Dog Bite Attorneys in Chicago
Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Help Victims Obtain Financial Compensation
Dog bites can cause serious injuries that are often life-changing. Many victims suffer long term, and even permanent physical and emotional damages that significantly impact their lives, often resulting in ongoing medical treatment and/or the inability to work. Animal attacks can even be fatal.
If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite that is the result of the dog owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to monetary compensation for past and future medical treatment, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Chicago at Herbert Law Firm can help you obtain financial compensation to cover the costs involved with your injuries.
The Physical and Emotional Trauma of a Dog Bite Attack
Serious dog attacks are not uncommon in the U.S. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 5 million people are injured by dogs every year. About 50% of injured victims are children. Approximately 885,000 people suffer dog bite injuries so severe that they require medical treatment, and almost 400,000 victims are treated in emergency rooms. On average, 27,000 people annually undergo reconstructive surgery as a result of their injuries. Each year, about 16 victims lose their lives to dog attacks. Those who face the highest risk for dog attacks include children between the ages of 5 and 9, the elderly, and mail carriers.
While some dog bites result in small punctures, bruises and scratches that only require minor first-aid treatment, others can cause significant injuries that result in long-term damage. According to the CDC, victims most commonly suffer injuries to the arms, hands, legs, feet, head or neck.
Common dog bite injuries sustained include:
- Cuts, scratches, tears and bruises
- Puncture wounds
- Dislocations and fractures
- Head injuries
- Amputations
Take Action After a Dog Bite Attack
By law, dog owners and other parties in Illinois can be held liable when dogs attack. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act,
owners are legally responsible for injuries sustained due to a dog attack when negligence can be shown as the cause and:
- the dog was not intentionally or unintentionally provoked
- the victim was not trespassing, and
- the victim was acting in a peaceful manner
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, there are a number of things you can do to improve your chances of a successful personal injury claim. When possible, and without putting yourself at risk for additional injuries:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. A doctor should provide a thorough evaluation of the damages you’ve sustained and treat them accordingly. By obtaining immediate medical care you will have documentation to prove the extent of your injuries in court if necessary.
- Report the attack to the police right away. A copy of the police report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Get contact information. If possible, obtain contact information for any witnesses who might have seen the dog attack as well as for the dog’s owner or keeper.
- Take pictures. Provide photographs of the injuries you sustained as a result of the encounter.
- Keep track of evidence. Save any clothing or personal items/property that was damaged during the attack.
- Avoid communication with the owner and the insurance company. Chances are that dog owners and insurance companies will try to settle your personal injury claim out of court and likely for far less than you are entitled to receive. By accepting any type of compensation for your injuries or agreeing to an insurance settlement, you could unintentionally waive your right to sue for additional damages.
For over 20 years, we’ve been helping clients with dog bite cases in Chicago and the surrounding areas. If you are the victim of a dog bite, contact one of our dog bite attorneys in Chicago at Herbert Law Firm right away at 312-655-7660 for a free consultation and to discuss your legal options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Our law firm understands that those injured have unique losses and concerns. These can range from work restrictions, lost overtime and off-duty assignments, fitness-for-duty and safety concerns, injury aggravation from ordinary work duties, permanent injury, and loss of seniority, retirement, and other benefits. Below are common FAQ’s you may have in relation to personal injuries, car accidents and disciplinary hearings.
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