Facial Scars From Dog Bites

The Lifelong Impact of a Disfiguring Dog Attack

In 2016, roughly 31% of households in Illinois owned dogs. These animals are very popular household pets, but they can also be involved in vicious attacks if they feel anxious, startled, or threatened. Facial scars from dog bites can have lifelong physical and mental consequences, including a lasting impact on self-confidence.

Our Chicago dog bite lawyers know what it takes to assess the impact of facial injuries and seek fair compensation for your legal damages while you focus on recovering. Together, we will seek justice against the at-fault dog owner with a personal injury claim.

Why Facial Injuries from Dog Bites Are So Severe

Facial injuries from a dog bite are very serious. Often, the damage is extensive to vital facial parts, requiring reconstructive surgery. Additionally, the mental impact is massive because the face is part of our outward appearance, so permanent scars can make us feel self-conscious about how we look.

These types of injuries are especially common among children, primarily due to their smaller stature and proximity to the height of a dog’s mouth. Here are some head and neck injuries that could be sustained during a dog attack:

• Lacerations
• Puncture wounds
• Soft tissue damage
• Lost skin
• Tissue loss
• Broken bones
• Life-threatening vascular damage
• Eye injuries
• Dental injuries
• Facial scars
• Nerve damage

The Psychological Trauma of Facial Scars

The healing process for physical injuries may be quick for minor attacks, but emotional trauma can last a lifetime. Many victims of dog bites suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, and thoughts of self-harm.

A victim whose face is affected by permanent scarring after the attack could also struggle with a loss of self-esteem and body confidence. They can withdraw from social interactions to avoid friends and loved ones noticing their appearance.

How We Value a Claim for Facial Disfigurement in Illinois

Disfigurement and scarring can be categorized as non-economic losses in a civil lawsuit. With facial injuries from dogs, the likelihood of permanent alterations to your appearance is high. Therefore, you can seek a settlement for the impact of the dog attack on your mental well-being.

Lawyers from our law firm will consider multiple factors to determine the value of your claim, including mental health professional testimony, medical bills, therapy costs, scar revision expenses, surgery bills, journal entries, and other relevant evidence.

Recovering Full Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries

In Illinois, victims can file personal injury claims to recover damages for suffering caused by someone else’s negligence. Common damages that victims may seek after a dog bite attack include:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses (surgical interventions, wound care, cosmetic procedures)
• Future care bills
• Property damage
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering (resulting from injuries)
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

A judge or jury can award punitive damages in cases involving gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

The Advantage for Dog Bite Victims in Illinois

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/), dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. As long as you did not provoke the incident or trespass on private property at the time of the incident, liability is automatically assigned to the dog’s owner for dog bite injuries.

The Importance of Immediate Medical Treatment

No matter how minimal your injuries or scars may seem, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite. This will ensure that you receive a proper diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to address the damage to your skin. If you avoid appointments early on, the risk of permanent scars will increase.

Additionally, delaying medical intervention could undermine your claim, as the defendant or insurance company could state that you are exaggerating the dog bite’s impact for a higher settlement. You should also consider taking legal action immediately, as Illinois has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (735 ILCS 5/13-202).

How Our Dog Bite Lawyers Fight for You

Our law firm understands the devastating impact a dog bite can have on a victim, especially if it causes scars or disfigurement. Our legal services include:

• Investigating the dog bite attack
• Gathering evidence from witnesses, mental health professionals, and animal control agencies
• Assessing all legal damages, including the lifelong impact of facial scars
• Negotiating for a fair settlement
• Litigating in civil court

Dog bite lawyers from our law firm have years of experience securing settlements for victims of these attacks, allowing them to focus on their recovery and well-being.

Here are some past results from cases we have won:

• $1,200,000 – Toddler Noah was attacked by a family member’s Doberman, suffering disfiguring facial injuries that will require lifelong care.
• $885,000 – While at a cookout, 16-year-old Ryan was bitten and shoved into a fire pit by a dog, causing burns and permanent scarring.
• $375,000 – Three-year-old Maya was bitten in the face by a pit bull, requiring surgery and leaving lifelong scarring.

Schedule a Free Consultation to Discuss Your Case

If you or a loved one has suffered major facial injuries from a dog bite, our attorneys will provide a compassionate approach to the legal process. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we win.

Our team of lawyers will provide a safe environment to share your story and hold the at-fault party accountable for their dog’s behavior. We will help you understand your legal rights under state laws and secure your finances to help you along the path to recovery.

You can discuss your dog bite experience during a confidential consultation with our expert legal team. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation with our top dog bite lawyers.