Every year, countless individuals suffer injuries from dog bites. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dog, you may be entitled to seek financial recovery.
Our experienced Will County dog bite injury attorneys will fight to make sure dog owners are held responsible for their negligence. To learn how we can help you, contact Stein & Shulman, LLC today for a free consultation.
A Dog Bite Injury Attorney Can Fight for Your Rights to Fair Recovery
Suffering a dog bite affects you not only physically but also mentally. When faced with a challenge and unsure what to do, turn to the compassionate injury attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC.
Our attorneys have over 55 years of combined experience representing clients injured by another’s negligence. We fight aggressively to protect our clients’ rights and obtain the fair monetary recovery they deserve to relieve their financial burdens and move on with their lives.
After a dog attack, do not hesitate to take action. Contact Stein & Shulman, LLC to schedule a consultation.
The Problem With Dog Bite Injuries
A dog can bite you almost anywhere on your body, but these injuries most often occur on the arms, legs, and head. Some of the common injuries that result from a dog attack include:
- Puncture wounds
- Cuts and lacerations
- Fractures
- Crush injuries
- Facial injuries
Dog bite injuries can be extensive and serious. Victims first have to deal with the immediate physical effects. And sadly, dog bite injuries also frequently lead to complicated, long-term consequences. Infections, nerve damage, scars, or even amputation can all result from one dog bite.
When you suffer a dog bite, do not wait to get medical attention. In many cases, getting treatment right away can help prevent the injury from worsening and causing permanent damage.
Who’s liable for my dog bite?
If you’re bitten by a dog, the dog’s owner is likely liable. Under Illinois law, a dog owner is held responsible under the following circumstances:
- The dog attacked or attempted to attack the victim
- The victim did not threaten or provoke the dog
- The victim was lawfully in the location of the dog attack
Illinois law dictates that liability for dog bites is strict liability. This means that it doesn’t matter whether the owner was negligent or not; they are responsible for your injuries and losses even if they did not know their dog was capable of aggression.
Previously, Illinois operated under the “one bite rule.” Dog owners were only held liable if they knew or reasonably should have known of their dog’s dangerous behavior. Illinois did away with this law, and now dog owners are responsible regardless of their knowledge.
Along with financial responsibility to the victim, dog owners may also face additional consequences if they were breaking the law at the time of the attack, such as leash laws. These circumstances can further assist in proving the owner’s liability.
Potential Compensation After a Dog Attack
Filing a claim after a dog bite injury can help you recover financially. The types of damages dog attack victims often pursue include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost income
- Diminished earning capacity
- Mental and emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring
When you sustain a dog bite injury, you can exercise your right to seek fair compensation for your losses. Obtaining monetary recovery can significantly help lessen the burden you’ll likely experience after a dog attack.
Filing a Claim After Suffering a Dog Bite Injury
After a dog attack, you may have several options to pursue compensation. Depending on the circumstances, you might have the opportunity to file a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company. Alternatively, you can file a personal injury lawsuit in court.
A dog bite injury attorney can explain your rights and options, helping you choose the most appropriate path toward compensation. Dog attack cases can be challenging to navigate, but a skilled lawyer will provide quality representation and work diligently to obtain the most beneficial case result.
What to Do After a Dog Attack to Help Protect Your Rights
Immediately after a dog attack, you’ll likely feel shaken up and overwhelmed. Get medical help right away, especially if you have visible trauma that needs attention.
Try to obtain information, if possible, including the contact details of the dog owner and any witnesses. Take photos and videos of your injuries and the scene of the incident.
Seek legal assistance from an experienced dog bite injury attorney as soon as you can. An attorney can provide personalized guidance.
After a Dog Attack, Rely on a Dog Bite Attorney
When you sustain injuries in a dog attack, you should not hesitate to seek assistance. A dog bite injury lawyer can take care of your case and work toward the fairest outcome.
The Will County injury attorneys at Stein & Shulman, LLC are ready to assist you. Contact our firm today to request your complimentary consultation.
