sknhgy, so sorry to hear this! Speedy recovery, but I suspect it'll be a while.
As for the dogs- yes it's a rural area, and Illinois has no leash laws. It REALLY sucks riding in some areas.
I agree with the others on the legal fees; it'd be worth a shot. (no pun intended...)
Where did this happen- I ride in your neck of the woods sometimes (or at least I used to, maybe not anymore).