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Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are a wonderful and vital part of our society—both as companions and service animals. However, unsupervised, abused, or untrained dogs have the potential to be violent and dangerous. Dog bite injuries can be incredibly painful and deeply traumatic, leaving both physical and psychological scars.
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you might be entitled to compensation for your losses. The trusted Chicago dog bite lawyers with The Illinois Hammer Injury Attorneys are ready to help you stand up for your legal rights and win the justice you deserve. Contact us online or call 888-742-6637 today for a free case evaluation.
Why Choose Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers?
Our team of compassionate, highly skilled attorneys has more than 30 years of experience getting results for Chicago personal injury victims. We believe in doing whatever we can to give our clients one less thing to worry about, we’ll handle every step for you.
We offer free, no-cost consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case. If we do recover compensation , our fee will be a pre-agreed percentage of your awarded settlement. You’ll be able to focus on your recovery without worrying about any out-of-pocket costs.
We pride ourselves on going above and beyond for our clients, and we believe our service sets us apart. We offer a 30-day Client Satisfaction Guarantee, allowing you to freely take your case elsewhere if you’re unhappy with our services.
What Are My Rights After a Dog Bite in Chicago?
Under Illinois law, when a dog or any other animal attacks someone “peaceably conducting” themselves anywhere they have a legal right to be, the animal’s owner is fully liable for any resulting damages.
This strict liability law makes it easier for Chicago dog bite victims to recover compensation, as you do not need to establish that the owner was negligent or that the dog had a prior history of aggression. Instead, you simply must prove the animal attacked you without provocation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
A dog owner is typically the party liable for an attack, but responsibility can also extend to others. You might not need to prove an owner was negligent for them to be liable, but negligence in a dog attack can still create liability for someone else.
For example, if a landlord knows a dog with a history of aggression lives on their property, they could be liable for negligence if the dog bites and injures someone.
Recoverable Damages in a Chicago Dog Bite Case
Chicago dog bite victims can pursue compensation for various damages resulting from their injuries, both economic and non-economic. Examples of available damages include the following:
- Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for your medical bills, including expenses for emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, future medical care, counseling, and more.
- Lost wages: You can pursue compensation for time missed from work.
- Lost earning potential: If severe injuries affect your ability to perform your job at the same level, you can pursue these damages.
- Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for non-economic damages for your physical suffering, permanent scaring and disfigurement, emotional trauma, and other repercussions resulting from the attack.
What Is My Chicago Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every personal injury case is unique, and there’s no rule of thumb for how much a dog bite claim is typically worth. However, an experienced Chicago dog bite attorney can estimate your claim’s value based on the specific circumstances of your case. Factors that can have a significant impact on the value of your dog bite case include:
- The nature, extent, and severity of your injuries. Naturally, the worse your injuries are, the more compensation you’ll be entitled to, especially if they interfere with your ability to work for a significant time.
- Any long-term effects or permanent impairments, as your damages will include compensation for ongoing treatment and continued impacts on your quality of life
- Emotional and psychological trauma, particularly if the victim is a minor. Dog attacks can leave children with lifelong fears and mental health issues.
Chicago Dog Bite Injury FAQs
Do I Have a Valid Chicago Dog Bite Claim?
If your dog bite case meets these three factors required to establish an owner’s liability under Illinois law, you likely have a viable claim:
- You were injured because a dog attacked or attempted to attack you.
- You did nothing to provoke the dog’s aggression or antagonize the animal.
- The incident happened somewhere you had a legal right to be, such as a public place or a home to which you were invited.
If you’re uncertain whether your claim can succeed, a free case evaluation with our knowledgeable Chicago dog bite attorneys can help.
Does Illinois Have a One-Bite Rule?
Illinois does not have a “one–bite rule,” a law that shields dog owners from liability for their pet’s first attack if the canine had no prior history of aggressive behavior. Illinois has a strict liability law, making owners responsible for their dogs’ behavior, regardless of negligence. Thus, owners cannot escape responsibility for injuries caused by their pets, even if they have no reason to believe their dog is dangerous.
What is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Illinois?
Illinois has a two-year deadline to bring forth personal injury claims, including Chicago dog bite cases. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin to run until their 18th birthday. Since many dog bite victims are children, it’s often possible to bring a claim many years later than one would otherwise be able to.
No matter how much time you have, it’s important to seek legal help immediately after you’ve been injured. Evidence is strongest in the aftermath of the incident, and your chances of successfully recovering compensation can fade if you wait too long to act.
How Our Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
Our dedicated attorneys can handle every step of the claims process for you, saving you the stress of navigating the legal system alone. Your lawyer will review your legal options with you during your free case evaluation and recommend the best course of action.
Your attorney will investigate the circumstances of the attack and gather critical evidence to build your case, including medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of the scene and resulting injuries. When they’re confident they have enough for your claims to prevail, your lawyer will draw upon their skill and experience in negotiation to push for a fair settlement with insurance companies.
Our team will fight to get you the compensation you deserve, rejecting any lowball offers. If the other party refuses to pay you what you’re owed, we’re not afraid to take your case to court and win at trial.
Get a Free Case Review with Our Experienced Chicago Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog bite injuries can wreak havoc on your physical and emotional health, leaving you feeling vulnerable and uncertain about what to do next. If you’ve been hurt in a Chicago dog attack, you don’t need to fight alone. We’re ready to hammer the insurance companies until you get justice.
Call us today at 888-742-6637 for a free case evaluation.
Take advantage of our free legal consultation by filling out our online form or by calling us at 888-4-HAMMER today.
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