Illinois Personal Injury Attorney

Can I Sue For a Dog Bite in Joliet?

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While most dogs are considered a man’s best friend,  a dog bite injury can leave devastating results for both the victim and the pet owner. Injuries sustained from a dog bite may cause the victim long-term physical disabilities, pain and suffering. Even if a dog has no history of being aggressive or violent, the owner may still be held liable if their dog attacks you. If you were attacked by a dog, it is important to reach out to a dog bite lawyer immediately to ensure you can protect yourself and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Suing for a Dog Bite Injury

The injuries that can occur from an animal attack can leave a victim disabled, disfigured, and with severe trauma. The costs that a victim accumulates from medical bills may be pricey, so they may be eligible to seek financial compensation to cover hospital bills and more during a claim or lawsuit. Per the Illinois statute of limitations on personal injury claims, typically, victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit.

Liability for Dog Attacks in Illinois

Illinois dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. The exception to this rule is if the dog who attacked was provoked, abused or otherwise instigated into attacking by the victim or someone else, the owner may not be held responsible. This is because provoking the dog would be an external circumstance that led to the dog attack. Many animals will become protective or aggressive if they feel threatened by another force.

Owners may also be held criminally liable if their dog bites someone. In the state of Illinois, a vicious dog is labeled by the state and the owner is required to pay a $100 public safety fine and lock the dog up in the home. In the case that a known vicious dog attacks another person due to the owner’s negligence to keep the dog locked up or muzzled, the owner may be charged with a class 3 felony.

How Much Money Can I Be Awarded?

The amount of money that you can be awarded if you decide to sue for a dog attack depends on a few factors. Typically, the owner of the dog will be made to help pay for your medical expenses and other damages. Depending on the severity of your injuries, including mental pain and suffering, a victim can be awarded more compensation. This type of lawsuit may best be handled by a personal injury attorney who is experienced in successfully pursuing clients with compensation that fits the injury sustained. An attorney may be able to help you:

  • File an official lawsuit
  • Manage the necessary documentation needed to present your case
  • Help you determine what amount of compensation is justified for your injuries
  • Proceed through potential litigation

 

Find an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer in Joliet

With over 10 years of fighting for his clients, Will County personal injury attorney Michael J. Lichner has lots of experience in dog bite cases. Message us today or call us at 815-730-1977 for a free consultation to discuss filing a dog bite injury claim.

 

Source(s):

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

Have Any Questions?

We know that you have important questions when you’re looking for an attorney. We’re always here to answer questions. There’s no cost or obligation to talk to our legal team. Learn more about your case and our legal services. Please contact us!
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How do I know if I have a case?

The most basic grounds for a case are that you’re hurt and it’s someone else’s fault, legally. There are multiple legal standards that may apply.

Most cases are accidents. The party responsible doesn’t necessarily have to have hurt you on purpose. Simple negligence, which is just an unreasonable absence of care, can be enough for the victim to have the right to compensation. In other words, you might have a case, even if it was an accident.

Ask us for your personal consultation. We can learn about what happened in your case and explain how the law may apply.

How will the value of my case be determined?

The purpose of a personal injury case is to compensate you fairly for the losses that you have suffered. That includes financial losses, plus the physical and emotional suffering that goes along with injuries. The question to answer is – What has the personal injury cost you, financially and personally?

There are other factors that may impact the value of a case. Comparative negligence may apply, for example. Punitive damages may be awarded, subject to statutory limitations and requirements for pretrial motion and hearing to amend the complaint. The legal strength of the case may also impact its value.

At your consultation, we look at your specific case and explain how the value of your case may be determined.

Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?

Most Personal Injury cases don’t go to court, but we’re always ready just in case. In fact, aggressively preparing your case can be exactly what’s needed to reach a fair settlement. We’re always ready to pursue your interests as long as necessary for you to get justice.

It’s normal to be nervous about court. Many people ask us if their case will go to court, hoping that the answer is no. Rest assured that you’re hiring us to represent you. We’ll speak for you to the court. If it’s your turn to testify, we’ll make sure that you’re fully prepared and that you know what to expect.

As your legal representative, Michael L. Lichner works to understand your goals for litigation. He’ll discuss the pros and cons of going to court and help you make the right decisions for your case.

What types of damages can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?

In a personal injury lawsuit, you can recover damages for the losses you have – financially and personally. You’ll have direct financial losses which may include medical bills, physical therapy, lost wages, and damaged property. You can put in a claim for these expenses.

In addition, when you have a personal injury, you suffer in a lot of ways that can’t be measured directly. For example, you will have physical pain. Injuries may cause mental injury and emotional anguish. Your lifestyle may change. These are real losses, too.

How can I have attorney Michael J. Lichner represent me?

If you’re interested in hiring Michael J. Lichner, contact us. Call or message us, and we’ll take it from there. We offer free consultations and no fee unless we win.

We’ll start with a consultation, answer your questions, and explain how representation works. When you pick us as your representation we’ll get right to work!

Don’t wait, contact us today!

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