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Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience for anyone, and the incident could have far-reaching consequences if the attack is severe or leads to expensive medical bills. Fortunately, dog bite victims in Oak Lawn can pursue compensation, or damages, against the parties responsible for the attack.
There are several factors that determine how much relief is available. An experienced dog bite lawyer could help a victim fight for every dollar they deserve.
In general, a more serious injury will yield a greater monetary recovery. Dog bite cases can range from very minor nips to serious skin and muscle damage. The amount of compensation varies based on the severity of the injury. Additionally, there are other factors that can impact the ultimate compensation for a dog bite:
Whether someone knows the dog that injured them typically does not impact the value of the case. The value is based on the seriousness of the injuries. If it is a strange dog, it may be more obvious that an attack was likely. However, the owner of a dog is ultimately responsible if the animal bites an individual. Whether the dog is known or strange does not impact the amount of compensation someone is entitled to receive after being bitten.
Whenever someone sustains a dog bite, it is important that they understand that there will be insurance to compensate them. Even if the dog is owned by a neighbor or a relative, the insurance company will be the one to compensate them for injuries. Sometimes, people do not want to present a claim because of the relationship they have with the owner of the dog, but that is the reason people purchase insurance. An attorney could explain the role of the insurance company to the victim and to the owner of the dog.
In an Oak Lawn dog bite case in which the owner is held legally responsible, several types of damages are available. Economic damages are quantifiable, such as medical bills and any lost wages. A plaintiff could also recover non-economic damages. Examples include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of normal life. Non-economic damages are much harder to value because they do not have a particular dollar amount associated with them. A dog bite lawyer might be able to help file for these types of compensation.
In some states, there are caps on damages that can be recovered, artificially placing a maximum amount of recovery regardless of the facts of the case. In Oak Lawn and throughout Illinois, however, there are no caps on dog bite damages. The jury decides how much to award to a victim.
There are many legal aspects to consider when pursuing damages after a dog bite incident in Oak Lawn. By hiring an experienced lawyer, you could focus on your physical and mental recovery without worrying about the specifics of the law. Call today to discuss your case.