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Dog Bite

Dog Bite Attorney Chicago

Animal owners can be held liable for injuries, regardless of negligence.

We all love to play with animals, but sometimes the wild beast comes out for some creatures. Animal bites, particularly dog bites, can be a traumatic ordeal, especially for younger victims. Every year in the United States, more than 4.7 million people suffer dog bites, with the most common victims being kids age 11 and younger. The aftermath of a dog bite can leave victims with scarring, disfigurement, and terror of dogs that lasts their lifetime.

At Walner Law®, our Chicago dog bite lawyers focus on providing each animal bite case with the personal attention it deserves. We highly value our connections with our clients and know that our approach will benefit you, as well as your bite claim.

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Kristin was so knowledgeable and guided me step by step about my options and kept me in the loop about my case.
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I chose Walner Law because they made me feel like a very important client and took consideration of my medical injury at the time.
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Illinois Dog Bite Law

Every day, nearly 1,000 people are taken to emergency rooms seeking medical treatment for a dog bite injury. If you or your child has been bitten by someone else’s dangerous dog, you deserve to be compensated. The state of Illinois implements “strict liability” for dog bites and other animal attacks. That means a dog bite victim does not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent, only that he or she was injured without provoking the animal. If this can be established, the pet owner of the vicious animal can be held responsible for compensating you for medical bills and emotional damages resulting from this dog attack.

Your Rights as an Attack Victim

The Illinois dog bite law specifies an animal that “attacks, attempts to attack, or injures” a victim. That means even injuries provoked by an animal can result in a personal injury claim, not just animal bites. For example, if a disobedient or ferocious dog jumps on you, and you fall and become injured, the dog owner could be held liable.

If found responsible, the dog owner could be held liable for your:

  • Medical bills (past and future)
  • Rehabilitation expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Property damage
  • Lost wages and future income loss

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dogs are strong animals, even the little ones. They use their teeth and jaws to rip apart food and flesh. This can cause severe injuries, significant blood loss, and nerve damage for bite victims. Dogs are prone to bite children because of their small size, viewing them as foes as they match up in stature.

Injuries could include:

  • Severe lacerations and puncture wounds
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Emotional pain and suffering
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Fractures and broken bones

What to Do After a Dog Bite

When you or a loved one suffers a dog bite, there are steps you will need to take to ensure your physical safety and protect your rights. Tending to the wound immediately is often necessary to stop bleeding. Call 911 for emergency medical assistance if you notice the sight of blood.

When possible, you should also try to:

  • Get the contact information of any witnesses
  • Contact animal control to report the incident
  • Take pictures of the wounds
  • Get the name, address, and phone number of the animal’s owner

You’ll also want to see a doctor as soon as possible to further examine the dog bite. There are pathogens in animal saliva that can lead to infection and some dogs are actively carrying diseases, such as rabies. You may require shots or other medical treatment to help guard against serious injury or even death.

Once you have taken care of the bite itself, you will need a Chicago personal injury lawyer on your side.

The Best Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

In the state of Illinois, dog bites are a “strict liability” issue, but this does not mean that compensation is guaranteed. In fact, even though a dog’s owner can be held liable for your injuries, it is unlikely that you will ever receive compensation without the help of an injury attorney.

Dog bite lawsuits are often touchy for victims as they involve neighbors, friends, or even relatives. Insurance companies that cover dog bites know this and are not above exploiting your vulnerability to cheat you out of what you are due.

Our Chicago dog bite attorneys know the tricks insurance companies will use to minimize settlements. We can deal with these companies, fight for your legal rights, and help you get fair compensation.

Please call (312) 410-8496 today to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Chicago dog bite lawyers here at Walner Law®.
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