A dog bite can cause lasting physical and emotional ramifications. Whether a dog bites you while you’re walking in your Chicago neighborhood, visiting a friend, or even in your own home, you should not have to bear the burden of medical bills, lost income, and emotional distress alone.
The responsibility often befalls the dog's owner or the property owner where the dog bite incident occurred, and you can hold these parties accountable for your losses.
With the help of the skilled legal professionals at Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you can fight for your rights and receive the just compensation you deserve following a dog bite attack.
Our firm has a proven track record of successfully handling dog bite injury cases in the Chicago area. With our extensive knowledge of Illinois laws concerning dog bite injuries and our determination to secure the maximum possible compensation, we can navigate this challenging course with you.
Contact us to take advantage of our free initial case evaluation and discuss your options with our dedicated Chicago dog bite injury attorneys in this difficult time. Our commitment is to ensure you are not alone in this fight for justice and compensation. Let us be your trusted advocates in fighting for a fair and just resolution in your dog bite injury case.
- Schedule A Free Consultation
- Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
- Dog Bite Injury Compensation
- Where Do Dog Bite Accidents Occur in Chicago?
- Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago
- Battling the Insurance Company
- Strict Liability for Dog Bite Injuries
- What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident
- If You Suffer a Dog Bite in an Attack, Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
Schedule A Free Consultation
Why Choose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
The right legal representation can improve your chances of success in your dog bite injury case. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we have the knowledge, commitment, and resources to represent you adeptly.
Our firm brings our wealth of experience in securing substantial settlements and favorable verdicts dog bite injury cases to Chicago and the surrounding areas.
We credit our success is due to our comprehensive understanding of Illinois dog bite laws, meticulous case preparation, and aggressive advocacy with insurance companies and at-fault parties.
By choosing Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, you are choosing a firm that has a commitment to fiercely advocating for fair compensation, be it medical expenses, loss of income, or emotional pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Injury Compensation
Dog bite injuries can lead to a multitude of physical, emotional, and financial burdens. It is only fair that dog bite victims can seek compensation to help mitigate these damages following an attack. This compensation can cover present and future medical bills, loss of income, emotional distress, and other damages.
Each case is unique, and compensation calculations occur on a case-by-case basis, considering factors such as the severity of the injury and the circumstances of the dog bite incident.
Potential Compensation for Victims
Compensation can cover a variety of losses relating to your dog bite. You may pursue compensation for immediate medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, such as physical therapy, and any cosmetic surgery you require to address disfigurement or permanent scarring the bite caused.
Compensation may also cover your lost income if your injury has stopped you from working in the short or long term. The emotional distress and trauma a dog bite injury can cause are also recoverable through a dog bite claim or lawsuit.
Victims of a dog attack can suffer from anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder, and compensation can help cover the cost of psychological therapy or counseling.
Securing Maximum Compensation
At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation for all our clients. We conduct exhaustive investigations, gather evidence, and carefully document all damages to build a strong case on your behalf.
We understand that a dog bite claim is not just about the injury but also how it has detrimentally altered your life. By presenting a robust case, we aim to fight for the maximum compensation Illinois law entitles you to.
Where Do Dog Bite Accidents Occur in Chicago?
Dog bite attacks are not isolated incidents; they occur far more frequently than most people realize. They can happen anywhere and anytime—in public spaces, private homes, parks, or workplaces in the vibrant city of Chicago. Reports indicate that more than 800,000 people a year in the United States will visit a doctor or emergency room for treatment of a dog bite.
Chicago is home to thousands of dogs, and, unfortunately, dog bites happen more frequently than you might think. Official statistics show that, on average, hundreds of dog bite incidents occur each year in the city. But these numbers only account for reported incidents, and there may be many more unreported dog bite attacks each year.
Common Locations and Circumstances Leading to Dog Bites
While dog bites can occur anywhere, in Chicago, they often happen in densely populated residential areas, such as West Loop or River North, and bustling parks, including Grant Park and Humboldt Park.
These incidents usually occur when owners let dogs off-leash or don’t provide adequate supervision. Circumstances leading to dog bites often involve interactions with unfamiliar people or animals, heightened excitement or fear, or a lack of proper training and socialization of the dog.
Children under 14 are particularly vulnerable to dog bites, mainly due to their size and lack of understanding about the signs of an aggressive or dangerous animal. Elderly individuals and postal workers are also at a higher risk due to increased exposure to dogs. But a dog bite can occur to anyone, regardless of age, occupation, or location.
