My Child Got Bitten By A Dog; What Are My Next Steps?
If your child suffered a dog bite, be sure to get medical attention right away. Seeing a doctor will ensure your child receives proper treatment and that their injuries are documented via medical records.
Even if a dog bite injury does not seem severe, there is a risk of infection. If the wound becomes infected, an insurance company may claim the child’s parents are to blame for the resulting scarring and hospitalization rather than the dog owner.
Another critical step is to identify the dog and its owner. Report your child’s dog bite to local authorities as soon as possible to launch an official investigation into the incident. Animal control will find out details about the dog, such as whether it has rabies.
You should also consult an experienced dog bite attorney who can advise you on the possibility of pursuing fair compensation for your child’s injuries. A settlement for medical bills alone is likely to be insufficient. Any compensation you receive for your child’s dog bite injuries should take into account long-term consequences, including past and future medical bills, pain and suffering, and your loss of income, among other costs.
Your child may suffer disfiguring injuries that require intensive medical treatment over the months or years to come. Additionally, counseling may be needed to cope with the distress that results from a dog attack. You may also have to take time off work to care for your injured son or daughter.
In Illinois, you have two years to file a dog bite claim if your child was bitten. It is important to act fast to protect your child’s legal rights to hold the dog owner responsible for damages.
The idea of filing a personal injury claim can seem daunting to some parents. At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, our compassionate Chicago dog bite attorneys will always act in your child’s best interests. If your child has been injured due to a dog bite, contact us right away for a free initial consultation.
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