Do I Need a Lawyer for a Dog Bite?

When to Consider Legal Help After a Dog Attack

The answer to “Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite case?” depends on the severity of the dog bite injury. While a minor nip may not require legal representation, any injury that requires medical treatment should be evaluated by an experienced Chicago dog bite lawyer.

Our award-winning attorneys can determine whether you have a strong dog bite case and help you recover full and fair compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to schedule a complimentary consultation.

For Any Injury Requiring Professional Medical Attention

You should always seek immediate medical care for any severe dog bite, particularly one that has extensive bleeding or occurred to a child.

If a bite broke the skin, required stitches, or became infected, you need an experienced lawyer to calculate your medical expenses and ensure that you receive compensation that covers all your needs.

When the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company Contacts You

Insurance company adjusters are trained to gather statements that will minimize a victim’s injuries. For example, they may ask you how you are feeling, and when you politely say that you are fine, they will insist that you weren’t as badly hurt as you claim.

Do not speak to the dog owner’s insurance without a dog bite lawyer to represent you. We understand the legal nuances of these cases and will ensure that the company does not misrepresent your statements.

If the Victim Is a Child

Dog bite cases involving children have a more complex legal process than those involving adults. Firstly, a settlement offer typically requires court approval to ensure that it is in the child’s best interest. They may request a structured settlement so that the child has funds for their future needs.

The court may also appoint a guardian ad litem, a legal professional who advocates on behalf of the child. Navigating these nuances requires skilled legal representation, both to protect the child and to ensure that the insurance agency does not dispute the dog owner’s liability.

If You Have Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement

Some injuries caused by bites, particularly those to the face or hands, require ongoing medical attention and may leave permanent disfigurement. This can result in high medical bills and lost wages that must be carefully calculated.

Our firm will work with experts to develop a life care plan that incorporates all of your current and future expenses. This is crucial, as insurance adjusters will intentionally minimize your injuries to protect their bottom line.

Additionally, we will consider the emotional impact that scars and disfigurement can impose on a victim so that we can incorporate this into your non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.

How Our Law Firm Fights for Maximum Compensation

As members of the American Association of Justice (AAJ) and the National Association of Personal Injury Attorneys, we are highly familiar with local dog bite laws and serve as powerful victim advocates, guiding our clients through each step of the settlement process.

You can rely on us to handle every element of your case from start to finish. We can assist you with the following tasks, always prioritizing your best interests.

Leveling the Playing Field Against Insurance Companies

Despite Illinois dog bite laws imposing strict liability on owners (510 ILCS 5/24), insurers may attempt to dispute how the bite occurred or minimize the victim’s expenses. In other cases, they will push the victim to accept their first offer by insisting that they won’t offer anything more, causing more stress in an already challenging time.

We handle all communication on our client’s behalf so that insurance adjusters cannot lowball them.

A Thorough Investigation and Gathering Evidence

Evidence is key in a dog bite case. While dog owners are always liable for their animal’s behavior, we can refute common defenses that the dog was provoked or in pain. Our attorneys will collect information on the dog’s history, including Animal Control records and witness statements. We’ll also utilize your medical records to prove the extent of your injuries.

Collecting Detailed Witness Statements

Owners and their insurers will attempt to blame the victim by stating that the dog was harassed or provoked into biting. Independent witnesses are crucial to proving that the victim’s narrative of the events is accurate and that the animal attacked without provocation.

For example, they can explain if the owner was not complying with leash laws (7-12-030) and allowing a dangerous dog to roam free, which can prove that the bite wasn’t provoked.

Accurately Valuing Your Emotional Distress and Trauma

In addition to physical injuries, many victims of dog bite incidents suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, fear, and anxiety. These often compose a significant component of a settlement but can be hard to quantify.

Through documents such as pain diaries, interviews with loved ones, and assessments by medical experts, we can utilize injury multipliers to accurately assess the damages you can recover and advocate for their inclusion in your settlement.

Negotiating Medical Liens to Increase Your Net Recovery

Medical liens are a challenging component of a personal injury lawsuit. These are legal claims that a hospital, health insurance agency, or HMO places on a victim’s settlement to recoup medical bills, and they often significantly diminish the victim’s actual payout.

A dog bite lawyer from our firm can negotiate with the applicable health agency to reduce the amount of money they are owed from your settlement, which means more money in your pocket. This way, your expenses are covered and you have the funds you need to recover.

What Makes Us The Best Lawyers for Illinois Dog Bite Incidents?

Our Super Lawyers-rated law firm is deeply familiar with the Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/) and will push for the highest possible compensation based on the legal facts. Having negotiated over 5,000 successful cases over the past 25 years, we are familiar with the various tactics that insurers employ to avoid paying what a victim deserves.

For example, insurers may attempt to claim that the defendant is not responsible for damages because they weren’t present. In Scifo v. Haeger, it was determined that an owner could be held liable for damages even if they were not physically in control of the animal at the time of the attack.

We are committed to gaining the highest possible settlements for victims, offering compassionate legal representation that aggressively pursues justice. Our team will alleviate your stress during this challenging time while ensuring that you receive the compensation you need to recover in comfort.

Our Settlements for Dog Bite Victims in Illinois

Our law firm is a proud member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, renowned for securing settlements that exceed the state average. These are just some of the many settlements we have negotiated for dog bite victims.

• $400,000: Andre was visiting a friend’s home in the Chatham neighborhood of Chicago. While eating lunch in the backyard, he was attacked by a German Shepherd, resulting in permanent scars to his face and arms. This dog had a history of aggressive behavior and had attacked a repairman only a few weeks before.
• $375,000: Three-year-old Maria was playing in her Wicker Park neighborhood when a neighbor’s pit bull jumped a fence and attacked her. She required reconstructive facial surgery and will be left with permanent scars.
• $195,500: Tyler, an eleven-year-old Grayslake resident, was walking home from school when a neighbor’s large dog broke through the fence and knocked him down. In addition to injuries on his hands and face, he broke his wrist from the force of his fall. We proved that the owner had been aware of the fence issue and their dog had broken through it before.

Illinois Dog Bite Claim FAQs

How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost in Illinois?

Our experienced attorneys work on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win. You don’t have to pay anything up front.

Can I Still File a Claim if the Dog Owner Is a Friend or Family Member?

Yes. Approximately 77% of bites occur with a known animal, such as a family pet or a relative’s dog. We understand that these dog bite cases can be more emotionally charged, and we will handle all communications with the owner so that you can focus on healing.

What if the Insurance Company Already Made Me a Settlement Offer?

Insurance companies typically lowball a dog bite case, meaning that their settlement offer will be lower than what you deserve. Don’t accept any settlement offer from the insurance company before speaking to an experienced dog bite lawyer.

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Illinois?

The Illinois personal injury statute of limitations is two years (735 ILCS 5/13-202). Contact dog bite attorneys as soon as possible to ensure we meet this deadline.

Let Us Help You Recover Fair Compensation

Our skilled attorneys handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis: no fees unless we win. We are committed to ensuring that every negligent owner is held to the strict liability standards under Illinois law and that insurers are forced to pay their fair share. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.