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Rockford Dog Bite Lawyer
Were you injured by a dog or other animal? If so, the owner will likely deny liability and refuse to pay for your medical bills and emotional distress.
The personal injury attorneys at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC can help you get compensated for your injuries if they occur because another party was negligent in handling their pet or livestock. We'll work with you every step of the way and never charge any fees unless we win your legal claim!
Call a dog bite lawyer at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number) or use the contact form for immediate legal advice and to schedule a free consultation.
Dog Breeds That Can Cause Serious Damage
Most dog bite victims only suffer minor injuries that don't require any medical attention. However, some people end up with serious injuries, which lead to medical bills, emergency room visits, and follow-up doctor visits.
Some dog breeds are more likely to cause injury than others, according to the National Canine Research Council:
- Pit bulls
- German shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Chow-chows
- Labrador retrievers
- Wolf hybrids
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
The state legislature has enacted dog bite laws to protect citizens from public areas and private property attacks. Rockford dog owners must keep their pets under control at all times so that they don't bite or injure people.
Rockford, Illinois, and Winnebago County have enacted local ordinances to help control dangerous dogs in the city. These laws set rules for preventing dog bites and ensuring that it is a punishable offense when pet owners and their dogs violate them, creating a legal issue.
To avoid severe sanctions, dog owners must take proper precautions in controlling their pets whenever off their property. They must also follow state laws regarding obtaining a dog license and caring for their pet.
Dog Bite Victims Complications
The most common complications arising from a dog bite include:
- Broken bones
- Fractures
- Disfigurement
- Permanent nerve damage
- Disabling chronic pain
- Permanent disability
- Behavioral changes
- Death of a loved one
A Rockford dog bite lawyer can help families pursue damages for their personal injuries based on Illinois law and dog attack injuries resulting from a bite.
Strict Liability States for Dog Bites
Most states have strict liability laws regarding dog bites. These are the only types of injury cases where a person does not have to prove any negligence on the dog owner's part to win the case.
Instead, victims only need to show that they suffered from a dog bite injury and prove that it was the direct result of an attack by a Rockford dog owner.
The victim's location determines whether or not a state is considered to have strict liability laws for dog bites. In states with no strict liability laws, victims must prove that the dog owner was negligent in preventing the attack.
Illinois is one of those states, making it advantageous for victims whose dogs in that state have been injured because they only need to prove negligence on the dog owner's part.
Dog Attacks Lawsuits in Illinois
Illinois is one of the states with no caps on damages for personal injury cases involving animal attacks. Victims can claim all their losses, including medical expenses and lost wages, as well as other types of compensation, such as loss of consortium, disfigurement, and death.
Get to a doctor as soon as possible for treatment. If you have any symptoms after being bitten by a dog in Rockford, IL, seek medical attention immediately.
Filing Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite cases typically fall under three categories:
- Negligent supervision
- Trespassing
- Animal attacks
Different states hold different rules regarding dog bite cases. Under the "one free bite" rule, dog owners are only liable for injuries caused by their dogs if they know that the animal was dangerous or has previously bitten.
Getting Legal Help for Your Dog Bite Injuries
Common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, injuries to the eyes, scars, and other skin and soft tissue injuries. If a dog bite breaks the skin, it's essential to seek medical attention immediately.
If a dog attacked you in Rockford, IL, it may be possible to file a civil lawsuit against the dog owner. Experienced dog bite lawyers can help you decide whether or not this is worth pursuing.
Losing A Loved One through a Wrongful Death Animal Attack
Under Illinois law, the state legislature has provided a legal remedy to surviving family members who lost a loved one through another's negligence, including not controlling a pet who bit someone else.
The law allows the family members to ask the court to order the animal's owner to pay for damages of their loved one killed in Rockford. The damages could include:
- Medical and psychiatric bills
- Funeral expenses
- Lost wages
- Property damage
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
Filing a Dog Bite Claim: What Are My Legal Options After Suffering From A Dog Attack?
In most cases, a person bitten by a dog may seek compensation from the dog's owner if they can prove that they were not at fault for the incident. For example, it could include proof that the animal was known to have been aggressive in the past or when it attacked without provocation.
Our experienced personal injury lawyers will be able to advise you on whether or not you have a dog bite injury claim and how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Hire a Rockford Dog Bite Attorney to Recover Damages and Hold Dog Owners Accountable
Our law firm has been representing personal injury victims throughout Illinois for years. You can trust our knowledgeable dog bite injury lawyers seeking compensation on your behalf.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, LLC, we are available at our Rockford office 24/7, nights and weekends by phone, and our law firm offers a free consultation to a dog bite victim wanting to discuss their dog bite case.
Call a dog bite lawyer at (888) 424-5757 (toll-free phone number), or use the contact form for immediate legal advice and schedule a free case evaluation.
Our Rockford, IL, dog bite attorneys accept all personal injury cases and wrongful death lawsuits on a contingency fee basis. This agreement ensures you pay nothing until your Rockford dog attack attorney resolves your dog bite case through a negotiated settlement or jury award.