Were you bitten by a dog in Wicker Dog Park in Chicago? If so, you could be eligible for compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. If a dog bit you without provocation, you may have a chance to settle with the dog owner’s insurance company or file a lawsuit.
To discuss your legal options after being bitten by a dog, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. A team member may assess your unique situation when you call (800) 816-0755.
Understanding the Rules for Chicago Dog Parks
The Chicago Park District has set out certain regulations for acceptable behavior in dog parks and “dog-friendly areas” throughout the city. Technically, Wicker Dog Park is a “dog-friendly area.” Dogs in this portion of Wicker park are allowed off-leash. However, their owners are still responsible for controlling their behavior. To this end, owners are expected to:
- Stay with their dog the entire time they are in Wicker park
- Clean up after their dog if the dog relieves itself
- Only bring dogs who are licensed, dewormed, and immunized
- Keep food out of the park
Individuals in the Wicker Park dog-friendly area are expected not to chase dogs or climb on dog equipment. Additionally, it is against park regulations to attempt to pet a dog without the owner’s permission.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
You may want to take a number of steps right away if you were bitten by a dog in the Wicker dog-friendly area. According to sources including the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), you may want to:
Speak to the Dog’s Owner
Dogs should not be in the Wicker dog-friendly area without a responsible individual. This individual may be able to provide you with the owner’s name and contact information. They may also be able to tell you if the dog’s rabies vaccine is up to date. This can be very important, as you may need to get precautionary treatment for rabies if the dog’s vaccine is expired.
Talk to Witnesses of the Dog Biting Incident
Dog parks in Chicago are often very busy. If someone else saw the dog attack, they may be able to confirm your story about what happened. You should get their contact information, including their phone number, before you leave the park.
Get Medical Treatment for Your Dog Bite
It is important that you clean a dog bite as quickly as you can. You can use soap and water and then apply pressure to the wound. Once you have stopped the bleeding, you may choose to go immediately to get medical treatment from a hospital or emergency room. It is important that you get treatment right away, as waiting could allow an infection to develop.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney for Help
You may want to get legal help in your corner if you were bitten by a dog. A dog bite lawyer may be able to review the facts of your case. Contact a member of our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to learn more.
For a free legal consultation with a Wicker Dog Park Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Proving Liability After a Dog Bites You
You may be wondering who is liable if you were bitten in Wicker Dog Park. Illinois uses “strict liability” in dog bite cases. This means that a dog’s owner may be liable for the actions of their pet, even in off-leash areas like the Wicker dog-friendly zone.
However, dog owners are only responsible for the actions of their pet if the dog is not provoked or irritated into biting. This means an owner could try to blame you for the attack by claiming that you were aggressive with their pet.
A dog bite attorney may be able to speak with eyewitnesses to determine exactly what you were doing before the attack. Your attorney may also review the dog’s past behavior, to see if it has a history of behaving aggressively.
Chicago Wicker Dog Park Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Personal Injuries That Dog Bites Can Cause
Dog attacks in Wicker Park can leave you dealing with serious personal injuries. Dog bites can cause deep lacerations as well as damage to underlying muscles, tendons, and nerves. In some cases, dogs may break bones during an attack. They can also cause severe trauma to the face and head.
In the aftermath of being attacked by a dog, you may need immediate medical care. You may be unable to work while you recover from your injuries. Additionally, many people who are attacked by a dog end up dealing with long-lasting emotional trauma.
An attorney may be able to help you secure compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages from work, emotional trauma, and more.
Click to contact our Wicker Dog Park Lawyers today
Resolving a Dog Bite Case in Chicago
You are not alone if you suffered a serious dog attack in Chicago. You may be able to get legal help resolving your case and securing compensation for your losses. A dog bite lawyer may be able to help you:
Settle Your Claim
Many dog bite claims are handled outside of the courtroom. A Chicago Wicker dog park dog bite lawyer may investigate your situation, speak with witnesses, and gather evidence before negotiating with insurance agents. A settlement from the insurance company will allow you to get coverage for your losses.
Take Your Case to Court
In some situations, you may need to take your claim to court after you are bitten by a dog. Seeking a courtroom verdict may provide you with compensation for your healthcare bills and other losses.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Call a Chicago Wicker Dog Park Dog Bite Lawyer to Learn Your Rights
Take charge of your future if you were bitten by a dog in Wicker Dog Park. To get started with a dog bite claim, call (800) 816-0755 to speak to a member of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. You can also complete our online contact form.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form