While a dog can seemingly become aggressive out of nowhere, dog owners bear a duty of care to protect everyone around them. These owners must ensure that their animal stays under their control and does not attack anyone. Unfortunately, dogs could slip out of the owners’ control, especially if they are negligent about securely handling their animals.
When someone else’s pet hurts you or someone you love, you should consult a Hoffman Estates dog bite lawyer. A skilled personal injury attorney could help you pursue the compensation you deserve from a negligent pet owner to help you afford the cost of treating your injuries.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
Under Illinois law, the owner of a dog that bites someone who has the lawful right to be where they were at the time of the event could bear liability for all damages associated with the attack. This means that if someone had the right to enter either public or private premises where they experienced a dog bite, they could pursue compensation from the pet’s owner. Anyone injured in a dog attack in Hoffman Estates should speak with a dedicated attorney as soon as possible to discuss the possibility of pursuing a civil claim.
Compensation in Hoffman Estates Dog Attacks
The types of compensation available to a dog bite survivor depend on the circumstances and specific damages associated with the attack. Here are some common damages injured people could recover after dog attacks.
Medical Costs
A dog attack could lead to considerable medical bills. While some people may have to deal with emergency medical care, others might also have substantial injuries that require long-term treatment. For example, someone may experience broken bones that require surgery and physical therapy for them to fully recover. Other times, dog bite survivors develop an infection requiring ongoing medical attention. A successful injury claim could help a dog bite survivor recover the full costs of these medical bills.
Lost Earnings
Depending on the extent of their dog attack injuries, a person might find themselves unable to work after their accident. In these circumstances, a dedicated attorney could request payments for lost wages as part of a comprehensive dog attack claim.
Pain and Suffering
On top of considerable physical and financial losses, a dog attack could also cause ongoing suffering. A survivor might suffer from anxiety around dogs or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Furthermore, they could face significant physical pain as they recover from their injuries. A Hoffman Estates lawyer could incorporate a dog bite survivor’s pain and suffering in their compensation claim.
How a Lawyer Could Help Dog Bite Survivors
When someone gets injured during a dog attack in Hoffman Estates, having a lawyer on their side could prove essential to recovering the compensation they deserve. An attorney could collect evidence that helps establish the negligent actions of the dog owner, that the victim had the legal right to enter the property, and that the dog attacked without provocation.
After a dog attack, someone might struggle to understand the full compensation they deserve. A lawyer could ensure dog bite survivors understand their rights and account for all losses stemming from their injuries. A legal professional could also offer ongoing support for people navigating the claim process. Insurance companies typically have their own interests in mind when discussing the payments a person could recover following a dog attack. A lawyer, on the other hand, represents the client’s interests, whether negotiating with the insurance company or taking the case to court to secure fair compensation.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Hoffman Estates
When you are attacked by someone’s pet, a Hoffman Estates dog bite lawyer at The Kryder Law Law Group, LLC could help. The dog’s owner may be liable for the costs of your medical bills and lost wages. However, you must demonstrate that you were lawfully on a property when the dog attacked you and did not provoke the dog in the first place.
Dog bite claims often create disputes over liability that may threaten your ability to secure fair compensation. Contact The Kryder Law Group, LLC today to discuss your rights following a dog attack.
(312) 223-1700