According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 4.7 million people get bitten by dogs each year. While the injuries may vary from mundane to severe, approximately 1 in 5 dog bites require medical attention.
No matter what happened because of a dog bite that occurred at Skinner Bark Park, there is no excuse for being needlessly put in harm’s way by the negligence of another party. Even though it was the dog that attacked, chances are that a very human culprit allowed it to happen.
You may want to talk to a Chicago Skinner Bark Park dog bite lawyer about your incident. They can speak with anyone who witnessed the event, as well as review medical records, veterinary records of the animal, video evidence, and more.
The way the team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm sees it, any person who has fallen victim to an act of negligence should not have to endure any of the physical, mental, or financial harm that comes afterward. Over the years, we have handled many dog bite cases throughout the greater Chicago area, and we pride ourselves on fighting for the victims who suffered injuries through no fault of their own.
For more information on cases like yours, contact a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm team member today at (800) 816-0755 to receive a free consultation. You will never feel alone with our team of attorneys by your side.
Proving Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
510 ILCS 5/16 holds the dog owner liable for any unprovoked dog bite injuries. However, many people may ultimately be found liable in a dog bite case, including the owner of the property.
Determining fault will likely come down to proving who was negligent in letting the attack occur—which in some cases might be multiple parties. In many cases, premises liability could play a role if Skinner Bark Park did not do enough to keep dangerous animals away from their patrons.
Visiting a dog park should not mean taking a risk. The dog park has a certain degree of responsibility for what goes on while people visit the property, and the staff owe their patrons a certain degree of safety. If they did not do enough to warn their patrons of the risks or have responsible parties making sure things went smoothly, they might be held accountable in a court of law.
Even so, every case is different. A Chicago Skinner Bark Park dog bite lawyer cannot be certain who might have been responsible in your case until they have done a full investigation. If a settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can take your case to trial.
While you do not need a lawyer to bring an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit against the responsible parties, you might find it helpful to retain legal counsel. Having a lawyer by your side can allow you to continue moving forward with your recovery without having to be bothered with a legal process that can sometimes prove to be confusing and overwhelming.
To learn more about the legal process and how it relates to dog bite cases, you can call a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm representative today for your free consultation.
Awarding Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
While there are mitigating factors to be examined in every case, a lawyer will fight to recover compensation for three main categories of damages: Physical, economic, and non-economic.
Further, if a settlement is not reached, a judge and jury will examine these areas when determining a victim’s potential compensation. As with all animal attacks, the damages go far beyond the physical, and the mental wounds may last for years to come.
Your lawyer can seek compensation for the following damages:
- Lost wages: This category includes a loss of the ability to work in the future.
- Medical bills: This category includes doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medication, and physical therapy. According to the CDC, dog bites have the ability to transfer diseases like rabies and Capnocytophaga, both of which require lengthy treatment regimens.
- Mental anguish: This category compensates for the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite, as well as strains on important relationships caused by the dog bite. It may also include therapy for any mental disorder brought on by the attack, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.
A personal injury lawyer can help you determine which damages you may be eligible to receive and fight for compensation on your behalf.
For a free legal consultation with a Skinner Bark Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Compensation
The Chicago Skinner Bark Park dog bite lawyers at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm do not charge you upfront for your time. We can fight on your behalf so you can spend your time worrying about what really matters during your time of need.
At the end of the day, we have worked with many dog bite clients, so we have likely seen a case just like yours along the way. We understand how impactful these cases can be in the lives of you and your family. That is why we do not shy away from tough cases. We can investigate the incident and see how we may be able to help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to receive.
For more information about what steps you can take, contact a member of the Pintas & Mullins Law Firm team today at (800) 816-0755 for your free consultation.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form