FOLLOW US ON
Dog bites are typically unexpected and traumatic for those involved. It can also lead to lifelong consequences for the victim, and might even be deadly, depending on the type of injuries sustained.
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious dog bite, seeking legal advice quickly will be the only way to ensure it does not happen to someone else. After seeking medical attention to address the situation, you should consult a Chicago catastrophic dog bite lawyer before doing anything else.
Catastrophic dog bites result in severe, long-lasting, or permanent damage. These things can profoundly affect someone’s life, both mentally and physically. Injuries commonly associated with severe dog bites include:
Unfortunately, certain kinds of dog bites may also result in death for some victims, which could lead their family to file a wrongful death suit.
Several things need to happen after a person in Chicago experienced a severe dog bite. This includes:
The more information gathered by the victim or their family immediately after the incident, the more successful a claim will be if anyone chooses to seek compensation.
In Chicago, you must file a claim no more than two years after the injury occurs. Beyond this, according to the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16), a dog bite victim must be able to establish:
If the victim can establish proof, the pet owner may be held liable for injuries caused by the dog.
In Illinois, dog bite victims do not need to prove that a dog has acted aggressively in the past if they wish to file a claim against the dog owner. This is because the state holds owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, meaning victims do not have to prove the dog owner was negligent. This makes it easier for victims to recover compensation for:
By holding dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions, Illinois hopes to promote responsible pet ownership. Failure to do so can result in a dog bite, which can mean that the victim can recover damages to compensate for their injuries.
However, it is also important to note that liability may be reduced if the dog owner can prove the victim provoked the dog, was not lawfully on the property, or was bitten by the dog while posing immediate harm to itself or its owner.
Dog bites can cause severe and lasting injuries, and medical bills and other damages are very possible. There is no reason for a victim of a dog bite to suffer the financial burden or loss in silence. Chicago has laws in place to help you.
At McCready Law, we want what is best for our clients. Our Chicago catastrophic dog bite lawyer will work hard to help you establish your personal injury case. All you have to do is contact us about your injuries or losses. We will take care of the rest.