With over 300 acres of land to explore and many sites to see, Grant Park is home to many of Chicago’s most iconic landmarks. It is the perfect place to go to relax and unwind with family and friends. However, a relaxing day can go south quickly if you or a loved one is bitten or attacked by a dog at Grant Dog Park.
If you are in pain and suffering because of a dog, you are not alone. A Chicago Grant Dog Park dog bite lawyer can help you hold the owner responsible for their dog’s behavior.
The team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has worked on many cases like these before, and we are proud of the results we achieved for our clients. We also work on a contingency-fee basis only, which means our clients never pay out of pocket for our help in holding a dog owner responsible for their damages. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755 for a free consultation.
Types of Dog Attack-Related Injuries
There are many injuries someone could suffer as a result of an attack by a dog. If the dog bites you, for example, you could suffer from bite marks, scratches, and potentially permanent scarring and disfigurement. If the dog knocked you down on the pavement, you could hit your head and suffer a traumatic brain injury.
Some of the common types of injuries that victims frequently suffer as a result of dogs include:
Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Puncture wounds or lacerations commonly occur in dog attacks. According to Healthline, lacerations occur when you experience a deep cut or when the dog tears the skin. These injuries often cause severe, rapid bleeding that could quickly become serious if left untreated. Puncture wounds often do not cause severe bleeding but, if deep enough, can seriously damage the underlying tissue and even the internal organs.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
As mentioned above, if a victim falls during a dog attack, they could hit their head and experience a traumatic brain injury (TBI). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls are one of the leading causes of TBIs and, in serious cases, can impair the victim’s memory, movement, and emotional functioning, having a lifelong impact on their own life and that of their family.
Infection and Disease
Even if a dog bites you and the damage is not severe, the bacteria in the dog’s mouth or any diseases it is carrying could be transferred with that small bite. According to Medical News Today, bites on the hands or feet carry the highest risk of infection, which could become fatal if left untreated.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Not all injuries are visible. Sometimes the ones that last the longest and have the greatest impact on your life are the ones you do not see, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The American Academy of Pediatrics reports on a study that was conducted of 22 children who were bitten or attacked by dogs. In almost half the cases, the children displayed signs of PTSD within two to nine months of the attack.
If you experienced one of these injuries after a bite or attack in the dog park at Grant Park, a Chicago Grant Dog Park dog bite lawyer can help you build a case so you can pursue damages for your injuries. Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for a free case review.
Understanding the Illinois Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
The laws pertaining to dog bites can vary somewhat from state to state. Illinois follows a strict liability rule. According to Illinois statute 510 ILCS 5/16, the dog owner is automatically liable if a dog attacks or otherwise injures someone who was in a place where they were allowed to be lawfully, and if the dog was unprovoked.
That means that the victim must prove that they were:
- Lawfully allowed to be at a location at the time of the attack or injury
- That the animal was unprovoked
- That the dog injured you in some way
Because the attack happened in Grant Dog Park, you can use your presence in a public park to indicate you were allowed to be in that location. You can also prove your injuries with medical records and doctor’s statements.
However, a defense lawyer sometimes will try to prove that you provoked the dog in some way in order to reduce or eliminate their client’s liability. A dog bite lawyer understands defense tactics like these, knows the evidence to gather to refute these claims, and can defend you against these underhanded tactics.
For a free legal consultation with a Grant Dog Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Recoverable Damages After a Dog Bite or Dog Attack
There are a number of types of damages that victims can recover after a dog attack or dog bite. The types of recoverable damages depend on the details of your case and the extent of your injuries. Some common types of damages victims can recover in these cases include:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Future wages if your earning potential is impacted
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Property damage
Chicago Grant Dog Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
The Team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is Here for You
A Chicago Grant Dog Park dog bite lawyer can help you build a strong case by gathering evidence like police reports and eyewitness statements to prove that you did not provoke the dog and cause it to attack or bite you. They can calculate the value of your case by speaking with your doctors and collecting your medical bills and receipts. They can also calculate the value of your pain and suffering and other nonquantifiable damages. Finally, they can negotiate with the insurance company or the defendant’s lawyer to pursue a fair settlement for your injuries.
For a free review of your case or to get started right away, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755.
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