If you or a loved one were injured because of a Chicago, IL, dog attack, you could be entitled to compensation for all of your losses. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our Chicago dog bite lawyers are always ready to help. Call our law firm at (312) 635-5400.
For over ten years, we have been fighting for Chicago accident victims. Contact our team to discuss your rights after a dog attack and schedule a free consultation.
How Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers Can Help If A Dog Has Bitten You
Dog attacks are traumatic events. They can result in serious injuries with lasting effects. After a dog attack, victims often have significant medical expenses and financial hardships. After an accident, you could be entitled to compensation from the dog owner for all of your expenses. Our team understands local dog bite laws and will ensure that the dog owner is held accountable.
Our team has over 35 years of combined experience representing Illinois accident victims. For a decade, we have recovered over $250 million in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We understand that dog bite cases can be complicated and know how to get results for our clients. When you hire us to handle a dog bite claim, we’ll:
- Investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim
- Identify all parties responsible for your injuries
- File a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company
- Negotiate to ensure a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court
- Communicate with you and keep you updated on your case
- Work with experts to calculate damages and support your case
- Guide settlement negotiations
Our team has a proven record of success and works hard for every client. Contact us today to schedule a free case evaluation with a Chicago personal injury attorney.
Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
In Illinois, dog owners are responsible for damages caused by dog bites. In particular, there is strict liability for dog owners in Chicago. This means that as long as the victim is “peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be,” dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dog. Unlike some states, which have a one-bite rule, Illinois does not have such a requirement.
In addition to holding dog owners liable, you can also hold property owners responsible if their negligence led to your attack. For example, if a property owner knows there’s a dangerous dog on the premises and in common spaces, the property owner could be liable if he or she did not take steps to prevent the dog from attacking visitors.
To learn more about Illinois dog bite laws, contact a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
How Common Are Dog Bites in Illinois
Dog bites are more common than most people think. Data from the American Veterinary Medical Association shows that in the United States, 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Of those dog bites, around 800,000 of them require medical attention.
Illinois ranks second-highest among states with dog bites. Dog ownership continues to rise in Illinois, so the number of dog bites in the state will likely continue to rise.
How Much Is My Chicago Dog Bite Case Worth?
One of the questions we get the most from new clients is, how much is my dog bite case worth? Unfortunately, there’s no average dog bite award. Instead, the value of dog bite cases varies widely based on the facts of the attack.
Some factors that impact the value of the case are:
- The type and severity of your injuries
- Your long-term prognosis
- Whether or not you have a permanent impairment or permanent disability
- The impact the dog bite has on your ability to work
- The amount of your out-of-pocket expenses
- The impact the dog attack has on your quality of life
An experienced dog bite lawyer will analyze all aspects of your case to come up with a fair value. Insurance companies and responsible parties will work hard to minimize this number. You need a strong lawyer who can gather evidence and effectively negotiate to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the team at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers so we can fight hard for you.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Chicago Dog Bite?
After a Chicago dog attack, victims can seek reimbursement for all losses incurred because of the attack. These damages are referred to as compensatory damages and include economic damages and non-economic damages.
Economic damages reimburse victims for monetary losses after an attack, while non-economic damages reimburse victims for emotional injuries from the accident.
Economic damages frequently awarded after Chicago dog bites are:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical costs
- Lost income
- Lost job opportunities
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Home care or nursing care
Non-economic damages you might be entitled to include:
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Scarring
In rare circumstances, punitive damages are awarded in addition to compensatory damages. Punitive damages are used to punish the responsible party and deter bad behavior.
Punitive damages are awarded when there’s evidence of intentional, malicious, or grossly negligent conduct. While these damages are only awarded in limited circumstances, some dog bite cases do involve punitive damages.
An experienced personal injury lawyer can analyze your case and determine all types of damages available. At Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers, our team will analyze your case to determine all damages available. Next, we’ll gather evidence and work with experts to support your claim.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to life-threatening. While injuries vary significantly, some of the most common dog bite injuries are:
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Infections
- Severed limbs
- Vision or hearing loss
- Broken bones
- Neck and back injuries
Unfortunately, in some cases, dog attacks are fatal. If you lost a loved one because of a dog attack, our team can help you recover financial compensation. Our wrongful death lawyers will bring a claim on your behalf to seek compensation to cover medical expenses, funeral expenses, and the emotional trauma your family suffered because of the attack.
We understand how difficult these cases can be and work closely with family members to support them during a difficult process. Call us today if you’ve been injured by a dog bite or lost a loved one because of a dog attack.
What Should I Do After a Dog Attack
Dog bites are scary events, and many victims are in shock after being bitten. Knowing what to do after a dog attack can help things go smoothly and ensure the best outcome possible.
- Prioritize seeking medical attention. If you need immediate medical care, call 9-1-1. Otherwise, go to an urgent care center or your primary care physician as soon as possible after the accident. Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s important to get medical treatment. Virus transmission and infections are common after dog bites. Treating these issues as early as possible leads to better outcomes.
- Get the full name and contact information of the dog owner. If there are any witnesses, get their names and contact information as well.
- Report the dog bite to local animal control. This is important for tracking dangerous animals and preventing future attacks.
- Contact a dog bite attorney. Getting the compensation you deserve after a dog attack can be tricky. Insurance companies are notoriously difficult to work with and have a team of lawyers and adjusters working hard to minimize claims. Victims need an experienced professional to fight for them, too.
Contact a Chicago dog bite attorney at Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?
Dog bite claims are a type of personal injury case. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years. Accident victims have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the responsible party. Lawsuits filed after this period will be dismissed, and victims will have no right to recover.
There are exceptions when the victim is a child or if the victim does not discover their injury until a later date.
A personal injury lawyer can look at the facts of your case and determine when the statute of limitations will expire. Your lawyer will ensure you file a case before the statute of limitations runs so that you preserve that right.
Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, contact Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers. We’ll start by scheduling a free case evaluation.
During this initial consultation, we’ll listen to you discuss your accident and injuries. Then, we’ll explain applicable laws and your rights. Finally, we’ll create a strategy to get the compensation you deserve.
Call us, schedule online, or visit our Chicago personal injury office to get started. Our team has represented thousands of clients and recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for them. We fight hard for every client. Get in touch with us today so we can start fighting for you.
Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office in Chicago, IL
Powell and Pisman Injury Lawyers
875 N Dearborn St 4th Floor,
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 635-5400