Dog Bite Injuries in Chicago
Dog bite incidents can result in different types of injuries, ranging from minor scrapes to severe, life-altering conditions and, in some extreme instances, fatality. At Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, we have experience handling all types of dog bite injury cases and recouping compensation for victims of dog attacks.
Whether it is a case involving an unprovoked attack by an unrestrained dog in a public place, a bite from a neighbor's dog, or an attack by an off-leash dog in a park, we have the background and experience to handle it. We also represent victims of multiple dog attacks and cases involving breeds known for their aggressive tendencies.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can be painful and highly traumatic; injuries can include puncture wounds, lacerations, fractures, and nerve damage. Victims can sometimes suffer severe facial injuries that require reconstructive surgery. Other common dog bite injury complications may include infections and psychological trauma. No matter what type of injury you sustain in an attack by a dog, we are available to seek the compensation you need for your recovery and beyond.
Battling the Insurance Company
Dog bite cases often involve complex interactions and negotiations with insurance companies. Insurers want to protect their bottom line, which can result in obstacles and a challenging process for injury victims seeking compensation.
After a dog bite injury, the most common path to compensation is an insurance claim through property-related coverage, such as a homeowner's or renter's insurance policy.
Dealing with adjusters can be daunting, as they aim to limit their company's financial liability by reducing the compensation they offer you. This can result in victim-blaming tactics, lowball settlement offers, or even outright denials of your claim.
With Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, by your side, you have a team of skilled negotiators who are familiar with the tactics insurance companies use, and we know how to fight back.
Our Chicago dog bite injury attorneys understand the true value of your claim and can advocate to ensure you get a fair offer. We take the burden off your shoulders by handling all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery.
Strict Liability for Dog Bite Injuries
Strict liability states, such as Illinois, hold the dog owner legally responsible for an injury their dog causes, regardless of whether they knew or had any reason to believe that the dog is dangerous.
The Illinois Animal Control Act makes the owner liable for the full amount of the injury the dog caused. To hold the owner legally responsible, the victim needs to establish they acted peacefully and lawfully at the location where the bite occurred and did not provoke the dog.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident
Taking the right steps after a dog bite attack can significantly improve your ability to file a successful claim or lawsuit.
Importance of Medical Documentation and Treatment
After a dog bite, seek and follow through with medical treatment. This is vital not only for your health but also for creating an official record of your injuries and the timeline of your recovery. Follow all medical advice and keep copies of all medical bills, prescriptions, and other related records. This documentation can prove the extent of your injuries and show the value of your claim.
Recording the Incident Details
Remember to document details of the incident, including the location of the attack, the dog's and owner's details, if known, and any witness information. Photos of your injuries throughout the healing process and the location of the incident can help.
Start a journal where you take notes on developments in your recovery and write down details about the accident and aftermath that may be difficult to recall in the future.
Hire a Chicago Dog Bite Injury Attorney
As soon as possible, contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, to discuss your options. Early legal intervention and advice provide the necessary guidance to protect your interests and rights and begin the steps to building a strong case. You do not need to handle a dog bite injury claim alone.
A Chicago dog bite injury lawyer can make a big difference in how the insurance company handles your claim and the amount of compensation they may offer you for your losses.
If You Suffer a Dog Bite in an Attack, Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA
We understand the pain, fear, and uncertainty that comes after a dog bite. Our commitment is not just to secure the best possible outcome for you but also to guide and support you during this difficult time. We believe in putting our clients first, and we fight to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one sustained a dog bite injury, you do not have to navigate this challenging journey alone. Contact Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA, today at (312) 500-2901 for your free case evaluation. Our experienced dog bite injury attorneys are ready to explain your legal options and fight for the maximum compensation possible in your case.
Glad I chose Dolman Law Group Accident Injury Lawyers, PA. Hiring Matt Dolman is the best decision you could make if you are injured in an accident. He resolved my case quickly (it only took about 4 1/2 months) and it was a pleasure to deal with the staff. The communication was great as I always knew what to expect with each stage of the process.
Refreshing. It was very refreshing to work with an attorney that took such a professional and personal approach to helping me with my legal needs. I was kept informed on everything Mr. Dolman was doing so I never felt “in the dark”. Another positive was Mr. Dolman’s knowledge in the trial procedures. I never felt misled through the whole process and recieved the services and results that I was promised upon our initial consultation. There were no unexpected issues or occurrences.