If you were the victim of a dog bite or attack at Chicago’s Hamlin dog park, or if your child or another family member suffered dog bite injuries, you may have a case against the dog’s owner or handler. A Chicago Hamlin dog park dog bite lawyer may be able to help you gather the necessary evidence to support your claim and seek a fair settlement or court award based on the facts of your case.
To learn more about the steps you may be able to take to hold the dog owner responsible for the dog’s bad behavior, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 816-0755. Our case reviews are always free for dog bite victims.
Understanding the Rules for Chicago’s Dog-Friendly Areas
Hamlin Dog-Friendly Area is a fenced, off-leash dog park popular among dog owners in Chicago. The gravel-covered park is just one of the “Dog-Friendly Areas” that are a part of the Chicago Park District. For the most part, these areas provide a space for dogs to run and play off-leash despite living in the city.
The City of Chicago requires all canine visitors to have a special tag to visit these parks, but this process only ensures the dogs have their necessary vaccinations and see a vet regularly. It does not rule out vicious animals or make any promises about the dog’s behavior.
Dog Attacks Can Occur at Parks
While most people think about an outing at the park as a good time for family fun and letting their dog blow off some steam, this is not always the case. Dog bites and attacks do occur. In fact, they may be more likely in a “Dog-Friendly Area” where many off-leash dogs can mingle and get into disagreements on their own.
If you suffered injuries after being bitten by a dog, let a member of our team review your case and determine if you can hold the dog’s owner liable.
Recovering an Award to Cover Your Dog Bite Injuries and Losses
If you have a solid case against the dog’s owner, you could receive a court award following a favorable verdict. Alternatively, we may be able to negotiate a settlement agreement based on the value of your losses without having to take your dog bite case to court. The value of your case depends on many factors, including the type of injuries you suffered, the severity, and how they will affect you going forward.
Recoverable losses and expenses may include:
- Medical treatment costs
- Ongoing care costs
- Future medical treatment including plastic surgery for scarring
- Wages lost because of time away from work
- Reduced ability to earn a living because of permanent injuries
- Property damages
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
Dog bite injuries may cause permanent injuries. This could include scarring and disfigurement, loss of a limb, loss of use of a limb, and severe bleeding or infections that cause the victim to pass away. If you lost a member of your immediate family in a dog park bite incident, you may be eligible to seek an award in a wrongful death case. We may be able to help.
For a free legal consultation with a Hamlin Dog Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Illinois Law Limits the Time You Have to Seek an Award
Under 735 ILCS 5, victims of dog attacks at Chicago’s Hamlin Park generally only have two years to file a civil lawsuit against the dog’s owner or handler in an attempt to hold them responsible. If you suffered injuries in a dog bite incident, we may be able to review the facts of what happened today and go to work building a case for compensation immediately.
Chicago Hamlin Dog Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help You Understand Your Case
Per 510 ILCS 5/16, dog bite liability in Illinois is “strict liability.” This means that the owner or handler of the dog is responsible for the dog’s behavior, no matter if the animal has a history of vicious or threatening behavior or not. To prove your civil case against the dog’s owner and potentially recover an award, you will need to present an argument in court that proves three things:
- The dog in question attacked you and caused your injuries.
- You had a right to be in the area; you were not trespassing.
- You did not provoke the animal in any way.
A Chicago Hamlin dog park dog bite lawyer may be able to gather evidence, possibly including video of the attack or eyewitness statements about the incident, to prove your case. This could allow us to demonstrate your range of related losses and recover an award.
We believe you should not have to pay for your treatment or cover related losses. You suffered personal injuries through no fault of your own, so the defendant who caused them should also be responsible for your costs.
Click to contact our Hamlin Dog Park Lawyers today
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney to Learn About Your Legal Options
When you contact our law firm, a dog bite attorney may be able to take on your case and help you seek a fair settlement or court award. Our team does not shy away from tough cases, so you can call us even if another attorney refused to take your case.
When we accept a dog bite case in Chicago, our clients pay nothing out of pocket. There are no upfront costs for our services. Our attorneys take their fee from the compensation we recover on your behalf.
To get started today, call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm at (800) 816-0755 for a free evaluation of your dog bite case.
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