Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
Chicago Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite statistics show that Chicago and Illinois have many dog bite claims. In fact, the state is second only to California in such claims, with 323 dog-related claims in 2016 alone across the state.
In Illinois, Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) is the law that governs dog bite issues in Chicago and across all Illinois communities. This law states that in a claim, a plaintiff must prove that the person who was bitten was legally in a place where they had a right to be and did not provoke the dog. In addition, the claimant must prove that the dog attacked or injured the plaintiff. The Animal Control Act governs not only dog bites but other animal attacks, too.
Unlike many states, the dog bite law in Illinois allows plaintiffs to recover for a dog bite even if a dog has no history of biting or attacking. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog or other animal, contact our expert legal team at Argionis & Associates by calling (312) 782-4545 for a free consultation. Our Chicago dog bite lawyers can help you make sense of the law and determine whether you have a claim.
Dog bite victims in Chicago often do not know what to do after being attacked. Typically, these incidents occur quickly, and the panic can mean no one knows what steps to take. If you or a loved one has been attacked, you should:
Settlements for dog bite lawsuits vary widely depending on the severity of the injury, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, the average dog bite settlement is less than $100,000, often ranging from $30,000 to $50,000.
Common injuries from dog attacks include puncture wounds, lacerations, infections (such as rabies or tetanus), nerve damage, scarring and disfigurement, broken bones from falls during an attack, and emotional trauma.
In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit related to a dog bite. It is important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure all deadlines are met.
In Illinois, the owner of the dog is typically liable for any injuries caused by their pet under strict liability laws, provided that the victim was lawfully present in the location where the bite occurred and did not provoke the dog.
Common defenses against a dog bite lawsuit include arguing that the victim provoked the dog, trespassed on private property where the dog was located, or assumed the risk of being bitten by ignoring warnings about the dog’s behavior.
Dog bite attorneys assist clients by investigating the incident, gathering evidence such as medical records and witness statements, negotiating with insurance companies, representing clients in court if necessary, and ensuring they receive fair compensation for their animal attack injuries.
Crucial evidence includes medical records documenting the injury, photographs of the injuries and location of the attack, witness statements, animal control reports, and any prior history of aggression by the dog.
If you’d like to speak to an animal attack attorney, contact the Chicago offices of Argionis & Associates online or by calling (312) 782-4545 for a free consultation. Our attorneys have experience with animal attack cases and can help you through the process of seeking compensation for your medical bills, lost income and other expenses.
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