It is estimated that almost 70% of households in America have at least one pet. Many of those pets are dogs. And while man’s best friend is known for their companionship and friendly nature, they can bite or attack for a number of reasons, such as if they are startled or protecting their puppies or their human family.
If you have suffered a dog bite or attack, you need to speak to a personal injury lawyer in Wheaton from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. Under Illinois law, a dog owner is legally liable for bite injuries. We can help file a personal injury claim to recover your losses and hold owners accountable.
Send us a message today to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Wheaton. We’ve recovered over $100 million. Choose Charlie.
Dog Bites
It is estimated that around 4.4 million people annually suffer dog bite injuries that require medical attention. Dog bite injuries can range from mild to fatal.
Some of the more common injuries are:
- Bruises and abrasions
- Cuts and lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve damage
- Dislocations and fractures
- Paralysis
- Death
There is also a high risk of infection from dog bites. With over 60 types of bacteria that could be in a dog’s mouth at the time of the attack, it is no wonder that about 20% of all dog bite victims develop some kind of infection.
A Wheaton dog attack lawyer knows that some of the more common infections include:
- Tetanus. This bacterium causes rigid paralysis.
- Rabies. Affects the victim’s brain and is almost always fatal once it appears.
- Pasteurella. Develops in more than half of dog bite victims. Symptoms include pain and redness at the bite site, joint swelling, swollen glands, and difficulty moving.
- MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus). A staph infection that can spread to the lungs, skin, and urinary tract. Resistant to certain antibiotics and can be fatal once it enters the lungs or blood.
Emotional Injury
In addition to the physical injuries, victims often deal with very profound emotional distress. Even a dog bite that leaves a minor physical injury can have a significant emotional impact on the victim’s life.
Many victims are left with deep psychological scars, dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may even stop going out for fear of being attacked again.
Dog Bite Lawsuits
According to the Animal Control Act, dog owners are legally and financially responsible for the losses that victims of dog bite incidents suffer.
When someone is the victim of a dog attack, the dog owner can be required to pay for their:
- Emergency medical bills and future medical expenses
- Reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, and prescription medication
- The value of lost wages or salary and other lost employment compensation
- Reductions in earning capacity due to permanent disability
- Psychological losses for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and emotional harm
- Discomfort or inconvenience from scarring and disfigurement
Dog bites operate under a strict liability standard, meaning victims don’t need to prove the owner was negligent. The owner is automatically liable for the victim’s medical expenses and other losses in an injury claim.
Our personal injury attorneys are adept at securing compensation and can navigate the legal process to maximize the amounts you recover. Your losses after a dog attack may be significant, but we can help by providing legal support and negotiating leverage against insurance companies.
Factors That May Affect a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Dog bites should always be taken seriously. A dog that is willing to attack will likely do so again. Our team can help you seek compensation for damages and injuries resulting from an animal attack. Keep in mind that there are many aspects that can impact the outcome of your case.
The Severity and Nature of the Injury
Dog bites are relatively common. Serious injuries that require medical care, lead to emotional trauma, or any interaction with a dog that resulted in a fall may warrant a lawsuit.
The number of injuries, their location, and their severity can all affect the outcome of your case. Consult a dog bite lawyer in Wheaton, IL, to determine whether you should pursue legal action.
Where the Attack Occurred
Where were you when the dog bite occurred? Were you on your own private property or in a public place? Were you visiting a friend or family member when their dog harmed you? Were you trespassing on private property?
The location of the event is very important and could affect the outcome of a lawsuit. However, it is not the only factor that influences your case. Don’t assume that you cannot pursue legal action because of where the attack occurred.
Any Underlying Conditions
Some dogs may be more likely to cause injuries because of their size and strength, regardless of their behavior or personality.
Certain conditions can also make a dog more prone to attack, including:
- Injuries
- Illness
- Difficulty hearing or seeing
- Malnourishment
- History of abuse or neglect
- Being in unfamiliar territory
- Stress, anxiety, or past trauma
The Circumstances Surrounding the Attack
When a dog bite occurs, immediately take detailed notes and photos and share these with your dog bite lawyer in Wheaton, IL. Certain situations could either help or hurt your case, so you’ll want to discuss these openly with your legal representative.
Disclose anything that may have seemed out of the ordinary. Some dogs may be overly aggressive and can attack even when unprovoked. However, if a dog exhibited defensive behavior that the injured party ignored, this may affect the outcome of the case.
Dog Bite FAQs
Here are answers to some of the most common questions about dog bites.
What Should I Do if I’ve Been Bitten?
If you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, first seek medical attention. Make sure you get medical records of the injury and the needed treatment.
Next, report the dog bite to local animal control and seek legal counsel with our personal injury attorneys in Wheaton before talking to the insurance companies.
What Medical Treatment Is Usually Needed?
Depending on the severity of the injury, you may require stitches, antibiotics, a rabies vaccination, or even surgery and other invasive medical treatment.
How Do Most Bites Occur?
Most dog bites actually occur in the home, with victims being family members or friends. Only a small percentage of bites are from unknown or stray animals.
Can I Collect Damages if I Wasn’t Bitten?
It is still possible to collect monetary compensation even if you weren’t bitten. You can pursue collection from the dog owner for any animal attack or attempt at injury. This includes if the dog jumped at you and knocked you to the ground.
How Does a Lawsuit Work?
Under strict liability, the legal system holds the dog owner liable for personal injury damages. You must prove that you were injured and did not provoke the dog.
Illinois’s statute of limitations gives you up to two years from the injury date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Once the two years pass, you’ll lose your legal right to recover compensation, so you need to start early by talking to a dog bite lawyer.
What if I Don’t Want to Sue?
When the injury was caused by a family member or friend’s pet, it can be difficult to pursue legal measures to get the financial compensation you need to cover your medical costs. However, it is possible to collect damages without a lawsuit.
Often, a claim can be handled with the insurance company. Speak with your dog bite lawyer in Wheaton to find out what course of action is best.
What Types of Damages Can Be Collected?
The Illinois Animal Control Act requires animal owners to pay for the victim’s injuries and losses, including:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scars and disfigurement
- Lowered quality of life
We will assist you in presenting your personal injury claim to get the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Wheaton Dog Bite Law Firm
If you have suffered a dog bite or attack, contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., to find out what legal recourse you may have against the dog’s owner.
Call our office today to schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Wheaton, IL. We work on a contingency fee basis, so if we don’t win, you don’t have to pay a fee.
