Suffering a dog bite injury can be physically and emotionally traumatic. If you get attacked and injured by a dog in Chicago, you have rights. Let us help you protect them. The Chicago dog bite injury lawyers at Meyers & Flowers can review your case, inform you of your rights at no charge and give you advice about what steps to take next.
As your Chicago personal injury lawyers, we will work tirelessly to optimize the outcome of your dog bite injury case. Contact us today by calling (630) 232-6333.
Why Clients Choose Meyers & Flowers
- We have a long track record of case success in personal injury law, with billions of dollars collected for clients in settlements and jury verdicts.
- We are an award-winning team of attorneys with years of experience handling dog bite injury cases. We understand Illinois’s dog bite laws and how to navigate them.
- Our dog bite injury lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay us anything to take your case unless we secure financial compensation for you.
How a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Chicago Can Help
If you get bitten by a dog in Chicago, a dog bite injury lawyer can provide valuable information and advice that can allow you to take the right steps toward justice. Your lawyer can investigate the event, search for evidence to support your claim, take care of confusing legal paperwork for you, meet your deadlines, and fight for a fair settlement from an insurer on your behalf.
Meanwhile, you will have the peace of mind to focus on healing from your injuries.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Chicago, Illinois?
A successful dog bite claim in Chicago can result in compensation across two categories: economic and non-economic.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Counseling and therapy
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages address the personal impact of the attack, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and anxiety
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare cases involving especially egregious conduct by the dog’s owner, punitive damages may also be available. However, these damages are usually only available in cases that go all the way to trial. Contact a dog bite lawyer with our law firm today to learn more and ask any questions you might have.
How Much Is My Chicago Dog Bite Case Worth?
Dog bite cases can vary widely in value. While the most severe injuries tend to lead to larger recoveries, that’s not the only factor at play.
Some of the things that can affect what your case is worth include:
- The severity of your injuries and whether you need ongoing treatment
- The location and visibility of any scarring and disfigurement
- How much time you’ve missed from work
- Whether the dog owner violated a local leash ordinance
- The strength of the evidence supporting your claim
- Whether you share any responsibility for the incident
We will conduct a thorough investigation so that we can pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. We may also bring in medical and forensic experts to strengthen your case further as appropriate.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws – Who Pays?
Every state has different laws for dealing with dog bite injuries and determining who is responsible for paying for a victim’s related medical bills. Illinois has a strict liability law that holds pet owners strictly liable (legally and financially responsible) for injuries caused by their pets in most cases.
Under this law, you do not have to prove that the owner of the dog was negligent or careless to qualify for financial compensation. You can receive a payment from the pet owner (or their insurance provider) as long as you can show that the owner’s dog caused your injuries. If negligence did play a role in the incident, this could give you additional grounds for a claim.
If, for some reason, the strict liability law does not apply to your case, you can seek compensation by proving that the pet owner was negligent in a way that contributed to the attack. Examples include allowing a dog to run at large, violating a Chicago animal control law, or harboring a dangerous dog without taking the required precautions.
What to Do if You Are Bitten By a Dog in Chicago
If you suffer puncture wounds, bruising, lacerations, broken bones, or any other injuries from a dog attack in Chicago, get medical care immediately. Ensure your personal safety by getting away from the dog. Call the police if the situation constitutes an emergency. Go to a hospital for a medical check-up without delay, and keep copies of your medical bills and records.
Once your wounds have been tended to by a professional, call the pet owner’s insurance company to file a claim. Do not give the insurer a recorded statement or discuss your injuries in detail. Contact a Chicago dog bite injury attorney to request a free consultation, where you can learn more about your specific case and potential legal options. You can trust a lawyer to protect your best interests.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Chicago, IL?
Illinois generally gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file within that statute of limitations window, you could lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
There are limited exceptions to this rule, but they apply only in uncommon circumstances. The best way to confirm the exact deadline for your case is to contact our personal injury lawyers as soon as you can for help.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Chicago?
The steps you take after a dog bite can significantly impact the outcome of your claim. Here’s what to keep in mind:
Seek Medical Care
See a doctor right away, even if the wound seems manageable. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and medical records will serve as critical evidence for your case.
Report the Attack
Contact Chicago Animal Care and Control or your local animal control agency to file a report. This creates an official record of the incident that can help support your claim as well.
Document What You Can
Take photos of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog itself if it’s safe to do so. Collect the owner’s information along with contact details for any witnesses too.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Chicago
Reach out to an experienced dog bite lawyer in Chicago before giving any recorded statements to an insurance company. An attorney can protect your interests and guide you through the claims process from the start.
Contact Us for a Free Consultation in Chicago
To speak to an experienced and compassionate dog bite injury lawyer in Chicago, contact Meyers & Flowers to arrange a free case evaluation. Bring all the information you have about the dog attack to your initial meeting with our lawyers. We will carefully review your case and give you tailored advice as to what will happen next. Call our Chicago office at (630) 232-6333 for more information.