Your Dog Bite Lawyer in Chicago

Dog bites should never be taken lightly, especially when your pet is the one that’s harmed another person. 4.5 million dog bites occurred in the United States last year according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Infections, serious injuries, and psychological harm can all result from a dog bite.

Time is of the essence when you experience a dog bite incident. If your dog has bitten someone else or you are the victim of a dog bite, please get in touch with our Chicago dog bite attorneys at Shea Law Group.

Dog Bite Injuries and Illinois Law

Illinois is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites, meaning that whether the owner was negligent or not, they can still be held liable if their dog attacks or injures someone. It is crucial to work with a law firm that has in-depth knowledge of Illinois dog bite laws when dealing with dog bite cases.

Our personal injury lawyers at Shea Law Group have extensive experience representing victims of dog bites in Chicago and throughout Illinois.

Types of Injuries Sustained in Dog Attacks

Dogs can attack from anywhere at any time, causing various types of harm, including:

• Scratches can lead to punctured skin, tears in the skin and muscle, and other soft tissue damage.
• Bites are the most common injury from a dog attack, causing puncture wounds, tearing of fascia and muscle, nerve damage, injuries to eyes and ears, and other soft tissue damage.
• Fractures, which can occur in severe cases depending on the size and strength of the dog, lead to breaks in fingers, hands, arms, or legs that require immediate medical attention.

Lastly, it is important to understand that, in addition to the pain and suffering caused by these injuries, dog bite victims often suffer emotional harm and mental anguish due to the attack.

Causes of Dog Attacks

Dogs may attack for various reasons, but often the trigger is something even their human doesn’t understand. Common triggers include:

• A sudden sound
• An unfamiliar scent
• An unknown person
• A sudden movement that frightens them

Some untrained dogs or dogs that have been abused may attack when they feel threatened, which can be as simple as a sudden movement in their direction. Therefore, it is best to keep your distance from unfamiliar dogs, especially when their owners are not around.

What Should You Do Following A Dog Bite

Dog bites can be traumatic and lead to significant medical expenses, emotional distress, and complicated legal issues. Whether you’re a victim or a dog owner, understanding the steps to take immediately after a dog bite incident can protect your rights and help manage the situation effectively.

Steps for Dog Bite Victims

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately
   • Dog bites can cause serious injuries that require medical attention as soon as possible. Even minor bites can lead to infections or other complications. Ensure you get medical care promptly to assess and treat your injuries.
2. Document the Incident
   • Take detailed notes about the incident, including the location, time, and circumstances of the dog bite. If possible, take photographs of your injuries and the scene. Collect contact information from witnesses and the dog owner. All of this information will help build your personal injury case.
3. Report the Incident
   • Notify local animal control or the police about the dog bite. This report can be crucial for any dog bite lawsuits or insurance claims you may need to file later.
4. Consult a Personal Injury Lawyer
   • Contact a personal injury lawyer who has handled dog bite injury claims. In states like Illinois, which follow strict liability laws, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries their pet causes. A lawyer can help you navigate the legal options available to you.
5. File a Claim
   • Depending on the circumstances, you may need to file a dog bite injury claim with the dog owner’s insurance company. Your personal injury lawyer can assist in negotiating settlements and ensuring you receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

Steps for Dog Owners After a Dog Bite

1. Ensure Immediate Safety
   • First, ensure the victim gets medical attention. Secure your dog to prevent further incidents and to comply with local animal control laws.
2. Exchange Information
   • Provide your contact information to the victim and collect theirs as well. You should also offer details about your dog’s vaccination history.
3. Document the Incident
   • Write down your account of the incident, noting any potential triggers or preceding events. This documentation can be essential for your defense in a dog bite lawsuit.
4. Report the Bite
   • Contact local authorities to report the bite. This is often a legal requirement and helps in case the victim files a report.
5. Contact Your Insurance Company
   • Notify your insurance company about the dog bite incident. They can guide you through the process of handling claims and legal issues. Many homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite incidents.
6. Consult A Dog Bite Attorney In Chicago
   • Seek advice from a dog bite attorney, especially if the victim pursues a dog bite injury claim. An attorney can help protect your rights and navigate the complexities of strict liability laws in the United States.

Chicago Dog Laws

Due to the frequency of injuries from dog attacks, Illinois and Chicago, in particular, have extremely strict dog-related legislation, making it somewhat easier to file a successful dog bite claim. Dog bites are the second-highest reason for emergency room visits involving children and family members.

The State of Illinois has specific guidelines that help determine who is liable when a dog attacks, and by default, the responsibility falls on the owner of the dog, with only two exceptions: if you were attacked while trespassing, or if you provoked the dog in any way, you are then responsible for your injuries.

Vicious and Dangerous Dogs

Unlike pets, any dog deemed vicious or dangerous must be kept separated from the public. Vicious dogs are defined as those who will attack without provocation, and by law should be kept securely fenced-in. Dangerous dogs are those who have the inclination to attack when left alone. If a dangerous dog is not properly confined, and attacks or attempts to attack an individual, there may be legal repercussions as well as civil liability.

Why Choose Shea Law Group

At Shea Law Group, we pride ourselves on providing our clients with excellent legal representation, and we are committed to ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to recover fully.

Our experienced dog bite attorneys will help you through the dog bite injury claims process from beginning to end, making sure you understand what’s happening at each step of the process. We know how to navigate through the complicated forms and requirements of insurance companies. Let us handle the technical parts of your claim while you focus on recovering.

We have earned significant compensation for our clients, and we will work diligently to get the positive results you deserve. If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack in Chicago or the surrounding area, Call our dedicated Chicago dog bite attorney at Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 for a free consultation and case evaluation.