How to Pursue Injury Compensation After a Dog Attack

 Posted on April 23, 2019 in Personal Injury

An enjoyable neighborhood walk or bike ride can turn nightmarish if you encounter an aggressive dog. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says around 4.7 million dog bites occur each year, with approximately 800,000 that require medical treatment. While large dogs like pit bulls and German shepherds can cause severe and disfiguring bite injuries, even small dogs can seriously injury such as attacking a bicyclist and causing a bike accident. These injuries can create high medical costs, loss of wages due to injury including unnecessary pain and suffering. In some instances, compensation for personal injury can be sought from the dog owner due to their negligence and inability to control their pet.

Rights of Dog Bite Victims

Most dog owners make mistakes and are unaware of the danger their pet possess. However, many are irresponsible and still take them out in public for walks and runs despite the risk of causing an accident or their animal attacking others nearby. Regardless of the circumstances, the Illinois Animal Control Act states that if a dog injured you and you did not provoke the animal or trespass on the owner’s property, the owner is liable for all costs related to your injuries. If you were peaceably conducting yourself in a location in which you were lawfully present, the owner is responsible for any injuries sustained.

Dog Attack Compensation

Dog bite injuries are typically covered by an individual’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. In this situation, an attorney will negotiate with the insurer for an agreeable injury settlement. If a negligent dog owner does not have sufficient insurance or has no coverage at all, they can be sued as part of a personal injury lawsuit. State law dictates there is no cap on damages compensation for dog bite injuries. 

If a person is in a situation where a dog has attacked them they should not speak with a dog owner’s insurance company, which may try to coerce a contradictory statement that can jeopardize your settlement. Your lawyer will deal with the insurance claims agent for you.

Contact a Will County Personal Injury Lawyer

A dog attack can leave permanent scars or cause a variety of long-term physical and emotional issues. The attorneys at McNamara Phelan McSteen, LLC are experienced in representing individuals injured in dog attacks and have helped them get the compensation they deserve. To learn how a Joliet personal injury attorney can help you today, call 815-727-0100 for a free consultation.

Source: 

http://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41