Dog bite attacks can cause serious bodily injury to victims and may result in permanent scarring, loss of use of a limb, and other maladies that require intensive medical care. A Waukegan dog bite lawyer could help you or your loved one pursue a claim for compensation against a liable dog owner or other party at fault for the incident. Recovering compensation with the assistance of a skilled personal injury lawyer could help you support your family and manage financial stress following a dog bite attack.
Illinois Statute 510 ILCS 5/16 imposes civil liability on dog owners for injuries their pet causes to another individual in an unprovoked attack or biting incident. Civil liability for damages from a dog attack apply if the victim was peacefully conducting themselves in a place they had a legal right to be at the time of the attack. Dog owners also have obligations to keep their pet(s) safely contained if they have a history of vicious or dangerous behavior. Common issues that can increase the risk of a dog bite attack may include failing to keep a dangerous dog muzzled, walking them off leash, or otherwise failing to restrain them when in public.
After a dog bite attack, it is important to seek medical care to identify and treat all resulting injuries. Our team of lawyers has an extensive network of Waukegan doctors who can provide care for a dog bite injury and will wait to receive payment until a case concludes. If possible, take notes about the dog bite incident, including relevant descriptors of the animal, where it occurred, and other details that may be useful in identifying the liable party.
Filing a civil lawsuit for personal injury is the main method of recovering compensation against a liable dog owner for their pet’s bite. A Waukegan dog bite lawyer could file this claim and represent you or a loved one in the legal process that follows. The claim will assert 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. However, common damages to list include costs for medical care, incurred pain and suffering, lost wages from missing work, and other losses.
Cases may end in a settlement, trial verdict, or dismissal depending on the circumstances. Some dog bite cases can be complex, as owners could raise defenses claiming the injured person provoked the dog or the incident was otherwise their fault. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Waukegan could provide counsel on navigating these disputes during a settlement negotiation or trial. A lawsuit in Illinois must be filed within two years of the date of the attack.
Meet with a Waukegan dog bite lawyer today to discuss your case and the potential filing of 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. Schedule a free case review today.
