Illinois law gives many people injured in dog attacks a direct basis for seeking compensation from the person responsible for the animal. A dog bite lawyer in Harwood Heights can review the circumstances of the attack, address disputes over liability, and pursue compensation for the injuries you suffered.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has recovered more than $100 million for clients. We take a personal approach to injury cases, stay accessible throughout the claim, and handle communications with insurers on your behalf.
Choose Charlie. Contact us for a free consultation with a Harwood Heights personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options.
When a Dog Owner May Be Liable in Illinois
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, an owner may be liable when a dog, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures a person who is acting peaceably in a place where they are legally allowed to be.
This means an injured person generally does not need to show that the dog had bitten someone before or that the owner knew the animal was dangerous.
A claim may depend on evidence showing that:
- The dog attacked or injured you.
- You did not provoke the animal.
- You were acting peaceably.
- You had a lawful right to be at the location.
Our Harwood Heights dog bite attorneys review the facts surrounding the encounter and address any attempt to dispute these elements.
Dog Bite Injuries That May Require Ongoing Treatment
A bite can damage more than the surface of the skin. Teeth can injure nerves, muscles, tendons, and other tissue, while an attack can also cause a person to fall or strike another object.
Injuries may include:
- Deep puncture wounds.
- Lacerations.
- Infections.
- Nerve or tendon damage.
- Broken bones.
- Facial injuries.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Injuries caused by falls.
- Anxiety and other emotional effects.
Treatment may involve stitches, antibiotics, surgery, scar revision, physical therapy, or counseling depending on the nature of the injury.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
Medical care should be your first concern. Dog bites can become infected, and some injuries are more serious than they initially appear.
After receiving care, preserve as much information about the attack as you reasonably can:
- Identify the dog and the person who owns or controls it.
- Report the attack to the appropriate authorities.
- Photograph the wound before and during healing.
- Take pictures of the location when possible.
- Keep damaged clothing and other physical evidence.
- Get contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Save medical bills, treatment instructions, and work records.
- Keep copies of communications from insurance companies.
A dog bite attorney in Harwood Heights can then obtain additional evidence and deal directly with the insurer.
Who Counts as an “Owner” Under Illinois Law?
Illinois uses a broader definition of animal ownership than simply the person whose name appears on veterinary or registration records.
Under the Animal Control Act, an owner can include someone who:
- Has a property right in the animal.
- Keeps or harbors the animal.
- Has the animal in their care.
- Acts as the animal’s custodian.
- Knowingly allows a dog to remain on the premises they occupy.
That definition becomes relevant when someone other than the legal owner was caring for or controlling the dog at the time of the attack.
We examine who had possession and control of the animal rather than relying only on formal ownership records.
Dog Bite Claims Involving Children
Dog bites can be particularly serious when the victim is a child. Facial wounds, visible scars, and fear of animals may affect a child well after the initial medical treatment ends.
When representing a child, we may document:
Medical Needs
A growing child may require scar treatment, plastic surgery, or additional procedures in the future. Medical opinions can help establish whether further care is reasonably expected.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Photographs and medical records can show how a scar changes as the wound heals. Visible scars, especially on the face, may significantly affect the value of a claim.
Emotional Harm
A child may develop anxiety, sleep problems, fear of dogs, or other behavioral changes after an attack. Counseling records and information from the family may help document those effects.
Our dog bite lawyers in Harwood Heights consider both the immediate injury and its longer-term effects on the child.
Compensation You May Be Able to Recover
The damages available in a dog bite claim depend on the extent of the injury and the losses connected to it.
Compensation may include:
- Emergency medical treatment.
- Surgery and follow-up care.
- Prescription costs.
- Plastic surgery or scar treatment.
- Physical therapy.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning ability in qualifying cases.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Future medical care.
We review the medical evidence and financial documentation before determining the amount of compensation to pursue.
How Insurance Coverage Can Affect a Dog Bite Claim
Many dog bite claims are handled through homeowners or renters insurance rather than directly out of the owner’s pocket. Coverage depends on the policy and the circumstances of the attack.
An insurer may question coverage, dispute how the incident occurred, or argue that your injuries do not justify the amount you are seeking.
Our Harwood Heights dog bite lawyers can identify available coverage, submit supporting records, and respond to insurer arguments about liability or damages.
Why Choose Our Harwood Heights Dog Bite Lawyers for Your Case?
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., is a boutique injury law firm that prioritizes client communication. We want you to know who is handling your claim and to be able to get answers when questions come up.
Clients who work with us have access to:
- More than 75 years of combined legal experience.
- Responsive communication throughout the case.
- A founding partner who previously worked on the insurance side with Allstate.
- Help communicating and exchanging documents electronically.
- Relationships with medical providers who may accept qualifying patients on liens.
- Free consultations, including Zoom consultations.
- Contingency-fee representation, so attorney fees are not owed unless we obtain a recovery for you.
Our prior insurance-side experience also helps us understand how carriers evaluate injuries, challenge damages, and approach negotiations.
Talk With a Dog Bite Attorney in Harwood Heights
If a dog bite has resulted in medical treatment, scarring, missed work, or other losses, you may have a claim under Illinois law. We can review how the attack occurred and determine what evidence and insurance coverage may be available.
Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. for a free consultation with a dog bite attorney in Harwood Heights.
