Legal Options for Dog-Related Injuries in Glenview

 Posted on June 29, 2022 in Personal Injury

Dogs can be sweet and kind. However, dogs are still animals capable of inflicting serious injuries. Studies show that dog-related injuries are occurring more and more frequently and currently account for over a third of homeowner insurance claims. Illinois is ranked second in the nation for dog bite injury claims.

If your or a family member were bitten by a dog or otherwise sustained injuries because of a dog, you may be able to file an injury claim and recover damages. You could be compensated for medical costs, pain and suffering, and more.

Liability for Dog Injuries

A dog’s owner may be legally responsible for any injuries caused by his or her dog. In Illinois, the owners are liable for dog-related injuries if:

• The dog was not provoked.

• The victim was not trespassing.

• The victim’s injuries were caused by the dog.

The most severe dog-related injuries are often lacerations and puncture wounds caused by bites. However, non-bite injuries may also lead to injury claims. If a dog jumps on someone and knocks them to the ground and they sustain a traumatic brain injury, the victim may file a claim.

Some states do not hold dog owners liable if their dog had no history of aggression. These so-called “one free bite” states only consider a dog owner liable if the owner knew that the dog was capable of biting someone. However, Illinois dog attacks are subject to the legal theory of strict liability. This means that the owner may be legally responsible for dog-related injuries even if the dog never attacked anyone or acted aggressively before.

Financial Compensation for Injuries Caused in a Dog Attack

Dog attacks can cause broken bones, lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, eye injuries, and more. Many dog bite victims are left with disfigurement and scars that permanently alter they way they look. Dog bite wounds can become infected with dangerous bacteria or viruses. Victims may be at risk of cellulitis, staph infections, and rabies.

Through a personal injury claim, dog attack victims may be able to recover compensation for their past and future medical bills, lost wages from missed work, and more. They may be entitled to compensation for non-financial damages caused by the attack including pain and mental suffering.

Contact a North Shore Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one were harmed by a dog, contact the skilled Glenview personal injury attorneys at Gruzmark Law, Ltd. for help. Call our office at 847-729-7660 and set up a free consultation to learn more about our services.

Source:

https://www.isba.org/ibj/2017/06/lawpulse/illinoisleadsthepackindogbiteclaims