The suburb of Palatine has many great places where dogs and their owners can play or go on walks; however, this can put other people at risk of getting bitten by a dog. Bites can be potentially lethal, especially when left untreated for too long. A dog’s saliva contains numerous bacteria that could lead to infections, such as rabies and sepsis. Moreover, the force of the bite itself can lead to muscle and nerve damage, torn blood vessels, and broken bones.
All of this can cost you thousands of dollars to treat. Worse, there is always the possibility of dying from the bite. Fortunately, you can get justice for the accident by filing a dog bite claim in civil courts. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm has a Palatine dog bite lawyer who can offer legal advice and additional support for your situation. For further inquiries, you can call (800) 794-0444. Someone from the legal team will get in touch with you shortly.
The Dog Owners Are Liable for the Attack
Chapter 510 of the Illinois Compiled Statutes contains the laws dedicated to animal attacks, including dog bites. It states that pet owners have to pay for any injuries that their dog causes to the victim if they attacked unprovoked. The Statutes also adds that they can also be liable for any damages that farm animals suffer from dog attacks.
As this type of claim operates under the strict liability rule, showing proof of the owner’s negligence is unnecessary. A Palatine dog bite lawyer could help you investigate any potential violations that could further bring the case in your favor. For instance, the dog owner might not have updated their pet’s rabies vaccination. They could also have trained the dog to attack people.
Liability Exceptions
The law does make exceptions for dog owners and does not make them liable for certain circumstances that resulted in the bite. One of these is if the victim had provoked the dog into attacking them. Another is if they trespassed on the property where the injury occurred. If the claimant has done any of these acts, they may not hold the dog owner responsible for the injuries they suffered.
With the help of a Palatine dog bite lawyer, you can pursue the legal process while also prioritizing your personal health and wellness. They help save you from researching everything by yourself, as they can explain the laws to you instead.
If you are still searching for an attorney for your case, you can call (800) 794-0444 to get in touch with the office of Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. The legal team handles dog bite suits nationwide, including in Palatine, Illinois.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Palatine, call (800) 794-0444
Recovering Damages in Dog Bite Cases
A dog bite attorney can help compile all the documents that can help calculate just how much the defendant owes you. These records can include your hospital and medication receipts. They can then negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance providers to get you compensated with an appropriate amount.
If private settlements with the dog owner fail, you can still get reparations through a civil lawsuit. A successful dog bite case can get you awarded compensatory damages by the court. They will help you recover from the cost of treating your injuries and other expenses resulting from the animal attack. Some of these damages include:
- past and future medical treatments
- lost wages due to time spent recovering
- disabilities or disfigurations
- physical and psychological pain and suffering
If the dog bite has unfortunately killed the victim, the claimant can also receive wrongful death damages, which may include funeral and burial expenses.
As mentioned previously, a dog owner’s excessive negligence or intent may let you receive more compensation. This is because the court can also award punitive damages, which punishes the defendant for their conduct, with their discretion.
Palatine Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Filing Deadline for Palatine Dog Bites
Dog bites typically fall under personal injury claims, which means they share the same statute of limitations or your time limits for filing cases. According to Section 13-202 of the Statutes, you have two years to present your lawsuit here in Palatine or the rest of Illinois, for that matter. The court generally does not entertain cases that miss their deadline, so it is in your best interest to work on your suit as soon as possible.
But there are instances where the statute clock can pause its countdown. For example, if the dog bite victim was a minor during the incident, the timer will only begin counting when they turn 18 years old.
A few years may feel like enough time to develop a dog bite lawsuit. But you may have other responsibilities in life that could make it more difficult for you to work on your case. A Palatine dog bite lawyer can ease the burden by helping calculate your filing deadline and ensure you submit it on time.
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We Help You Fight for Justice
Although dog bites pose many dangers to your health and finances, you can always choose to get justice and compensation for yourself and your loved ones. If you ever become a bite victim in Palatine, Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can provide a Palatine dog bite lawyer to assist you in your case. Our team can work towards helping you receive the compensation you deserve.
Apart from dog bites, our practice areas include medical malpractice, product liability, and nursing home abuse. For the full extent of our services, you can give us a call at (800) 794-0444.
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