An encounter with a vicious dog can be a frightening experience. Some breeds are notoriously aggressive, and have been known to attack people for no reason. Even a seemingly peaceful dog can suddenly snap at a passerby. If you have been attacked by a dog in the state of Illinois, you may be eligible for compensation in an Illinois dog bite claim. To find out if you are eligible, you can get the professional advice of a Chicago dog bite attorney.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
In Illinois, the law states that when a dog bites someone, the owner of that dog is wholly responsible for the injuries to the victim. The law that asserts this states:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in a place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”
Types of Damages for a Chicago Dog Bite Claim
Owing to Illinois law, when a dog bites someone, the owner of that dog may have to pay damages to the victim. By filing an Illinois dog bite claim, the victim may claim such damages as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room procedures and transport;
- Future medical treatment including cosmetic surgery;
- Psychological counseling to deal with issues such as trauma and paranoia;
- Emotional distress due to injuries and scars;
- Any pain and/or suffering; and
- The loss of past, present, and future wages.
To claim such damages, you must file an Illinois dog bite claim in a formal court of law. To file an Illinois dog bite claim, you can get the expert help of a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
What You Must Prove in a Chicago Dog Bite Claim
To recover damages after a dog bite, there are several things that you must prove in court. This is where you will need the help of a Chicago dog bite attorney. In court, you must establish:
- The identity of the dog that bit you, and the identity of the owner;
- That you were attacked by the dog and bitten/injured;
- It was the dog bite that caused your injuries and damages; and
- That the dog attacked you in a public place, or in a place where you had the right or permission to be.
If, however, you were trespassing at the time of the dog bite, or if you knowingly provoked the dog, or if you were committing a crime at the time (robbery, burglary, etc.) the owner of the dog may not be held liable for your damages.
Compensation in a Chicago Dog Bite Claim
There is no standard amount of compensation in an Illinois dog bite claim, nor any formula to estimate the value of your claim. To estimate your claim, you can schedule a consultation with a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
A lawyer will investigate your case, and give a rough estimation of how much your claim may be worth, based on your medical bills, lost wages and other pertinent details.
If you wish to proceed with a claim, you will have to file a lawsuit. However, if the owner of the dog is guilty beyond a doubt, they may choose to settle out of court. In this case, a Chicago dog bite lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement. If an agreeable settlement cannot be reached, you will have to proceed to court. It will then be up to your dog bite lawyer to build a winning case.
Hiring a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
You should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an injury alone.
When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long-term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080
