At Crosby Law Firm, our dedicated Rockford dog bite attorneys are here for you. We help victims of animal attacks get the compensation they need to cover medical expenses and other damages. Our personal injury lawyers understand both the physical and emotional trauma these incidents can cause.
Dog Owner Liability in Illinois
As experienced Rockford dog bite lawyers, we know that Illinois has strict liability rules for dog attacks. This means dog owners bear responsibility when their pets hurt someone, even if the dog never showed aggressive behavior before. You don’t need to prove the owner knew their dog might bite to file a claim for your injuries.
The law holds owners responsible for dog bite incidents when:
- The victim was acting peacefully
- The victim had a legal right to be at the location
- The victim did not provoke the dog
When you contact our law office, our team will help prove these elements and build a strong case for compensation.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries
Common injuries from dog attacks include:
- Deep Tissue Injury: Dog bites can tear muscles, damage nerves, and cause lasting pain. Some victims need multiple surgeries to repair the damage.
- Infections: Dog and other animal bites easily become infected and may require strong antibiotics or hospitalization.
- Broken Bones: Large dogs and other animals can break bones, especially in children or elderly victims. Hand and arm fractures often happen when victims try to protect themselves during an attack.
- Face and Neck Injuries: Attacks to the face or neck area can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement. These injuries may need reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional Trauma: Some victims develop anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress disorder after an attack. Children especially may need long-term counseling.
If you’ve suffered a serious injury as a dog bite victim, contact our team to pursue legal action.
Compensation You Can Seek
As your Rockford personal injury lawyers, we can help you pursue several types of compensation after an animal attack:
- Immediate Care and Medical Bills: This covers emergency medical treatment, stitches, antibiotics, required surgery, etc.
- Long-Term Treatment: This can include reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and counseling.
- Lost Earnings: If you missed work during recovery or can’t return to your job due to injuries, you may get compensation for lost wages.
- Disfigurement or Disability: You can pursue compensation for scarring, nerve damage, and lasting physical effects.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: This may cover torn clothing, damaged belongings, or travel expenses for medical care.
Remember, while dog bites are more common than most other animal-related injuries, they’re not the only type. If you’ve been injured by an animal such as a cat, livestock, or an exotic pet, you may be able to file a claim. Contact our legal team today to schedule a free initial consultation.
Steps To Take After a Dog Bite
Seek medical care immediately after any dog bite. Even small puncture wounds can lead to serious infections. There is also the risk of contracting rabies. Document your injuries with photos and keep all medical records.
Don’t discuss the incident with the dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with a dog bite injury lawyer. Insurance adjusters often try to minimize claims and shift blame onto victims.
Work With Our Law Firm
At Crosby Law Firm, we bring 150 years of combined legal experience to your case. Our deep roots in the Rockford community mean we understand Illinois laws and know how to navigate the legal system effectively.
Contact Us Today for Help
Time matters in dog bite cases and other animal attacks. Call (815) 397-2006 to speak with our experienced Rockford dog bite injury attorneys and schedule a free initial consultation.