Buffalo Grove Dog Bite Lawyer
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Dogs not only make great pets but some businesses and homeowners effectively use dogs as a deterrent to trespassers and burglars. However, the Illinois Animal Control Act clearly outlines the responsibilities of dog owners and establishes the rights of victims to sue for their dog bite injuries.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Buffalo Grove, the Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro will represent you on a contingency basis. That means that you do not have to pay out of pocket for his professional legal services. Call today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
The Illinois Animal Control Act
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, if a dog or other animal attacks a victim without provocation in a place where that person had the legal right to be, the victim can pursue civil damages. The following elements must be present under the Act:
The victim had a right to be in the place where they were attacked.
The victim did not try to provoke the dog.
The dog attacked the victim.
The victim was injured by the dog.
It’s important to mention that dog bites are not the only form of attack. For example, if the dog knocks the victim to the ground or the victim is injured because the dog chased him, the owner is still liable.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack
The following steps may prevent you from further injury and will strengthen your dog bite case. If you’re unsure what to do after a dog bite, contact attorney Jack M. Shapiro today.
Get to a Safe Place – If you are still in danger of additional bites, try to get away from the dog.
Call 911 – Get EMTs and the police to the scene, even if the owner has subdued the dog. The police can document the incident and verify the dog’s vaccination status with the owner. Allow the EMTs to examine you and attend to your wounds.
Talk to Witnesses – Many personal injury cases are decided based on the testimony of eyewitnesses. If they can’t remain on the scene to talk to the police, get their contact information.
Take Photographs – Once your safety is assured, take pictures of the scene. You’ll want to include pictures of the dog (if possible), breaches in the fenceline if the dog escaped from the property, pictures of your injuries, etc.
Contact a personal injury lawyer. Many people are hesitant to talk to a lawyer when it comes to dog bites. Their concern for the animal sometimes overrides their own need for justice. However, Jack Shapiro’s focus is on getting his clients compensation for their dog bites from the owner or their insurance.
Deadlines for Filing a Claim Under the Animal Control Act
The statute of limitations in most cases is two years from the date of the dog bite. This may sound like a lot of time, but it’s important that you contact a dog bite lawyer at your earliest convenience. A great deal can change in two years time, including the death of the dog in question. In order to successfully pursue dog bite cases, law firms need to gather evidence quickly, so don’t rely on the two-year time clock.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA):
4.5 million people are attacked by dogs every year.
800,000 people require medical attention for dog bites.
Children are disproportionately affected, both in the fact that they are bitten more frequently and in that their injuries tend to be more severe.
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you are entitled to compensation under the law. Buffalo Grove dog bite lawyer Jack Shapiro can get you the justice you deserve. Call today for a free consultation.
Damages in Dog Bite Cases
The state of Illinois allows for three categories of damages: economic damages, non-economic damages, and punitive damages.
Economic Damages
All financial costs fall under economic damages. For cases involving dog bites, it would include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, etc.
Non-economic Damages
Also referred to as pain and suffering, non-economic damages include the physical pain from the attack, emotional trauma, and the inconvenience of being injured.
Punitive Damages
These damages are means to penalize the defendant for reckless or intentional behavior. For example, if the dog owner intentionally ordered the dog to attack the victim, the court might decide to punish them for the intentional act. In this scenario, the dog owner may also face criminal charges.
What an Illinois Dog Bite Attorney Can Do to Help
If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, the Buffalo Grove Law Office of Jack M. Shapiro can:
Obtain copies of the dog’s vaccination records
Determine whether the animal was involved in any previous complaints or attacks
Subpoena and depose witnesses, including the dog owner.
Compile a list of damages
Present a demand letter to the insurance company
Act as an intermediary in all negotiations with the defendant’s insurer
File a lawsuit with the courts if necessary
Because he works on a contingency basis, Mr. Shapiro does not accept payment until the end of the case and only if he wins. All consultations are free.
FAQ About Buffalo Grove Dog Bites
These are some of the most commonly asked dog bite questions our office receives. For questions specific to your case, call now.
Does Illinois Have a One-Bite Rule?
No, unlike many states where the dog owner gets one pass the first time their dog bites a person, Illinois allows plaintiffs to pursue damages for a first incident.
What if I’m Partially Responsible for The Dog Bite?
Under the Illinois comparative negligence principle, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the dog attack, you can still recover a portion of your damages.
Dog Bite Lawyer in Buffalo Grove
If a dog or other type of pet animal has attacked you, you have the right to compensation. Contact Buffalo Grove Personal Injury Lawyer for a free, no-obligation consultation today!