How Do Illinois Dog Bite Laws Affect Compensation in My Personal Injury Case?

dog biteIllinois is a strict liability state which means dog bite laws in Illinois protect victims of attacks. It means that if your dog bites someone, you will be held liable for the injuries they sustain. As per the Illinois Animal Control Act, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to ensure their pet is secured in their property at all times. Plus, they also have to make sure their dog is leashed during walks.

Types of Damages You Can Get For Dog Bites in Illinois

Like most personal injury cases, dog bite laws are valued as per economic and non-economic damages such as the following:

Medical Bills

You can be compensated for all of the medical bills you had to pay the hospital that treated your wounds that resulted from the attack. This includes ER treatment and future medical aid such as reconstructive surgery (to fix your scarred body or face) or an injury that requires physical therapy. Since the dog owner was not able to keep their pet from attacking you, they have to pay all of those expenses.

Financial loss

If the dog attack resulted in injuries that made you bedridden or prevented you from doing your job, your dog bite lawyer in Lake County could also make a wage loss claim as part of your lawsuit against the owner. In this case, they can say that the injuries you sustained because of the dog owner’s negligence prevent you from making a living, so you should be compensated for it.

Pain and suffering

As per Illinois law, you can also receive compensation for the pain and suffering you went through because of the dog attack. This includes past, present, and future pain and suffering. The good news is that the court usually rejects caps on this type of compensation, so you can get almost all of the compensation you need to avoid financial ruin. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Lake County can ensure you get the maximum amount.

Disfigurement

Most dog attacks result in deep and permanent scarring that can take a toll on the victim’s physical and mental health. Puncture wounds and nerve damage can take months to heal and thousands of dollars to treat surgically. Even reconstructive surgery may not be enough to reverse all of the damage. However, ensuring you get compensated from the guilty parties can go a long way in helping you heal financially and emotionally.

Contact Robert Edens for a Consultation Today

A dog attack can lead to lifelong disfigurement and PTSD. If you are uncertain about dog bite laws in Illinois, get in touch with Robert Edens today. He will meet with you and go over all of the facts surrounding your case in detail. With two decades of experience representing victims like you, he will ensure you get the maximum compensation you deserve.

The consultation is completely free of cost, so you have nothing to lose. You will not be forced to sign anything you are uncomfortable with or asked to pay till you get a fair settlement.

Dog Bites – can the owners be held liable?

Dog Bite AttorneyDogs are lovely creatures and make amazing companions, but these canines can harm people by biting them. Over 4.5 million dog bite cases are reported every year in the U.S. alone out of which almost a million bites result in infections leading varying health complications. The numbers suggest that dog bites affect a large portion of the American population which is why states have enacted laws to deal with such cases. Under the Illinois state law, the owner of a dog which attacks people and injures them without provocation can be held liable to compensate the injured person for the injuries incurred by him or her.

What should you do if a dog bites you?

The first and foremost thing that you need to do after being bit by a dog is seek medical attention. Dog bites can be easily infected therefore it is imperative that you get your wound(s) checked by a doctor. Timely medical treatment can protect you from malicious infections. Secondly, it is important that you identify the dog that attacked you. The identity of the dog is pivotal to your case as it would help you ascertain the identity of its owner.

Once you have gotten the necessary first aid and medical treatment, you must report the attack to the local animal regulatory body or the sheriff’s office. Include all the necessary details about the dog and its owner in your report. If you do not know the identity of the dog, describe it and the area where the incident took place. Taking pictures of the visible wounds and injuries can also augment your case as pictures can be used as evidence to prove your compensation claim.

How can a personal injury lawyer help you?

Establishing liability in dog bite cases can be quite tricky, which is why most people consult an experienced dog bite lawyer. From collecting evidence and documenting every important detail to devising a cogent strategy to substantiate your claim, a dog bite lawyer can help you receive financial compensation. The defense might come up with ridiculous arguments and allegations such as claiming that you were trespassing or provoked the canine to attack you. An astute lawyer will foresee any such arguments and counter them effectively using evidence and facts.

Personal Injury Attorney

For more information or to schedule a free consultation, contact The Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today at 847-395-2200 to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney.