Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack is a traumatizing experience that can lead to both physical and psychological damage. Depending on the severity of the attack, you may need long-term treatment and rehabilitation, and covering these costs while missing work could be extremely complicated for you and your family.

In Illinois, if a dog bites you, you may be eligible for compensation. A Chicago dog bite lawyer can help you take the right steps toward recovering fair damages in a personal injury lawsuit.

Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

Illinois is a strict liability dog bite case. According to the Animal Control Act, dog owners are liable for the injuries caused by their pets whether they were negligent or not. It means that victims of dog attacks do not need to prove the owner’s negligence in order to be eligible for damage recovery.

After the bite occurs, the injured person can file a claim if they did not provoke the attack and were lawfully present on the property where the attack occurred. The legal owner, keeper, or harborer of the animal is responsible for covering damages even if the dog did not exhibit aggressive behavior in the past.

Injuries Sustained from a Dog Bite

Depending on the dog’s size and health, the bite’s consequences can range from mild to life-altering. The common injuries sustained in dog bite incidents include:

• Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often result in deep puncture wounds, which can lead to infections. These wounds may also cause significant pain and scarring.
• Lacerations and Torn Flesh: A dog’s teeth can create severe lacerations that require stitches or reconstructive surgery.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including serious conditions like cellulitis, sepsis, or rabies.
• Nerve Damage: If a bite is deep enough, it can damage nerves, which may result in a permanent loss of function in the affected area.
• Broken Bones: Larger dogs can exert significant force and break the victim’s bones. Fractures may require surgery and demand prolonged recovery.
• Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, a dog attack can cause emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Regardless of the severity of the injuries, an experienced dog bite lawyer in Chicago can help recover damages. Even if the person does not face long-term consequences of the bite, a properly filed claim can result in compensation for past expenses.

Damages in a Dog Bite Case

The amount the injured party can recover in a dog bite case in Chicago depends on how severe the injuries are and the quality of evidence collected by the attorney. The injured person is usually entitled to economic and non-economic damages. The former includes all losses related to medical expenses, follow-up care, and potentially lost income, while the latter deals with emotional distress and suffering, and other intangible losses that do not have an exact cost, as you would see with a hospital bill.

Consult an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Chicago Today

A Chicago dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, collect evidence, and build a robust case against the at-fault party. They can fight hard for the money you deserve while you have the time to recover from the injuries.

At Schlack & Bassmaji, we have already handled numerous dog bite cases successfully. We work hard to help you obtain fair compensation and our firm can also help you find medical professionals who do not demand payment until the case is over. To schedule a free consultation with our team, either in English or in Spanish, please call us at any time.