If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Illinois and the owner denies responsibility, you must take the right steps immediately to protect your health and legal rights. With the help of an experienced attorney, you can navigate this situation confidently and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your health and safety should always come first. Even if the bite appears minor, it’s crucial to get medical treatment as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infections, rabies exposure, and permanent scars or damage. Documenting your injuries with a medical professional will also strengthen your case later on.
2. Consult with an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer Right Away
After addressing your immediate medical needs, your next priority should be consulting with an attorney who specializes in personal injury and dog bite cases. An experienced lawyer will not only guide you on how to protect your rights but also help you understand the steps that follow.
Your lawyer can:
- Guide you on reporting the incident correctly, ensuring that the process is thorough and accurate.
- Advise you on gathering evidence, including what details are most important to document.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to pursue fair compensation.
- File a lawsuit if necessary, seeking damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Having a lawyer involved from the start ensures that you don’t make mistakes that could weaken your case, especially when going up against an owner who is denying responsibility. Your attorney will also explain the key steps you need to take after the attack.
Key Steps Your Lawyer Will Help You Take
- Report the Incident: Your lawyer will guide you in reporting the dog bite to local animal control or law enforcement. Creating an official record is essential, especially if the dog was unvaccinated or aggressive. This step also helps local authorities track dangerous animals.
- Gather Evidence: Your attorney will assist with gathering evidence to help prove your case, including:
- Photographs of the injury, the scene, and any visible signs of aggression.
- Witness statements from anyone who saw the attack.
- Dog’s vaccination records, particularly rabies information.
- Owner’s details and a written account of the incident.
- Photographs of the injury, the scene, and any visible signs of aggression.
By following your lawyer’s guidance, you can ensure that your actions are thorough and legally sound.
Illinois’ Dog Bite Laws You Should Know About
Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs as long as:
- The victim was peaceably conducting themselves in a place where they were legally allowed to be.
- The dog was not provoked.
If the dog owner denies responsibility, your lawyer can help establish liability under the Illinois Animal Control Act. Even if the dog has no history of biting, the owner can still be held accountable if the attack occurred without provocation and the victim was not trespassing.
Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Lawyers
Seeking legal support early can make all the difference in protecting your rights and pursuing the compensation you deserve. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Illinois and the owner denies responsibility, contact us today for a consultation. Our dedicated team will support you throughout the process, ensuring your case is handled with care and expertise.
