Pursuing Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Oak Lawn

Dogs are loving, faithful companions to millions of Americans. Unfortunately, dogs sometimes behave in unpredictable ways. Getting bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that results in painful injuries. In Illinois, owners bear legal responsibility for the actions of their dogs. If you or a family member suffered a dog bite or attack in Oak Lawn, the experienced dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are prepared to get the compensation you deserve.

Dog Bite Statistics

In 2018, more than 27,000 people nationwide had to get reconstructive surgery because of dog bites. There were 36 dog attack fatalities, of which 42 percent were children age 6 or younger.

Pit bulls and rottweilers are among the most dangerous breeds, accounting for 76 percent of dog-related fatalities from 2005 to 2018. In 2018 alone, pit bulls were responsible for 26 deaths in the United States.

Guide to Illinois Dog Bite Laws

A strict liability standard applies to Illinois dog bite cases, which means Oak Lawn dog owners cannot claim they had no indication their dog could cause harm or was dangerous. Under state law, an owner bears legal responsibility any time their dog injures someone.

When filing a dog bite claim, you do not have to show that the dog that bit you had aggressive tendencies or a history of attacking people. Additionally, you are not required to prove the owner was negligent. The owner is liable for any injuries as long as the victim was lawfully allowed to be in the place where the incident occurred.

If you have suffered injuries due to a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to compensation for economic losses as well as your pain and suffering. An experienced Oak Lawn dog bite attorney can help you determine liability, fight for the damages you deserve, and hold the dog owner accountable for your injuries.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can result in serious injuries including fractures, head injuries, puncture wounds and other lasting harm. Victims are also at risk of infections, especially if the dog had rabies. The consequences can range from a painful recovery to permanent disfigurement.

It is important to recognize that dog attacks are not just limited to physical injuries. They can also cause tremendous mental distress and emotional trauma, which can potentially last a lifetime. If you have suffered dog bite injuries, you deserve full and just compensation for your financial losses, as well as your pain and suffering.

What Damages Can I Get for a Dog Bite?

When pursuing compensation for a dog bite, it is important to consider all the injury-related damages you have suffered. It should cover everything from hospital bills to emotional pain. Courts can award a dog bite victim damages for mental distress even it is not directly linked to physical injury.

While the amount of damages you receive will depend on the details of your case, notably Illinois does not have a damage cap for personal injury. The type of dog that bit you also does not matter. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we can help you obtain compensation for:

• Medical costs
• Future medical bills
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Lost wages
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?

Anyone who suffers a dog bite in Oak Lawn or elsewhere in Illinois has two years to bring a claim. This time period, called the statute of limitations, is a strict deadline that begins from the date of the incident. Once the statute of limitations expires, you give up the right to file a dog bite lawsuit and pursue compensation for your injuries.

As a result, it is in your best interests to speak to an Oak Lawn dog bite lawyer right away. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can advise you of the different courses of action you can take.

Hiring a Dog Bite Lawyer

In order to have a successful dog bite claim, you need someone on your side who understands state and local animal responsibility laws. The skilled Oak Lawn dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg know how to use compelling evidence and legal strategies to obtain a successful outcome for clients.

When you hire us, we will thoroughly explain your rights and evaluate your claim to determine whether you are eligible for compensation. For example, if you intentionally provoked a dog or trespassed onto the dog owner’s property, you may be unable to recover damages for your injuries.

Every case is different, and we approach each one with compassion. We will draw on our decades of experience with personal injury cases to provide you with quality legal representation.