yet to find the owner of the cow, but will continue to investigate...after all, livestock owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their animals.
Under the Illinois Domestic Animals Running at Large Act, owners of livestock, such as cattle, can be held liable for injury to the person or property of another. In order for a person, such as this 17-year old, to recover under this law, it must be proven that the owner of the livestock did not use reasonable care in restraining his or her livestock. Instead of holding livestock owners strictly liable, this law encourages owners of livestock to restrain their animals so as to prevent accidents. Those livestock owners that allow their animals to roam free will be liable to others for the damage the animals cause. Those that are not aware that their animals are running free and can demonstrate that they used reasonable control in restraining their animals will not be held liable.
Jeffrey Kroll has 17 years experience litigating personal injury cases. If you or a loved one has been injured, contact The Law Offices of Jeffrey J. Kroll.
