- Open puncture wounds
- Infection and disease transfer
- Muscle Tissue Tears
- Broken or crushed bones and tissues
- Eye injuries
- Scars
- Face Injuries
- Disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Nerve Damage
- Death
Recovering from these injuries is a challenge. Victims are best advised to wash their wounds with soap and water and seek medical attention to be tested for anything that was transferred from the dog’s saliva to your wounds. The owner of the dog that attacked you is responsible for your injuries, and you can pursue compensation through a personal injury claim. An Illinois dog bite attorney is a good resource to find more information on how you can successfully file our claim.
What Do You Do After You Have Been Bitten By A Dog
After an attack, if you are able, get the information about the dog’s owner. You want to know if the dog is up-to-date with its shots. You also want to obtain the owner’s contact information so that you can discuss with them recouping costs for your medical expenses. Sometimes, simply talking with an apologetic owner can be all that is needed to have your medical costs covered. In other cases, a dog owner who is resistant to cooperating with you may require your case to go to civil court.
In Illinois, animal bites fall under the strict-liability system. This puts the responsibility for the attack directly on the owner. Even if this is the first time the dog attacked, or the owner didn’t know the potential for their dog to bite, they still are liable for the damages inflicted. Depending on where you were bitten, other parties could hold responsibility. If the dog was being held at a kennel, for instance, the kennel may also be liable. There are many instances where more than one entity must compensate you for your injuries.
The dog owner can argue that you were responsible for the dog’s behaviors and you are guilty of negligent actions that lead to the bite. An example of this would be if you were provoking the dog when you were warned not to by an owner. In this case, the owner has a valid argument for not being liable for your injuries.
Where To Find A Dog Bite Attorney In Illinois
If you aren’t sure that the attack you suffered makes for a feasible personal injury claim, the easiest way to find out is to speak with the Janesville personal injury lawyers at the Alexander J. Smith Law Offices. We will review your attack experience and advise you on your best path for moving forward with a claim to recoup your damages.
Call us today to set up a free consultation at (608) 237-7035 for residents of Wisconsin or (815) 2439686 for residents of Illinois. One of our highly committed and highly knowledgeable Wisconsin and Illinois dog bite injury attorneys is here to help.