Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience. In addition to the pain and suffering, you will also likely experience expensive medical bills and time off from work. If you or a loved one suffered significant injuries due to a dog bite, you may find value in filing a lawsuit.
When you need legal representation you can trust, turn to Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers. Read on to find out all the ways we can help with your claim.
Why You Need a Lawyer Following a Dog Attack
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help you obtain compensation by proving negligence and demonstrating the full extent of your catastrophic injuries. Working with us allows you to focus on your recovery while your legal team builds a case against the negligent party on your behalf.
Dog bites frequently cause pain and suffering. The injuries caused by a dog bite may also lead to expensive costs, like medical expenses and lost wages. Some victims may suffer from long-lasting emotional trauma. Working with a law firm familiar with these cases is one of the best ways to protect your legal rights and get maximum compensation for your recovery.
Joliet Dog Bite Laws
Joliet, Illinois has strict local ordinances related to dog ownership. For example, the maximum number of dogs a Joliet household can have is two. All dogs must wear appropriately sized and fitted collars with current license tag information attached when out in public.
Will County requires all dog bite incidents to be reported to the Will County Animal Protection Services Department. The dog owner must take the responsible dog to a local veterinary clinic for rabies testing if the dog is not up-to-date on rabies vaccinations.
If the dog is vaccinated against rabies, the dog owner must keep it confined at home and complete rabies examinations within 24 hours of the dog bite and then again 10 days later.
In general, Illinois law places dog bite responsibility on the dog owner. The owner must follow all rules and regulations under the Illinois Animal Control Act, including rabies monitoring and paying a penalty to the county animal control fund.
The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Joliet, Illinois
Victims of dog bites in Joliet, Illinois, have just two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Many dog bite victims may wait until they assess the severity of their injuries, but it’s important to consider your legal options as quickly as possible.
Building a strong case proving negligence can take some time, making it even more important to reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible.
Liability in Dog Bite Injury Cases
Illinois law imposes strict liability, which places the blame in a dog bite case on the dog owners. Whether or not the owners knew the dog was aggressive or likely to injure someone else doesn’t matter. The dog’s owner is the most common person liable in a dog bite case. An injured victim may sometimes seek compensation from the homeowner’s insurance company.
Liability or responsibility in a dog bite injury case depends on a number of factors, including where the incident occurred and why the dog bit the person.
Illinois law requires victims to file a personal injury claim that proves the dog’s ownership and that it was, indeed, the dog’s bite that caused the injuries. Proving liability in a dog bite case includes collecting witness statements, photographs of injuries, and medical records.
Proving Negligence in Cases Involving Dog Attacks
Negligence in reference to dog bites refers to an owner’s failure to exercise care and safety. This includes properly restraining a dog or keeping it on a leash when out in public. Illinois also follows a modified comparative negligence law, which means you can still file a personal injury claim even if you’re partially to blame for a dog bite injury.
Many dog owners will claim the injured victim wrongfully came onto the property or provoked the dog. Even so, if you’re found less than 50% liable, you can still seek compensation for dog bite injuries. Working with our Joliet personal injury lawyers is even more important when dual negligence is a part of the case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog’s teeth are sharp and can cause serious damage. Additionally, a dangerous dog can cause harm in other ways, including by knocking down the victim or scratching them with their claws.
In extreme cases, a dog bite can even lead to a loss of life, in which case a Joliet wrongful death attorney from our team can help you and your family receive justice for the loss of a loved one’s life.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has worked with dog bite victims who suffer from many different injuries, including the following.
Broken Bones
Dog bites can cause fractures when a large animal jumps on and knocks over the victim.
Lacerations
Lacerations are an all too common injury following an animal attack. A dog’s sharp claws can tear through a victim’s skin, tissue, or muscle, leading to serious injury. Deep lacerations can lead to permanent scars and chronic pain.
Nerve Damage
Some dog bite victims may suffer from nerve damage as the sharp canine teeth break through the skin and nerves. These puncture wounds can lead to physical pain and emotional trauma.
Head and Face Injuries
Head and face injuries are also common in animal attacks. Whether the dog’s claws or teeth injure the person’s head and face, these injuries can lead to disfigurement.
What Should Dog Bite Victims Do After an Attack in Joliet?
If you find yourself to be the victim of an animal attack, it’s important to take certain steps to protect your well-being and maintain your legal rights. It’s not always initially clear the full extent of physical or emotional trauma from a dog bite, and the following steps can help you protect your rights.
Seek Medical Treatment
Immediate medical treatment is a must after an animal attack. The fear that comes with dog bites can mask severe injuries, and your best chance at recovery is prompt medical care. Immediate medical care also protects your right to legal action if you decide to pursue compensation later.
Call Local Authorities
Always contact local authorities after an animal attack. Joliet and Will County require an official report after an attack occurred. While the city and county expect the dog’s owner to report the incident, this doesn’t always happen. You can call 911 to report that you were bitten in an emergency. If it isn’t an emergency, you can contact the Joliet City non-emergency police line.
Collect Evidence
You’ll need to prove liability to obtain full compensation in your case. While a dog bite attorney can help you build a case against the animal’s owner, some evidence is time-sensitive. Request an official copy of the police report and take photographs or videos from the scene of the accident if possible. If you’re too injured, request that a family member collect evidence on your behalf.
Contact a Joliet Dog Bite Attorney
A Will County personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case that proves negligence and enables you to recover the compensation needed during this difficult time. Make sure you contact a lawyer for a free initial consultation as soon as possible to stay within the state’s strict statute of limitations and quickly get the funds you need to recover.
Compensation You Can Recover in Dog Bite Claims
Dog bites can lead to physical and psychological damage. The state of Illinois allows victims of dog bites to seek compensation for the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Emotional distress
- Reconstructive surgery
- Counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder
- Diminished earning capacity
- Rehabilitation
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
Does Breed Type Matter in Dog Bite Cases?
Breed and size primarily only matter in dog bite cases where a city or county has ruled certain dogs dangerous or illegal. Joliet, Illinois, doesn’t currently have a ban on any dog breeds or sizes. State laws do not specifically dictate the inclusion or exclusion of any breeds following a dog bite injury.
Contact an Experienced Joliet Dog Bite Lawyer Today!
If a dog bit you or a loved one, you may have a legal right to file a personal injury claim for compensation. Personal injury cases cover those bitten by a dog, whether out in public or while visiting a friend’s house. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation at (888) 424-5757 or fill out our contact form.