A dog attack in Chicago may leave you dealing with serious injuries and rising medical expenses. After a dog bites you, you may be unsure where to turn for help. You may be able to get legal assistance in this situation now by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
A Chicago dog bite lawyer might be able to help you review your options for securing compensation for your losses. You may reach out to one of our Pintas & Mullins Law Firm team members now by calling (800) 794-0444. Start building a dog bite claim in Chicago today.
When the Dog Owner Is Liable
All dog owners in Chicago are liable for the actions of their pets.
Many states throughout the U.S. use a “one bite” rule. This rule states that most dogs are allowed one “free” bite before they are considered dangerous. In many cases, this means that the dog’s owner may not be liable for the damages the first time their pet bites someone.
However, Illinois does not use a “one bite” law. Dog owners in Chicago are responsible the very first time their dog bites someone. According to the Illinois Animal Control Act, pet owners may be responsible if their dog attacks or attempts to attack any individual conducting themselves in a peaceable way while they are in a place they are legally allowed to be.
The above regulations hold true even if their dog was not previously considered aggressive. It also applies to all breeds of dogs, not only breeds that are considered “dangerous.”
Dog Bites May Cause Serious Injuries in Illinois
A canine attack may leave your dealing with serious physical, mental, and emotional trauma. While dogs are often considered man’s best friend, they are also animals who may become violent without warning. Dog attacks often lead to:
- Serious lacerations and deep gouges.
- Broken bones or fractures.
- Injuries to the face, neck, and hands.
- Damage to tendons and nerves.
The mental and emotional trauma of experiencing an animal attack may be very difficult to handle, especially if the dog bite victim is young. Many dog attacks involve children in the state of Illinois. You may be able to secure legal help handling the damage associated with a dog attack by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Chicago, call (800) 816-0755
Compensation Associated with Dog Bite Claims in Chicago
Dog attacks in Chicago may have many serious consequences. You may be able to get help seeking compensation for your medical expenses and other losses by hiring a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
According to the Animal Control Act, a dog’s owner may be responsible for all losses associated with your injury. This may include your medical expenses, such as:
- Emergency medical services
- Hospitalization and surgical procedures
- Medical tests and assessments
- Medications
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
You may require extensive rehabilitation after a dog bite or need the assistance of a therapist to handle the psychological effects. Your dog bite lawyer in Chicago may be able to go over all your losses to ensure you are appropriately compensated.
Chicago Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 816-0755
Identifying the Dog’s Owner After a Canine Attack
You may be able to secure an award for your losses after a dog bite in Illinois. However, to get any compensation, your lawyer will need to identify the owner of the dog that bit you. This may be easier if the owner is present at the time of your attack. You may even be able to get contact information from the dog’s owner.
However, sometimes dogs are left free to run without their owner. In this situation, it may be more difficult to identify the owner. You may need to contact Animal Control immediately after an animal attack. An animal control representative may be able to rush to the scene of the attack to capture the dog that bit you.
If you were bitten in a residential area, your dog bite lawyer might speak with people who live nearby. These individuals may be able to identify the dog and its owner based on a description. However, you should be aware that, in some cases, a dog’s owner may not be identified.
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Move Quickly After a Dog Bite in Chicago
The state of Illinois has set up a statute of limitations for dog bite cases. In most cases, you will have only two years to pursue compensation after a canine attack, according to 735 Illinois Compiled Statutes section 5/13-202. However, the statute of limitations may be extended if the dog bite victim was a minor or had a legal disability at the time of the attack.
Once the statute of limitations expires, you may no longer be able to seek compensation for your losses. For this reason, if you are considering taking legal action, you should do so as soon as possible.
It could help to get legal support when it comes time to file a claim against the owner of the dog that bit you. The dog’s owner may claim that you were at-fault for the attack. For example, they may claim that you provoked the dog, or that you were trespassing at the time the attack occurred.
Take steps to defend yourself from these accusations after a dog bite in Chicago by reaching out to Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We are prepared to begin working on your claim, and we are not afraid to take on tough cases.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
Contact Us Today
You don’t have to deal with a dog bite lawsuit on your own in Chicago. You may be able to get legal help on your side by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. Start working with a Chicago dog bite lawyer right away. You may even contact us to get a consultation regarding your legal options.
Begin working on your claim by calling a member of our team at (800) 794-0444.
Call or text (800) 816-0755 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
