You could get bitten by a dog while taking your canine companion to a dog park in Chicago. There are many dog parks in the city, including the Chopin Dog Park, located on Long Ave. You may want to get legal help to assist you if you are bitten by a dog at Chopin dog park.
A dog bite attorney may be able to help you. Find out more about your legal options to get compensation for your losses by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755.
Risks Associated with Chicago Dog Parks
Dog parks provide your canine companion with the opportunity to play outside while off a leash, often with other dogs. If all the dogs at the park behave themselves, this may be a great experience for you and your pooch. Unfortunately, not all dogs at the park will behave themselves. While at a dog park, you could be exposed to:
- Aggressive dogs
- Poorly trained dogs
- Frightened dogs
- Hyper dogs
Dogs who are not properly trained can bite when they become overexcited or frightened. Because dogs in a dog park are not generally kept on-leash, the dog’s owner may not be able to stop them from attacking in time to prevent a bite. For this reason, visiting a dog park could be dangerous.
Recommended Steps to Take After a Dog Bites You
If you are attacked by a dog in Chopin Dog Park, you are probably unsure what to do next. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) has set out a number of steps you should take after a dog bite. These are:
- Get contact information from the dog’s owner
- Ask for proof of a rabies vaccination
- Clean the dog bite wound as quickly as possible
- Go to the emergency room or visit a doctor
In addition to taking these steps, you should speak with any witnesses who saw the dog attack. Chopin Dog Park is frequently a busy location. Anyone who saw the dog attack may be able to back up your story, supporting your version of the attack to demonstrate that you were not at-fault for the bite.
Furthermore, you might want to contact animal control in some cases. You may also want to get in contact with a Chicago Chopin Dog Park dog bite lawyer. A lawyer may be able to begin working on your claim right away. Contact Pintas and Mullins Law Firm to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a Chopin Dog Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Determining the At-Fault Party After Being Bitten by a Dog
As we mentioned, it is important to establish that you are not responsible for a dog attack at Chopin Dog Park. In many cases, a dog’s owner can be held responsible for an attack in Chicago. This is because Illinois uses “strict liability” in dog bite cases.
Strict liability means that a dog’s owner can be held liable when their dog attacks, even if:
- Their dog was not aggressive previously
- Their dog never bit anyone before
- Their dog was not of a “dangerous” breed
According to the Chicago Park District, dog owners are responsible for the behavior of their pets even in off-leash parks and dog parks. This means that a dog’s owner may be liable if their off-leash dog bites you while you are at Chopin Dog Park.
However, owners are not always held at-fault for the actions of a dog. In some cases, you may be held partially at-fault for a dog attack. For example, the dog owner may claim that you provoked their dog. If you were teasing or frustrating the dog, you may be considered partially responsible for the attack.
Chicago Chopin Dog Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites
A dog attack in Chopin Dog Park can leave you facing a number of serious injuries. Dogs – even smaller breeds – have naturally sharp teeth and claws. They may bite at your arms or legs during an attack. In other cases, especially if the dog attacks a child, they may bite at the face and head. These attacks could result in:
- Deep lacerations
- Damage to muscles and nerves
- Infections due to bacterial contamination
- Mental and emotional trauma
Note that these are only examples of the effects of a dog bite. Depending upon the severity of the bite, you may require extensive medical treatment to recover from your injuries. Make sure that you begin getting medical treatment quickly after you are bitten. This may allow your lawyer to demonstrate that your injuries were a result of the dog attack.
Click to contact our Chopin Dog Park Lawyers today
Possible Compensation Available for a Dog Bite
If you were bitten by a dog, you may be able to secure compensation for your medical expenses. This includes your:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgical procedures and medical testing
- Stay in the hospital and rehabilitation
You may also be able to get compensation for the cost of over the counter and prescription medications. Additionally, counseling for any emotional distress you feel may be covered by the dog’s owner in Chicago. To secure compensation, a lawyer may advise you to file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Once you file a claim, your lawyer may negotiate with insurance agents on your behalf. In many cases, your case could be resolved with a settlement offer. In other situations, your lawyer may take your claim to court with a lawsuit. In either situation, the goal is to bring you compensation to cover all of your losses so you can move forward with your life.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact a Chicago Chopin Dog Park Dog Bite Lawyer for Help Today
A dog bite attorney may be able to help you after being bitten. Reach out to the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to review your legal options. You can get started on your claim by calling (800) 816-0755 or completing our online contact form. Start getting answers to your legal questions with a free consultation now.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form