There are nearly 5 million dog bites each year in the United States, per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Back in 2018, dog bite attacks left 36 people dead and required reconstructive surgery for 27,000 people, according to DogBite.org.
And back in 2014, NBC Chicago reported that the State of Illinois was among the top three states for dog bite claims with 309 claims reaching $8.9 million.
Dog bite attacks can leave victims with lasting personal injuries, scars, and trauma – especially when the victims of the attack are small children. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury recently at Chicago’s Walsh Playground Dog Park, seek justice and financial compensation for damages.
We have over 50 years’ collective legal experience and insight representing clients in Chicago and throughout the country. Our personal injury law firm charges no fees unless we help you recover a verdict or settlement for your dog bite injury claim. Other than minors or someone under a legal disability, the statute of limitations to file a dog bite claim in Illinois is two years.
To begin your free case review with a Chicago Walsh Playground Dog Park dog bite lawyer, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm through our online free case review form or call us at (800) 816-0755.
Illinois’ “Strict Liability” Dog Bite Law
Under Illinois Statutes 510 ILCS 5/16, Illinois includes a statute that deals with dog bite laws. Across the country, states are mostly either “one bite rule” states or have “strict liability” for dog bite law. “One bite” dog bite rules mean that the dog owner or person responsible for the dog at the time of the bite is not liable for a first-time attack, as long as they were unaware that the dog would attack or could be dangerous.
Strict liability means the owner or guardian of the dog is completely liable for a dog attack that leads to injuries. This means that the owner will be held liable in any personal injury case as long as the victim is “peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be,” according to the statute.
Illinois Statute 510 ILCS 5/16 also explains how to prove an owner or guardian is liable for a dog bite attack. The statute explains that the injured party must show that:
- The dog attacked, or attempted to attack, or injured you.
- The dog was not provoked to bite or attack you.
- You had a lawful right to be at the location in which the bite/attack occurred.
Pursuing Financial Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
There are various avenues of receiving financial compensation from dog bites at Chicago’s Walsh Playground dog park. The amount of compensation you may be eligible for will depend on your injuries and the details of your case.
Typically with dog bite injuries, victims can pursue financial compensation to cover the following damages:
- Medical expenses (current or future)
- Lost wages
- Limited earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and Suffering
Your opportunities for financial compensation may stretch further than the above damages, which is why it is helpful to reach out to a Chicago Walsh Playground Dog Park dog bite lawyer to learn more about your legal options and understand your case’s potential.
When looking to be awarded compensation for your damages, you will likely go through the dog owner’s insurance provider throughout your case. Contacting a dog bite lawyer immediately following an attack will help ensure you do not provide any damaging information to insurance providers. Instead, our team of dog bite attorneys can handle communications on your behalf, while also ensuring you are receiving the fairest settlement possible from the insurance company.
To learn more about your legal options after a dog has bitten you, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today.
For a free legal consultation with a Walsh Playground Dog Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Preserving Evidence After Being Bitten by a Dog
After a dog bite attack, you and your loved ones may be faced with a great deal of trauma. No matter the type of dog that attacks you, it can be a frightening experience that leaves you with serious injuries. Immediately following a dog bite, be sure to check your injuries and seek medical attention if necessary.
If you do require a trip to the emergency room or a ride in an ambulance, this will not only help you get the needed medical attention for your dog bite wounds, but will also provide supporting medical evidence of the dog attack.
Additionally, you should also document your injuries with photos following the incident if you are able to do so. These photos should also include a picture of the dog itself. In addition, be sure to always collect contact information from the dog owner and record information concerning the type of dog that attacked you.
Following your dog bite injury, be sure to report the attack to your local police department. This will also help with your evidence gathering, which comes in handy when looking to file a dog bite injury claim.
Chicago Walsh Playground Dog Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Attorney Today to Learn More
Dog bites are far too common in Chicago and the State of Illinois, and our dog bite attorneys are ready to help you and your family when these traumatic events do happen. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog at Chicago’s Walsh Playground Dog Park, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for a free consultation through our online form or by calling (800) 816-0755.
We represent dog bite victims across the country, let alone in the City of Chicago, and we have a long track record of successfully resolved cases throughout the United States.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form