Disfigurement in Dog Bite Cases

The Lifelong Impact of a Disfiguring Dog Attack

A dog bite, especially from a powerful breed like a pit bull or German Shepherd, can lead to lifelong suffering. Disfigurement in dog bite cases is often the most permanent and devastating outcome of the attack, not to mention the emotional trauma and the impact on your physical capabilities.

Illinois laws recognize the substantial harm that disfigurement from a dog attack can have on your life. Fortunately, there is a legal path for victims to seek significant compensation by holding the dog owner accountable for their negligence.

Our dog bite injury law firm in Chicago can help you fight for justice and obtain the maximum settlement after suffering from scarring and disfigurement after the attack.

Common Types of Disfigurement from Dog Bite Injuries

A disfigurement is a type of injury that permanently affects the physical makeup or appearance of the victim. The severity of these injuries can lead to physical challenges and psychological distress.

Here are some of the most common disfigurement injuries that victims of dog bites suffer:

• Permanent scars, especially on the face, neck, arms, or legs
• Loss of body parts, such as fingers, noses, ears, or other appendages
• Nerve or muscle damage that affects mobility or appearance
• Facial injuries

Even smaller dog bite injuries can lead to permanent disfigurement, so consult a top dog bite attorney to assess your legal damages and calculate a fair settlement.

The Deep Psychological Toll of Dog Bite Scars

Visible scarring and disfigurement can also lead to more “invisible wounds.” The impact of a severe injury, especially after multiple reconstructive surgeries, can affect you emotionally. Survivors of this type of trauma often face Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, depression, social anxiety, and a loss of self-confidence.

In dog bite cases, this psychological harm can be claimed in your settlement as a non-economic loss, driving the value of your case up.

Key Factors That Determine the Value of a Disfigurement Claim

Although many physical wounds heal over time, disfiguring injuries are often permanent. The impact of the dog attack will determine how much compensation you can earn in the settlement.

Here are several factors that will influence your payout:

• The severity of the personal injury
• Medical bills from your treatment options, including surgery, medication, emergency care, scar treatment, rehabilitation, and physical therapy
• Future costs of medical care
• Emotional distress caused by facial scar tissue or other injuries
• Available evidence from the accident scene
• Insurance policy limits for the defendant

Recovering Full Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries

Personal injury claims typically involve two types of legal damages: economic and non-economic. Let’s take a closer look at how specific losses can increase your settlement.

Economic Damages

These losses are related to the direct financial implications of the dog bite attack. Your dog bite attorney will help you understand the full scope of economic damages in your claim.

• Lost wages
• Medical bills (plastic surgery, scar revision treatment, skin grafts, therapy)
• Future medical expenses (ongoing rehabilitation and psychological counseling)
• Property damage
• Loss of earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

These losses are based on the non-financial and human costs associated with your scarring and disfigurement. Dog bite scars are recognized as a significant element in non-economic losses in Illinois. Here are some of the most common non-economic losses that can exist alongside permanent disfigurement:

• Emotional trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of dogs)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life

How Illinois Law Protects Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims in Illinois can take advantage of the Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) to pursue compensation.

Under this statute, dog owners can be held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. The only defenses relevant to these claims are provocation and trespassing. If you can prove that you did not provoke the dog bite and that you were not trespassing at the time, then strict liability will ensure the owner is accountable for your legal damages.

Some states operate with a “one-bite rule.” This standard exempts owners from liability for first offenses, especially if the dog has not displayed aggressive behavior in the past. Essentially, the owner is not liable for the first time their dog bites someone.

You also have time to consider legal action after a dog bite incident. Under the statute of limitations for personal injuries (735 ILCS 5/13-202), the injured party has two years from the date of the incident or the date they discover their injuries to pursue legal action against the at-fault party.

How an Attorney Fights for Your Full Compensation

Our law firm can play a crucial role in supporting your pursuit of a fair settlement. Although strict liability makes it easier for dog bite victims to obtain compensation and hold irresponsible owners accountable, the claims process can still be overwhelming. You have the right to seek justice for the dog bite scars that are affecting your physical, emotional, and financial health.

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the attack
• Speaking to witnesses
• Gathering evidence
• Protecting your legal rights under state law
• Securing expert testimony from medical professionals, plastic surgeons, and life care planners
• Assessing legal damages for scarring and disfigurement
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court

Our attorneys have a proven track record of success for past victims of dog attacks. Here are some settlements we have won for our clients:

$885,000

At a cookout, 16-year-old Ethan was bitten by a dog and pushed into a bonfire, suffering burns and bite wounds. The severity of his injuries and trauma increased the settlement.

$375,000

Four-year-old Caleb was mauled by a pit bull, leaving lasting facial scars after surgery. His age and the likelihood of future procedures impacted the case value.

$165,454

Postal worker Robert was attacked by a Boxer while delivering mail, causing arm injuries and nerve damage. The effect on his ability to work raised the case value.

Get a Free Consultation with an Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite that causes serious injuries can be devastating. While you face the emotional and physical recovery, our team of expert lawyers can handle the legal logistics of your claim. We know what it takes to prove you did not provoke the dog and overcome the shady negotiation tactics of the insurance company.

We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. You can also leverage a confidential consultation to ask questions about the claims process. Contact us today to schedule your free case evaluation with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer.