Jerseyville Dog Bite Lawyer

Jerseyville Dog Bite Attorney

Being bit by a dog is terrifying and often traumatic. While some bites only result in minor injuries, others can leave life-long damage and impact a victim’s life forever. Luckily, Illinois offers victims who were injured by dog bites the chance to acquire compensation from negligent owners. If you were injured from a dog bite in Jerseyville or beyond, do not wait to get assistance from a skilled Jerseyville dog bite lawyer.

Your Jerseyville Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney IL

At Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law, we understand just how much a dog bite can impact your life. That’s why we work to leverage our knowledge of personal injury law with our experience in the courtroom to help our clients fight for the damages they deserve. If you were injured by a dog bite, you are likely entitled to compensation in Jerseyville, Illinois. Reach out to our firm to learn more about what legal action you may be able to take.

Illinois Dog Bite Laws

When it comes to dog bite laws, most states fall under one of two categories. The first is the “one-bite” rule. Under this law, the dog owner is usually given one “free bite” with their dog before they are deemed liable. This gives freedom to dog owners who have never seen their dog be violent; thus, they would not have reasonably believed it would bite someone. After the first time, however, they will then be considered liable if the dog bites again.

The second rule is the “strict liability” rule. Under this law, if the victim can show that the dog attacked them and the attack follows certain protections, they can file a claim and may be compensated for damages. They do not have to prove whether or not the owner knew the dog would be violent or even that the owner was negligent.

Illinois is a strict liability state. Therefore, the owner is responsible for damages incurred by the dog bite if it attacks someone who:

• Is operating peacefully.
• Has a right to be where the bite occurred (in other words, the victim was not trespassing).
• Did not provoke the dog.

According to Illinois law, an owner could be liable for damages not just for bites but for any attack initiated by their animal. This includes pushing, scratching, or jumping on a person that caused an injury.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Jerseyville

Dog bites can happen with any breed. Thus, the type of injuries a person can experience will vary depending on the dog, its size, and its bite strength. Some common dog bite injuries include:

• Skin infections
• Open/Puncture wounds
• Limb fractures
• Bruises
• Broken or fractured bones
• Scratches

As a result of injuries, some victims contract infections. Some common dog bite infections include:

• Rabies, which is a virus that is usually fatal if left untreated.
• Pasteurella, which has been reported by the CDC to account for half of all dog bites, causes the glands to swell.
• MRSA, which is a serious staph infection.

Because of all the issues that could affect your health after a dog bite, it is important to seek the necessary medical attention right away. Document everything, including pictures and copies of medical records.

Potential Damages for Illinois Dog Bites

Dog bite claims are usually filed to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Depending on the severity of the bite, a person can seek a variety of damages. These can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Physical pain
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Loss of future earnings
• Disfigurement
• Therapy

When a claim is filed, a few things will be considered. Even though Illinois is a strict liability state, if it is proven that the dog had violent tendencies before the incident, the victim’s compensation can increase significantly.

All medical expenses will be considered as well. If the victim suffered significant physical damage, especially injuries that required extensive medical intervention, this will increase the damages awarded to the victim. The victim will have to provide medical bills to detail their injuries and the care they received.

The court will also consider any wages the victim missed as a result of the dog bite. For instance, if the victim had to miss weeks of work to go through reconstructive surgery, this would need to be shown in court, along with the amount they would have been paid during this time to receive compensation.

Dog Bite Injury FAQs

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on a Dog Bite in Illinois?

A: The statute of limitations on a dog bite in Illinois is two years, which is the rule for all personal injury claims in Jerseyville, IL. This begins the day after the dog bite occurred. Two years may seem like a long time, but if you desire to file a claim, you will want to get the process started as soon as possible.

Q: What Happens When Your Dog Bites Someone in Illinois?

A: When your dog bites someone, it is recommended that the victim seek necessary medical attention first. Then, you should report the bite to the local animal control or the police if it is serious. Chances are, your dog will have to be monitored for a number of reasons, including checking for signs of rabies and observing their violence level.

Q: Is a Dog Bite Strict Liability in Illinois?

A: Illinois is a strict liability state. This means that if your dog bites someone, you are financially responsible for any injuries the bite caused to another person if the person was operating peacefully, legally allowed to occupy the space they were in when the bite occurred, and did not provoke your dog.

Q: Are Dog Bites Reportable in Illinois?

A: Dog bites are reportable in Illinois. In fact, some counties require that you do so. If you have been bitten by a dog, contact your local animal control center or the police department to report the bite. If it was your dog that bit someone, you should also contact a local veterinary office to schedule an appointment to place your dog under examination.

Your Jerseyville Dog Bite Lawyer

If you have been injured by a dog bite in Jerseyville, contact Joshua R. Evans, Attorney at Law. Our team is devoted to helping Illinois residents through difficult personal injury claims and is prepared to do the same for you. A dog bite is a serious and often traumatizing injury. Don’t wait to get the legal help you need, and reach out to our team today.