If a dog attacked you or your child, a dog bite lawyer in Norridge can help you understand your rights and pursue compensation for your injuries.
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we have represented injured people since 2002 and bring more than 75 years of combined experience to personal injury claims. We deal directly with insurers, so you do not have to handle the claims process alone.
Contact us for a free consultation with a Norridge personal injury lawyer to get started.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
Illinois law does not require an injured person to prove that a dog previously attacked someone or that its owner knew it could be dangerous. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, an owner may be liable when a dog, without provocation, attacks or injures someone who was acting peaceably and had a lawful right to be where the incident occurred.
A dog bite claim generally requires evidence showing that:
- The dog or other animal caused your injury.
- You did not provoke the animal.
- You were acting peaceably at the time.
- You were in a place where you had a legal right to be.
The law applies to more than bites. Injuries caused when a dog knocks someone down, lunges, or otherwise attacks may also support a claim depending on the facts.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
Your health comes first after an animal attack. Even a wound that appears minor can become infected or involve damage below the skin.
When possible, take the following steps:
- Get medical treatment and follow your provider’s instructions.
- Identify the dog and the person responsible for it.
- Photograph your injuries as they change during recovery.
- Take pictures of the location and any damaged or bloody clothing.
- Get names and contact information for witnesses.
- Report the incident to the appropriate animal control or law enforcement agency.
- Keep medical bills, work records, and other documents related to your losses.
- Avoid giving a detailed recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with a lawyer.
Our dog bite attorneys in Norridge can collect additional records and handle communications with insurers while you focus on your treatment.
Who May Be Liable for a Dog Attack in Illinois?
The person who legally owns the dog is not always the only person who may qualify as an owner under Illinois law. The Animal Control Act uses a broader definition that can include someone who keeps or harbors the animal, has it in their care, acts as its custodian, or knowingly permits the dog to remain on premises they occupy.
Depending on the circumstances, we may investigate:
- The person who owns the dog.
- Someone who was keeping or harboring the dog.
- A person who had the dog in their care.
- A person acting as the dog’s custodian.
- Other parties whose negligent conduct may have contributed to the injury.
Our legal team can review who controlled the dog, where the incident happened, and what each person did before the attack.
Evidence That Can Help Our Norridge Dog Bite Lawyers Build a Stronger Claim
Insurance companies may dispute how an attack occurred, whether the victim provoked the dog, or the severity of the injuries. Good documentation can help establish what happened and show the full effect of the injury.
Evidence About the Attack
We may use:
- Animal control or police reports.
- Witness statements.
- Photos or video of the incident location.
- Security or doorbell camera footage.
- Information identifying the dog and its owner or caretaker.
- Records concerning the dog’s vaccination status.
Evidence About Your Injuries
Medical documentation can establish the treatment you received and whether you may need additional care. Evidence may include:
- Emergency room and physician records.
- Photographs showing the progression of wounds and scars.
- Surgical and plastic surgery records.
- Prescription and rehabilitation expenses.
- Counseling or mental health treatment records.
- Wage and employment documentation.
We use this information to present a clear account of both the attack and the losses it caused.
Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury
A dog bite claim may include compensation for financial losses as well as the physical and emotional effects of the injury. The amount depends on the nature of the injuries, the treatment required, and how the attack has affected your daily life.
Depending on your circumstances, our Norridge dog bite lawyers may pursue compensation for:
- Emergency and hospital treatment.
- Surgery and follow-up medical care.
- Scar treatment or plastic surgery.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced future earning ability when supported by the evidence.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- Future medical treatment related to the injury.
We review medical records, income information, and future treatment recommendations before evaluating a settlement offer.
Dog Bite Claims Involving Children
A dog attack can have lasting effects on a child, particularly when the injuries involve the face, head, or visible scarring. A child may require follow-up procedures as they grow, and fear or anxiety around animals may continue after the wounds heal.
When we handle a claim for a child, we look at both current treatment and reasonably anticipated future needs. We also document scarring, disfigurement, emotional harm, and how the injury has affected the child’s daily activities.
We can explain how Illinois law applies to a child’s claim and what steps a parent or guardian can take.
Why Choose Charlie
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we take a more personal approach to injury cases. You are not treated like a file number. We stay accessible, keep you updated, and make sure you know where your claim stands.
When you work with our firm, you can expect:
- Responsive communication when you have questions or updates.
- Direct attention from a boutique firm focused on client service.
- Help coordinating with medical providers who may accept treatment on a lien when you do not have health insurance.
- Convenient options for submitting forms and communicating electronically.
- Free consultations, including meetings by Zoom.
- Representation on a contingency-fee basis, so you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our founding partner previously worked on the insurance side with Allstate. That background gives us useful insight into how insurers evaluate injury claims, question damages, and approach settlement negotiations. We use that perspective when preparing and presenting your dog bite claim.
Schedule a FREE Consultation With a Dog Bite Attorney in Norridge Today
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., has represented injured people since 2002 and has recovered more than $100 million for clients.
Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our Norridge dog attorneys. We can explain how Illinois law applies and discuss the next steps available to you.
