Any dog can bite, so every owner has a responsibility to keep others safe from the potentially harmful actions of their pet. If you, your child, or another loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries as the result of an attack, an Aurora dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation.
Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to talk to our legal team about your case.
Complications from Dog Bites
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention notes that any dog bite, including those that do not appear severe, can cause serious complications that may worsen over time if left untreated. In some instances, even after the victim has tended to the wound themselves, they may later discover that they need medical attention for their injuries.
Infection and Illness
Dogs can carry many types of bacteria in their mouths that can cause infection in bite wounds. Even if the dog did not transmit harmful microbes to the wound, an infection can still occur if the wound does not receive proper treatment or fails to heal on its own. Infected wounds often appear red and swollen and may feel hot and tender to the touch.
Dogs can transmit dangerous viruses, as well. If the dog has not received its rabies vaccinations, which Illinois Compiled Statues 510 ILCS 5/8 requires, they may carry the virus and pass it to humans. Rabies can cause serious illness and nervous system damage that can result in death within a few days if not treated.
Injuries and Fatalities
Some injuries from serious dog bites include broken bones, particularly those of the extremities, such as legs, feet, arms, and hands. These injuries can limit mobility and daily functioning and make it difficult for victims to continue working, provide for their families, or even complete routine tasks. In the worst cases, the injuries can lead to fatalities.
If you or a family member suffered serious or fatal injuries as the result of an attack, an Aurora dog bite lawyer can help you seek justice and financial awards.
Dog Bites Disproportionately Affect Children
Craniomaxillofacial Trauma and Reconstruction
reports on a five-year study confirming that dog bites occur more frequently in children than in adults. Of severe dog bite cases in children, 80% involve injuries to the head and neck.
If your child suffered an attack that caused serious injuries, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you seek financial awards. Contact us online today, and a member of our legal team will respond as soon as possible.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Aurora, call (800) 794-0444
State and Local Ordinances Regarding Dog Bites
While no federal law exists to govern the management of dog bite cases, Illinois and Aurora have their own legal requirements for reporting, liability, and control of a dog that bites a human. Illinois law holds that the owner of any animal must pay damages incurred if their animal attacks someone without provocation and causes injury.
Section 9-13 of the Aurora Code of Ordinances adds that any animal that animal control may impound any animal that bites without provocation.
Aurora Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Compensation for Your Dog Bite Case
Types and amounts of financial awards you may qualify for depend on the circumstances of your case. An Aurora dog bite lawyer can help you evaluate your damages and pursue just compensation from at-fault party, which may include payment for:
- Emergency medical care, physical therapy, rehabilitation expenses, and other related healthcare costs
- Lost wages if your injury caused you to miss work
- Loss of future income if you cannot return to work or you lost a loved one who provided for your family as a result of the attack
- Pain and suffering for your physical, emotional, and mental trauma
- Funeral and burial expenses for a loved one who suffered fatal injuries
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Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims in Illinois
Dog bites fall under the legal category of premises liability, in which a victim can hold a property owner responsible for damages caused on or by their property. In dog bite cases, the law considers the dog property of its owner, so the victim can hold the owner accountable for their negligence in court.
Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations on premises liability cases, which means the victim has up to two years from the date of the incident to file a claim against the owner. If the victim suffers fatal injuries, their family can pursue a wrongful death claim within two years of the incident or within one year of their passing, whichever deadline occurs later.
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help You with Your Case
When you already have to deal with the pain of your injury or loss and the effects it has on your life, the thought of filing a claim on your own may feel overwhelming. With Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, you do not have to manage the process on your own. Our attorneys can handle your case on your behalf. Because we work on a contingency fee basis, you do not owe us anything unless we achieve compensation in your favor.
If you or a loved one suffered a serious or fatal injury as the result of a dog bite in Aurora, call us today at (800) 794-0444 to discuss your free case evaluation with our legal team.
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