Dog Bite Lawyers in Chicago

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.

Dog Bites and the Law

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’ve been injured by a dog, or a loved one has been injured by an animal, contact Argionis & Associates by calling (312) 782-4545 for a free consultation. Our attorneys can help you make sense of the law and determine whether you have a claim.

What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten

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:

• Get medical treatment at once: Visit a doctor or emergency room, depending on the severity of your injuries. Dog bites can get infected, so you’ll want medical supervision, even if the wound does not appear to be serious.
• Practice good wound care: For minor bites, wash well with soap and water. For serious wounds, your doctor may suggest a more rigorous wound care routine.
• Report the incident to police and animal control: If you’re not sure whether the dog has rabies vaccinations, it’s vital to get this information. If there is an aggressive dog in a community, police and animal control need to know to prevent more attacks.
• Document the incident: Before you leave the scene of the bite, get contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses, if possible. Get photos of the scene and any registration details on the dog’s collar. As soon as possible, write down everything you remember, and take pictures of your wounds. Do not wash the clothes you had on at the time of the attack. Store them in a plastic bag as evidence. Keep any bills or receipts related to your injuries.
• Contact a dog bite attorney in Chicago: An attorney can walk you through the process of filing a claim and make sure you get fair compensation for your injuries.

Animal Attack Lawyer in Chicago

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.