Dogs May Bite When They Are:
-
Defending
themselves
or their
territory1 -
Startled
or scared
2 -
Trying
to play (too roughly)
3 -
Injured,
ill, or in pain
4 -
Acting on
herding or predatory behaviors
5
How Dog Bite Personal
Injury Lawsuits Work
In some states, dogs have to have bitten or attacked someone in the past in order to prove a case against the owner. However, In Illinois dog bites fall under “strict liability” rules, meaning there are only a couple of rare exceptions where an injured person can be held partially responsible for the attack. The law clearly states that:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”
Legal claims can be filed against the dog’s owner and third parties if their negligence contributed to the injury. Remember that compensation will typically be covered by insurance and we will not pursue a dog owner’s personal funds without permission from you to do so.
Over the years at Midwest Injury Lawyers, we have helped quickly file dog bite accident cases involving:
Children and Dog Attacks
Children between the ages of five and nine are some of the most common victims of dog bites. Whether they were playing with a dog that got too rough or attacked by a dog off a leash, your family deserves to be compensated for medical bills and trauma. Talk to our child dog bite attorneys to learn more.
Elderly Victims
We often represent dog bite victims over the age of 65. A serious dog bite can result in cuts, bruises, scratches, dislocations, fractures, or even amputations - especially in older victims. Our dog bite accident attorneys will hold irresponsible owners and out-of-control animals accountable for attacks on people of all ages.
Postal Workers
If a postal worker is bitten or attacked by a dog while on the job, they can file a workers’ compensation claim for the accident. We are proud to represent post letter carriers that have been negatively impacted by untrained, poorly monitored, or aggressive pets.
Emotional Damages
Physical injuries aren’t the only possible repercussions of a dog bite. Many victims also experience emotional disturbances such as pain, fear, or even disorders such as PTSD. Dog bite victims deserve compensation for these damages, as well as the cost of future therapy and medication.
Take Immediate Action With
a Dog Bite Lawyer
An experienced dog bite injuries lawyer can investigate your case to determine who is liable, as well as calculate the compensation owed for damages. They may even be able to reach a settlement agreement outside of court.
Our dog bite accident lawyers have helped victims obtain monetary settlements for:
Medical and Hospital Bills
Pain and Suffering
Lost Income or Benefits
Future Medical Treatment
Lost Earning Potential
Punitive Damages
Reduced abilities or enjoyment of life
It’s always important to act quickly when it comes to filing a claim or lawsuit. The sooner you reach out to a personal injury lawyer, the sooner they can begin fighting for your rights.
The Benefits of Working with a
Dog Bite Law Firm
When you work with Midwest Injury Lawyers, we ensure that you meet every state deadline and requirement. Rest assured that every detail will be accounted for as we fully commit ourselves to your case.
With all of our clients, we build the strongest case possible by:
-
Thoroughly
investigating all dog bite claims
1 -
Finding evidence
and interviewing witnesses
2 -
Discussing cases
with relevant experts
3 -
Researching
insurance policies
4 -
Negotiating with
insurance companies
5 -
Fiercely presenting
cases in court
6
You Don’t Pay Our Dog
Bite Attorneys Upfront
We are proud to offer free dog bite case evaluations to victims in Indiana and Illinois. Additionally, our Chicago dog bite lawyers work on a contingency fee policy, which means you don’t pay us until we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. No upfront fees, no hidden costs.
A Word from One of Our
Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Dog bites cases typically involve physical as well as emotional scarring. A good dog-bite lawyer understands that and seeks compensation not just for the pain a person has been through, but also for what they will continue to go through.
– Chester L. Cameron
FAQs About Dog Bite Accident
Laws and Attorneys
The first thing you should do is seek immediate medical attention, regardless of the injury’s severity. Even if it is just a small scratch, you could be at risk of infection. Once you are able, try to obtain information about who the dog and owner are and report the attack to local authorities such as police or animal control. The next step is to reach out to a dog bite attorney to discuss your options and determine the best path forward for you and your family.
Sometimes, the dog’s owner is at fault. Other times, the attack occurs due to the negligence of a third party. We’ll help determine who holds fault, then prove blame via collection of evidence and a thorough investigation.
Even if it is determined that you are partially at fault for the animal’s behavior, we can still help you seek compensation. Reach out to learn more about dog bite victim rights in Illinois and Indiana.
Often times, dog bite claims are able to be resolved within a couple of months or even weeks after the attack. Lawsuits can last anywhere from a few months to a few years, depending on the amount of evidence and the extent of the damage. To expedite the process, quickly seek legal representation from lawyers that deal with dog bites.
It can be difficult to put a price tag on things like emotional trauma, scarring or a long healing process. Fortunately, know how to weigh damages in terms of monetary compensation. Our dog bite attorneys won’t back down until you’ve received everything you’re owed for economic and non-economic damages.
Request a Free Consultation
Tell our experienced team about your accident and/or injuries. One of our personal injury attorneys will contact you to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember: you won’t pay for anything unless we secure a compensation on your behalf.
Call (312) 786-5881 or send us a message online to get started.