Helping Dog Bite Victims in Orland Park Get Compensation

Being attacked by a dog is likely to be a frightening experience that leaves you with severe injuries and emotional trauma. While dogs make loving pets for the most part, dog attacks can and do still happen. Filing a dog bite claims allow you to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, pain and suffering, and other related costs.

Dog Bite Statistics

More than 4.7 million people nationwide suffer dog bites each year. One out of six dog bite incidents are so serious that they warrant medical treatment. In 2018, over 27,000 people required surgery because of dog bite injuries.

In terms of fatal dog attacks, 58 percent of victims were 28 years of age or older that year. Meanwhile, children age 6 or younger accounted for 42 percent of deaths.

Pit bulls and rottweilers have been identified as some of the most dangerous dog breeds. Together, they were responsible for 76 percent of dog attack fatalities between 2005 and 2018.

An Overview of Illinois Dog Bite Laws

Illinois does not have a “one bite” rule. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, owners may be held liable any time their dogs bite or otherwise attack and injure another person, regardless of whether it is the dog’s first time causing an injury. In most cases, a dog owner is strictly responsible for the animal’s actions and behavior.

Owners must make sure their dog is always under control, such as putting them on a leash in public places. In order to establish liability, your Orland Park dog bite lawyer will prove the following:

• The dog belonged to the defendant or was under their care
• You did not provoke the dog
• Your injuries were the direct result of the dog’s behavior
• You were legally allowed to be in the place where the dog attack occurred

If you were injured due to a dog bite in Orland Park, the law allows you to pursue compensation to cover your resulting expenses. It is important to remember, however, that there are many factors involved in a dog bite claim. For example, if you were attacked by a dog while committing a crime or purposefully kicked the dog to provoke it, you may be not be able to recover damages for your injuries. The skilled Orland Park dog bite lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg can help you determine liability in your dog bite case.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites may cause debilitating injuries that require expensive surgery or ongoing medical treatment. It is possible to develop serious infections that can lead to further complications, especially if the dog that bit you had rabies. Some dog bites may even be fatal.

Here are some injuries that dog bite victims may suffer:

• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Infections
• Puncture wounds
• Facial injuries
• Fractures
• Nerve damage
• Head injuries

Along with serious physical injuries, dog bites can also have emotional impact on a victim. You may suffer from trauma or develop anxiety after an attack. No matter the type of injury, you deserve full compensation after getting hurt because of a dog bite.

Damages in a Dog Bite Claim

There are several different types of damages you may be able to collect when filing a claim for a dog attack in Orland Park. When you are bitten by a dog, you are likely to suffer serious injuries.

Any compensation should take into account the lasting effects a dog bite can have on a person’s life, and that includes emotional suffering. In Illinois, dog bite victims may receive damages for mental distress regardless of whether it is directly related to bodily injury.

Not only are dog bites painful, but they can quickly rack up hefty medical bills. Some injuries may even leave permanent scars or disfigurement. Depending on the details of your dog bite case, you may be awarded the following compensation:

• Medical expenses including future costs
• Lost wages, including future earnings
• Temporary or permanent disability
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering including emotional anguish
• Loss of quality of life

There are no damage caps in Illinois. Additionally, there are no separate rules for damages in cases that involve a rottweiler, pit bull or other dangerous dog breed.

Experienced Dog Bite Lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If you were bitten, attacked or knocked down by a dog, it is possible to hold the animal’s owner liable for your medical bills, property damage and more. Discussing your situation with a knowledgeable Orland Park dog bite lawyer can provide you with clarity about the legal options available to you.

When you have suffered a dog bite, you need to focus on your recovery so that you can move forward with your life. Let an experienced Orland Park dog bite attorney manage your case. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg will thoroughly investigate what happened to you and gather the necessary evidence.

Our compassionate lawyers are here to negotiate a fair settlement for you. If a settlement is not possible, we are ready to represent you in court. Briskman Briskman & Greenberg does not charge any fees unless your case is successful.

Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Claim

There are restrictions on the amount of time you have to initiate a lawsuit. It is important to act fast as waiting too long could mean you give up your right to recover the costs linked to your dog attack.

In Illinois, you generally have two years from when the incident occurred to file a lawsuit. When you contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we will make sure your claim is filed in a timely manner. Our Orland Park dog bite lawyers will gather evidence to establish your dog bite case before it is too late.