If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a dog bite incident or attack at Chicago’s Puptown at Margate Park off-leash area for dogs, you may be able to hold the dog’s owner liable. This could allow you to recover an award based on your actual economic and non-economic losses.
A Chicago Puptown at Margate Park dog bite lawyer from Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to help you with your case. Call (800) 816-0755 for a free review of the facts of your dog bite case with a member of our team today.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws Allow Victims to Hold the Dog’s Owner Responsible
Under the Illinois dog bite statute, 510 ILCS 5/16, dog owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause as long as:
- The victim did not provoke the dog
- The victim had a right to be in the location where the attack occurred
If you were bitten by a dog and suffered injuries, a lawyer may be able to recover compensation for you based on your dog bite injuries, expenses, and losses. We want to make sure dog bite victims do not experience further damage because of financial losses related to the attack. Your injuries were not your fault and paying for your medical care and other damages should not be your responsibility.
We believe the defendant in your case–the dog’s owner or handler–should be the one paying for your bite-related bills and covering your losses. A dog bite attorney may be able to file a claim and pursue a settlement or take your case to trial and seek an award from the court.
Chicago Has Strict Requirements for Off-Leash Dog Parks
Puptown is an off-leash dog park at Margate Park, one of several “Dog-Friendly Areas” throughout Chicago. It is operated by volunteers, but is a part of the Chicago Park District.
While dogs can be off-leash in this enclosed area, the City of Chicago requires you to have a Dog-Friendly Area dog tag. These tags are good until December 31 of the same year. To get one, dog owners must prove their dog has seen a vet and has a current rabies vaccination as well as immunity or vaccinations for other potentially contagious diseases. This does not, however, prove that these dogs are friendly or will not bite.
Even in off-leash areas meant for dogs, owners may be responsible for their dogs’ bad behavior. If an animal attacked you at Margate Park or in another area of Chicago, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm may be able to build a case to support your allegations and hold the owner accountable.
For a free legal consultation with a Puptown at Margate Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Let a Chicago Puptown at Margate Park Dog Bite Lawyer Pursue Awards in Your Case
The settlement or award in a dog attack incident at Chicago’s Puptown dog park can vary widely based on the facts of the case. Injuries are sometimes very severe and life-altering, but in other cases, they may heal completely within a few weeks or months. Dog bite injuries may include:
- Puncture wounds
- Tearing of skin and soft tissues
- Broken bones
- Lost limbs, ears, fingers, and other body parts
- Disfigurement and scarring
- A high-risk of infection
The economic and non-economic losses related to these injuries can vary, as well. They may include:
- Ambulance transportation and emergency department treatment
- Medical treatment and care costs, including hospitalization, prescription medications, and plastic surgery if necessary
- Lost wages and related benefits if you miss work
- Reduced earning ability if you cannot go back to your job
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering losses
- Other non-economic losses
When a dog bite leads to severe bleeding, systemic infection, or other complications, they can become deadly. If your loved one passed away as a result of a dog bite, you may qualify to pursue a wrongful death award under Illinois law. Our team may be able to help.
Chicago Puptown at Margate Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Time Is Limited to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Under Illinois law, specifically 735 ILCS 5, victims of dog bites generally have two years to take legal action against the dog’s owner before their right to do so could be in jeopardy. However, there are many steps you need to navigate before filing a lawsuit. It may be possible to settle your dog bite case for a just award without going to court.
At Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we will explain your rights and review your dog bite case at no cost to you. It may be possible for us to build a case and file a dog bite claim or lawsuit on your behalf, if we believe your case is strong enough to support legal action. Contact us today for your free case evaluation with a member of our team.
Click to contact our Puptown at Margate Park Lawyers today
Discuss Your Dog Bite Case with a Member of Our Team for Free
A dog bite attorney could help you recover an award for the expenses and losses you suffered as a result of a dog bite injury in Chicago. Our team does not shy away from the tough cases. Instead, we fight for our clients, firmly believing dog bite victims should not have to suffer financial losses as a result of their injuries.
Our clients never pay anything out of pocket. We only receive attorney fees after we get a settlement or an award for them.
You can reach a member of our team by calling (800) 816-0755. You can speak with someone who can explain the strength of your case against the dog’s owner and discuss your legal options for holding them responsible now.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form