Dog Bite Injury Lawyers | No Fees Unless You Win

Each year in the United States, approximately 5 million people fall victim to dog bites, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of this alarming figure, nearly half of the victims are children.

Shockingly, around 800,000 Americans need medical care due to injuries resulting from dog bites, with a staggering 386,000 individuals seeking urgent treatment in hospital emergency rooms.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Every year, approximately 16 individuals lose their lives due to dog attacks. It’s important to note that the statistics provided by the CDC do not account for the psychological trauma that often accompanies such incidents.

It is an undeniable reality that dogs, regardless of their breed, have the potential to bite. These bites can range from minor nips to severe and traumatic attacks, resulting in significant injuries.

In cases where a dog attack leads to severe injuries, holding the dog’s owner responsible is imperative.

Victims of dog bites should seek compensation to cover their medical expenses, alleviate their pain and suffering, and address any other harm inflicted by the edge.

If you or a family member has experienced a significant injury or a tragic loss in an animal attack within the Chicago region or elsewhere in Illinois, the dedicated personal injury lawyers at Salvi, Schostok & Pritchard P.C. are here to assist you.

Personal Injury Lawyers

Our law firm has a track record of advocating for the rights of individuals who have suffered Injury Lawyers, such as our achievement of a $1.125 million settlement in 2013 for a 17-year-old boy from Zion who was attacked by a dog while riding his bike – one of the most substantial settlements of this nature in Illinois.

To gain a clearer insight into how we can be of help to you, kindly get in touch with us today. You can contact us by phone or use our convenient online form to schedule a free consultation.

What You Need To Know About Chicago’s Injury Lawyers Laws

The “one free bite” provision, which previously absolved dog owners from liability if they were unaware of their pet’s inclination to bite, has been eliminated by the Illinois Animal Control Act. Presently, the law in Illinois explicitly states:

If a dog or any other animal, without provocation, assaults or harms an individual peacefully engaged in activities within a lawful location, the owner of said dog or animal is responsible for compensating the injured party for the complete extent of their injuries.

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Serious Injuries Dog Attacks

A severe Injury Lawyers is not akin to a playful nip or even a minor injury that results in mere bruising from an unfortunate encounter with a dog. Instead, a severe dog attack involves biting and scratching that inflicts substantial traumatic injuries, such as deep cuts, tearing, fractures, and more. A powerful dog attack can also lead to considerable emotional and psychological trauma.

According to Injury Lawyers statistics provided by the CDC, approximately 885,000 individuals each year, which accounts for about 20 percent of all dog bite victims, necessitate medical treatment for their injuries.

The most common victims are:

• Children ages 5-9
• Elderly people
• Post letter carriers.

The CDC reports that in most cases, dogs tend to bite individuals on their arms, hands, legs, feet, heads, or necks. Common injuries resulting from dog attacks encompass:

• Cuts, bruises and scratches
• Puncture wounds
• Tearing (avulsion)
• Dislocations
• Fractures
• Amputations
• Crushing (head / skull injuries).

The CDC reports that approximately 27,000 Injury Lawyers victims yearly undergo reconstructive surgery, which may involve skin grafting, tissue expansion, and scar reduction. In many cases, victims may require multiple surgeries spread over several years to address their injuries adequately.

Seeking Compensation Injury Lawyers

Those whose dogs have bitten may pursue compensation to address the following:

1. Current and anticipated medical costs.
2. Lost income and reduced earning potential.
3. Physical and emotional distress.
4. Other related losses.

Claims can be filed against the dog owner, and, in certain circumstances, a third party may also be held responsible if their negligence contributed to the injury.

Individuals who have sustained significant injuries in a dog attack have a rightful claim to compensation.

They should not hesitate to pursue it through legal means, including seeking assistance from a Injury Lawyers. It’s important to note that such repayment typically does not burden a friend or neighbor; it is generally covered by the dog owner’s insurance, such as homeowners’ or business liability insurance.

Dog Attack

The Insurance Information Institute and State Farm Insurance have revealed that in 2013, Injury Lawyers constituted over one-third of all payouts made in homeowners’ insurance liability claims.

These payouts totaled more than $483 million in compensation for victims. On average, each dog bite claim resulted in a payment of $27,862.

A skilled attorney can thoroughly examine your Injury Lawyers case, assessing the liability of the dog’s owner and estimating the potential compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries.

Resolutions can be achieved in numerous instances through negotiations with the dog owner’s insurance provider. However, if a satisfactory settlement cannot be reached, we are fully prepared to advocate for your rightful compensation in court.

Taking Action After a Injury Lawyers

If you or someone you know has been injured by a Injury Lawyers, taking the following steps is crucial:

1. Seek immediate medical attention from a healthcare professional, regardless of the severity of the bite.
2. Report the incident to the police promptly and obtain a copy of the police accident report.
3. If feasible, collect the name and contact details of the dog owner.
4. Gather information from any witnesses who observed the attack.
5. Take photographs of the animal responsible for the injuries and where the incident occurred.
6. Document any visible injuries you sustained due to the animal’s attack through photographs.
7. Preserve any clothing that may have been damaged during the incident.
8. Safeguard and, if possible, photograph any property that the animal may have damaged.
9. Refrain from communicating directly with the dog owner or their insurance company. Accepting compensation without legal advice could impact your ability to seek additional damages through a lawsuit.
10. Document any visible injuries resulting from the incident with the animal by taking photographs.
11. Preserve any clothing that has been damaged as a result of the animal’s actions.
12. Safeguard your property damaged by the animal, and take photographs of the damage if possible.
13. Please exercise caution and avoid direct communication with the dog owner or insurance company. Accepting any compensation without consulting legal advice could forfeit your right to pursue additional damages through legal action.

DOG BITE INJURY FAQS

1- A neighbor’s unleashed pit bull assaulted my son while he was on the sidewalk in front of our residence. Can we pursue a legal case in this situation?

In many municipalities, there are regulations in place that mandate pets to be under proper restraint and supervision.

Therefore, when a dog escapes from its owner’s premises and inflicts harm on someone, the owner is responsible for the resulting injuries; it is advisable to get in touch with an attorney to delve into the specifics of your son’s attack and better understand the appropriate course of legal action.

2– My daughter experienced a bite from a relative’s Doberman Pinscher. Does the liability for the owner increase automatically when a pet from a breed perceived as “aggressive” is involved in an attack?

While data suggests that dog attacks may be more common among breeds often considered “aggressive,” it’s essential to understand that the law does not distinguish between species when establishing owner liability in dog bite cases.

On the other hand, insurance companies may take breed into account and charge higher premiums to homeowners with specific dog breeds. However, from a legal perspective, the same burden of proof for liability applies regardless of the species of the dog responsible for the bite.