How to Obtain Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Dog Bite Stats

Dogs are called human’s best friend for a reason. They can provide excellent companionship to people, especially those who live alone and seek comradeship. Moreover, having a dog as a pet has proven to be beneficial in relieving stress levels and can potentially result in improved mood and energy levels. However, even the fuzziest and cuddliest dog can bite an individual if they feel threatened, scared, or for any other reason. This may not only cause severe pain, nerve damage, or injury but can also result in infection, which can prove to be fatal for the victim. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed that nearly 1 in 5 people who become a victim of a dog bite require immediate medical attention.

Illinois Law Pertaining to Dog Bites

There is a specific statute in Illinois that covers injuries pertaining to dog bites. This law provides certain prerequisites in order to establish liability, a victim must demonstrate that:

• Dog attacked, or attempted to attack, or injured the victim.
• The victim did not provoke or attempt to provoke the dog.
• The victim was lawfully present in the place where the incident took place.

This statute covers injuries sustained as a result of an animal bite as well as damages caused due to other animal behaviors. For instance, if a dog knocks you down and you receive severe or brutal scratches, you may seek compensation from the dog’s owner. One thing to remember is that the statute of limitations for dog bites in Illinois is two years from the date of bite, therefore, you must ensure that you file a case under this time period otherwise your case may get dismissed without a hearing.

Furthermore, in a case where you have been bitten by a stray dog, an animal control officer may catch it and keep it under observation for 10 days. If that dog shows any sign of rabid or the owner of the dog remains unidentified, then a medical provider may take precautionary measures by subjecting you to a series of rabies vaccinations to keep you protected from this deadly disease, which can have severe and fatal consequences.

How Do I Obtain Damages for My Injuries?

It can be highly beneficial for your case to seek legal assistance from an experienced dog bite lawyer to obtain rightful compensation for your injuries. A victim is not required to prove the negligence or carelessness of the dog owner. However, an owner has two defenses to a dog bite: provocation and trespassing. A skillful lawyer can help you to establish liability by proving that you were lawfully present at the place of the incident and did not provoke the dog. A successful lawsuit will help you obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain, and suffering, and loss of consortium.

If you or your loved ones have suffered from a dog bite injury, then it is extremely important to take appropriate action. It is recommended that you consult an experienced personal injury lawyer by contacting I Am Calling My Lawyer at 888-841-4878 for a free consultation.