If your recent trip to Chicago’s Berger Park left you with injuries from a dog bite attack, you should know your legal rights in order to file a dog bite injury claim. By doing so, you have the opportunity to pursue financial compensation for any and all damages you have experienced.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we will partner you with a Chicago Berger Park dog bite lawyer to help you cope with your traumatic experience and build a case that leads to results and justice.
A negligent dog owner can lead to dog bite attacks with poor training and from simply being a bad owner. Luckily, dog bite injury claims hold the dog owners accountable for their pet’s actions when they lead to attacks or bites.
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog at Chicago’s Berger Park, we may be able to help build a case that shows the dog owner was negligent. We work tirelessly to see negligent dog owners pay for a dog bite victim’s medical bills and other damages. When you complete a free case review online or call us at (800) 816-0755, we will begin to examine your legal options, while providing insight into Illinois’ dog bite laws.
Dog Bite Laws
Our team attorneys can help you understand the laws in Illinois concerning dog bites. There are several key areas of the law that you must consider when filing a dog bite claim.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites
According to the Illinois Code of Civil Procedure (735 ILCS 5/), the statute of limitations to file an injury claim is two years. The statute does also mention that both “minors and persons under legal disability” may have extensions beyond two years.
Illinois’ “Strict Liability” Laws
Under Illinois Statute 510 ILCS 5/16, liability for dog bites is considered “strict liability.” Essentially, strict liability means that the dog owner is solely liable for their dog’s actions if they, without provocation, attack, attempt to attack or injure a human.
On the contrary, the “one-bite” dog bite liability rule means the dog must have at least one bite to prove that they are dangerous. If you are bitten in a state with the “one-bite” rule and it is the dog’s first bite, this means you would not be able to prove them liable for damages.
In order to preserve your right to compensation under Illinois’ strict liability dog bite laws, the plaintiff must prove the following:
- The plaintiff was in fact attacked or injured by the defendant’s dog.
- They had a legal right to be on the property in which the attack took place.
- The plaintiff did not provoke the dog to attack them.
Possible Awards Available in a Dog Bite Claim
If you experienced a dog bite at Berger Park and need help proving liability, contact a Chicago Berger Park dog bite lawyer. When you complete a free case review on our website or contact us by phone, our team of dog bite attorneys will investigate your claim to determine the types of awards you may be entitled to.
In some cases, plaintiffs may earn financial compensation from the defendant’s insurance company to cover the following damages:
- Medical bills (current or future)
- Lost wages
- Accommodations for disability (for your home, car, or at your workplace)
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Additional punitive damages
To begin your free case review with a member of our team, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation with a Berger Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Important Steps to Take After Being Bitten by a Dog
There are several steps to take after a dog bit you, some of which you may have completed. These steps are key because they cannot only protect your health after a dog bite, but they may also help protect your legal interests.
Here are some general steps to follow after a dog has bitten you or a loved one:
- Treat your wounds – This may range from washing your wounds with disinfectant to calling for an ambulance if you believe the injury is serious. If you seek medical treatment, keep all documentation as this will help provide you with medical evidence to support your future claim.
- Notify law enforcement – After an accident, you should also contact your local police department to file a police report. Another option is to contact an animal control office, which can help you determine if the dog has any vaccinations.
- Gather contact information & evidence – If possible before you leave the scene of the dog bite incident, collect contact information from the dog owner or the guardian of the dog.
Additional contact information should be gathered if there were eyewitnesses. You may also want to jot down details from the scene, such as the type of dog. It is also helpful to document the scene and your injuries with photos. Other evidence can include the clothes you wore at the time of the attack. Be sure to also keep all medical records that document your injuries.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer – To learn more about your legal options, or for help filing a dog bite claim, a lawyer can guide you through the entire process while you focus on recovering.
Chicago Berger Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Learn More About Legal Options Available in a Dog Bite Case
To learn more about the legal options available for your dog bite claim, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755. You can also provide details for a free case review easily online through our contact form.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form