Injured in an animal attack? Consult with our dog bite attorney to file an injury claim today.

What to Do If Bitten by a Dog in Illinois

Dog bites can be potentially very dangerous. If you’ve been bitten, clean the wound immediately and seek medical attention. If the dog owner is present when it happens, ask for proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination

Next, file a claim with the police and report the bite to animal control within 24 hours. All dogs that bite someone in Illinois must be quarantined and observed for 10 days. After the observation period, the dog must be examined by a licensed veterinarian. 

Finally, schedule a consultation with Lane Personal Injury in Effingham to discuss filing a claim.  

Filing a Personal Injury Claim After a Dog Attack in Effingham, IL

Often when a victim is bitten by a dog, it’s due to the dog owner’s negligence. Illinois has a strict liability law that holds dog owners responsible for an attack even if it’s the first time the dog has shown aggression. If a dog bites someone at a non-gated home or property, it is legally the homeowner’s responsibility to cover the cost of care for their injuries.

However, dog bite cases can add up to more expenses and trauma than the initial bite. Filing a claim with an attorney can seek compensation for:

• Severe physical injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of wages
• Emotional distress

Exceptions to Liability in a Dog Bite Case

There are several circumstances that release a dog’s owner from being liable for a victim’s injuries. 

• The victim was trespassing on private property.
• The victim provoked the dog to attack by assaulting it, or physically threatening the dog or its offspring.
• The dog was defending its owner.

Compensation Amounts for a Dog Bite

In simple dog bite cases, the owner’s insurance pays to treat the bite and the case is over. However, some dog bites can be severe, causing hospitalization and time spent out of work. 

Some common effects from dog bites are:

• Tendon damage
• Nerve damage
• Scarring
• Broken bones
• Infection

If a dog bite causes damage to the victim’s tendons, muscles, or joints, the victim will need physical rehabilitation. 

In addition, the emotional and mental trauma of being attacked by a dog can be life-altering, causing nightmares, paranoia, and panic attacks when seeing other dogs. The cost of therapy to deal with these issues can add up.  

Our Effingham dog bite lawyers evaluate the injury’s extent and damage to determine how much victims are owed. Sometimes physical injuries are low, but there is emotional and mental trauma that deserves compensation.

Dog Attack Attorneys Representing Victims in Effingham, IL

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you can file an injury claim to receive a settlement for your medical care bills, rehab process, physical and mental trauma. At Samuel I. Kane’s Law Office, our dog bite injury lawyers have a lot of experience handling complex cases. We are familiar with state dog bite policies, all legal procedures, and insurance terms.  

Get in touch with our well-trained and experienced Effingham dog bite law firm today. There is no fee for a consultation, and you don’t pay a dime unless we win your case.