Madison County Dog Bite Lawyer

Madison County Dog Bite Attorney

The CDC has previously reported that around 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the United States, with around 800,000 of those bites requiring medical attention. Canine attacks can be terrifying and have long-lasting or even permanent consequences. However, victims may have legal options for pursuing compensation from negligent dog owners.

If you were bitten by a dog, consult an experienced personal injury attorney on the legal process of filing a claim for damages. A Madison County dog bite lawyer could tirelessly represent you and fight for the restitution you deserve.

Dog Bite Laws in Madison County

Unlike other types of personal injury cases, in which the legal concept of negligence applies, dog bite claims are based on strict liability in Illinois.

According to 510 ILCS 5/16, if a dog attacks and injures another person, its owner will be liable for their damages as long as the victim was acting peaceably and did not provoke the animal.

Deadlines for Animal Attack Claims

When filing any civil claim, it is important to be aware of the relevant statue of limitations. This establishes a how much time a plaintiff has from their date of injury to bring a claim for damages.

In Illinois, a plaintiff will have two years from the injury date to bring a claim or risk losing their right to pursue compensation for the dog bite. This short time frame makes it critical to consult with a skilled nearby attorney as soon as possible after the dog bite incident.

Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

There is a wide spectrum of injuries that could result from a dog attack. The type and severity of the injury will vary depending on many factors, such as the dog’s size and the length of the attack. Some of the more common injuries that arise from dog bites are:

• Bruises
• Punctured skin
• Broken bones or fractures
• Scratches
• Infections
• Face injuries
• Contusions

Regardless of the specific injury, a victim should first seek immediate medical attention for their wounds. After getting the necessary care, a dog bite victim should reach out to an experienced lawyer at our Madison County office to discuss a claim for damages. A skilled attorney could help determine a viable course of action to pursue compensation for all injury-related losses.

Damages in a Dog Bite Lawsuit

Depending on the nature of a person’s injuries, a dog bite claim may seek to recover various types of damages. Compensation can address both economic and non-economic forms of harm caused by the dog attack. Common damages in animal bite claims include:

• Medical costs
• Loss of income
• Loss of future earnings
• Physical pain
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Loss of consortium

Call a Madison County Dog Bite Lawyer for Legal Advocacy

Although a dog bite can be a devastating experience, the law provides pathways for victims to pursue the compensation they need and hold negligent pet owners accountable. However, these claims may be difficult to make without a legal background.

Let a Madison County dog bite lawyer handle your case while you focus on healing from your wounds. Call our legal team today to assess your situation and advise on an effective strategy moving forward.