Waukegan Dog Bite Lawyer 

Even dog lovers know that, under the wrong circumstances, any dog could bite. Dog bite attacks can cause serious bodily injury to victims, especially children and seniors. They cause permanent scarring, loss of use of a limb, and severe psychological problems—or even death.

Under Illinois law, when a dog bites an innocent person, the owner has to take responsibility for their injuries. A Waukegan dog bite lawyer could help you or your loved one pursue a claim for compensation against a liable dog owner or other parties at fault for the incident. Recovering compensation with the assistance of a skilled personal injury attorney could help you support your family. Contact Schlack & Bassmaji today to learn more.

Which Dogs Bite and Why?

Careful owners know that a dog may bite for many reasons: prey drive, protectiveness, illness, or even playfulness. Even a docile dog can encounter some everyday sight—a running child, a moving bike, an outstretched hand—that triggers the instinct to bite. It is every owner’s job to keep their dog and others safe from possible attacks.

Careless owners often increase the risk of a dog bite attack in Waukegan by failing to restrain dogs properly, as when they:

• Walk their dog off leash
• Fail to keep a dog muzzled in public or around possible temptations to bite
• Allow them in public places such as dog parks, sidewalks, etc. without proper restraint and supervision

Although it is wise to be more cautious around some breeds than others, no breed is entirely safe. For example, golden retrievers are common bite offenders, simply because there are so many.

Dog Owner Liability for Injury from a Bite or Attack

Illinois imposes civil liability on dog owners for injuries their pet causes to another individual in an unprovoked attack or biting incident. If the victim was peacefully conducting themselves in a place they had a legal right to be at the time of the attack, then the owner may owe them liability for damages from a dog attack. Dog owners also have obligations to keep their pet(s) safely contained if they have a history of vicious or dangerous behavior.

Some dog bite cases can be complex. Owners may be able to raise defenses by claiming the injured person provoked the dog, teasing, annoying, or trying to play with it. They may also claim that the victim was trespassing, that the dog acted to defend another person, or that the incident was otherwise the victim’s fault. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Waukegan could provide counsel on navigating these disputes during a settlement negotiation or trial.

The Next Steps from a Dog Attack

After a dog bite attack, it is important to seek medical care to identify and treat all resulting injuries. Even someone who only seems to have a scratch could be in danger. Serious infections can result, causing life-threatening illness within hours or days. For the same reasons, an attacked pet should also see a veterinarian.

Our Waukegan team of dog bite lawyers has an extensive network of doctors who can provide care for an injury and will wait to receive payment until a case concludes. No matter what happens, the doctor’s documentation will be very important in avoiding any later arguments over when the injury was caused.

City code requires a dog owner to report an attack on a person or another animal within 24 hours. If at all possible, make notes about the dog bite incident, including—

• Any relevant descriptors of the animal, such as its color, size, and/or possible breed
• Where it occurred, whether in public or private, and whose property?
• Any details that may be useful in identifying the liable party, not just the probable dog owner, but any other people with them

When it is possible to talk to eyewitnesses and get their contact information, they may be able to provide crucial help. Making a civil claim involves an investigation, and every piece of evidence could be vital. That is why it is also important not to make any statements about what has happened—particularly on social media—without speaking to a lawyer first.

How Dog Bite Victims Recover in Illinois

Filing a civil lawsuit for personal injury is a common method of recovering compensation against a liable dog owner for their pet’s bite, but negotiating a full settlement may be quicker and less expensive for all concerned. If the attack took place on someone else’s property, their homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance policy may cover it. A Waukegan dog bite attorney could file this claim and represent you or a loved one in the process that follows.

The claim will detail how the dog owner is liable for the attack and list the resulting damages requiring compensation. Available damages to claim in a case will depend on the severity of your injury and its impact on your life. When a dog attacks, common damages to list include:

• Costs for medical care, which may range into the hundreds of thousands for a severe attack or prolonged infection
• Pain and suffering incurred from the attack and its consequences
• Lost wages from missing work; for independent contractors, broken contracts or lost opportunities
• Other losses, such as property damage or injuries to a companion animal during the attack

Cases may end in a settlement, trial verdict, or dismissal depending on the circumstances. A lawsuit in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of the attack, or one year, if the state is involved.

Meet with a Waukegan Dog Bite Attorney

A dog attack is particularly frightening, especially if your child or an older relative has been hurt. As a survivor, you and your loved ones deserve the help of an experienced Waukegan dog bite lawyer who can help you pursue your claim and manage financial stress following a dog bite attack.

Talk to Schlack & Bassmaji today to discuss your case. We can help you determine how to seek an insurance settlement or potentially file a civil lawsuit for personal injury. Our bilingual lawyers are ready to help you and your family get the support needed in pursuing compensation against those who caused you harm. Contact us to make your intake appointment.