Dog Bite Nerve Damage Cases in Illinois

A dog bite can have severe consequences for the victim, leading to life-altering injuries and emotional distress. One of the most common types of injuries after a dog bite is damaged nerve tissue. Fortunately, you can recover compensation for your losses with a dog bite nerve damage claim.

In Illinois, dog bite insurance claims represent a concerning trend. As the state with the 8th most claims each year, it is clear that dog bite incidents are common.

The right dog attack law firm can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement for your losses. Nerve damage can lead to long-term suffering, both physically and emotionally. Our attorneys will stand beside you throughout the legal process to increase your chances of winning the claim and holding the dog owner accountable.

Can a Dog Attack Cause Nerve Damage?

Nerve damage caused by a dog bite can include a wide range of injuries and symptoms.

A peripheral nerve injury is any type of damage to the sensory or motor nerves in the body. In a dog bite scenario, nerve damage may result from the dog’s sharp teeth crushing, severing, or tearing nerves. The bite can affect superficial nerves, which often causes loss of sensation. However, a deeper puncture wound could affect more vital nerves, leading to weakness and paralysis.

Such injuries require immediate medical attention and prompt treatment to prevent permanent damage to the affected body part.

What Types of Nerve Damage Are Associated With Dog Bite Injuries?

The type of nerve damage you suffer will have a direct impact on the value of your settlement. The more severe the bite, the more extensive your legal damages may be.

Here are some common types of nerve damage symptoms associated with dog bite injuries:

• Neuropraxia – As the least serious type of nerve injury, this nerve damage can cause tingling and mild numbness.
• Axonotmesis – Nerve fibers may be damaged to the point where they require time and therapy to heal.
• Neurotmesis – This injury features a complete severing of the nerve, often requiring surgery and leading to a permanent loss of sensation or motor function.

What Are Commonly Affected Areas?

Many dog bite victims suffer injuries in similar areas. For example, the hands, arms, face, and legs are the easiest places for the animal to bite because of their proximity. Dogs often attack the nearest body part, which may be a face when snuggling a dog or a hand when trying to pet them.

These locations are also susceptible to serious nerve damage because they feature a high density of nerve pathways.

What Damages Can Victims Recover in Dog Bite Cases Involving Damaged Nerves?

The effects of nerve damage on your physical, emotional, and financial health can be substantial. With a successful compensation recovery, you can manage these losses.

Here are some common types of legal damages in dog bite cases:

Economic Damages

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses (this can include wound cleaning, antibiotic therapy, diagnostic tests [nerve conduction studies, MRIs, EMGs], and surgery)
• Future medical treatment costs (for pain management, medication, physical therapy, and occupational therapy)
• Diminished earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

• Emotional distress (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, anxiety, depression, self-harm, suicide ideation, and a fear of dogs)
• Pain and suffering (including phantom pain)
• Disability and disfigurement (permanent disabilities or physical alterations caused by nerve damage)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (for severe cases)

Punitive Damages

If the injured area is causing you to suffer and the bite was caused by gross negligence or intentional misconduct, a judge or jury could award you additional compensation to punish the defendant further.

How Long Do Dog Bite Victims Have to Take Legal Action in Illinois?

Suffering from broken bones, nerve damage, or other types of dog bite injuries can feel overwhelming, so the thought of pursuing legal action right away may be far from your mind. However, you must understand there is a time limit for when you can seek compensation for medical care costs, lost income, and emotional trauma.

In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injuries is two years from the date of the incident or the date of discovery of your injuries (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For minor victims of these injuries, the statute of limitations is paused until their 18th birthdays, so they have until they turn 20 to pursue legal action (735 ILCS 5/13-211).

Secure Expert Legal Support

Our personal injury law firm believes in your case. Whether you are struggling with a lost range of motion, an infection, loss of sensation in the muscles, or other lasting problems from nerve damage, our expert lawyers will help you secure a full recovery to cover these losses.

Our legal services include:

• Investigating the dog bite incident
• Gathering evidence, including medical attention records
• Assessing all medical treatment damages
• Negotiating with insurance companies
• Litigating in civil court if necessary
• Working on a contingency fee basis (you owe nothing unless we win)

If the affected area from your dog bite injury is causing constant pain or necessitates expensive medical care, contact us today to schedule a free consultation about your legal options.