Mount Prospect
Dogs can be the most adorable pets. Unfortunately, they can also be dangerous and cause a lot of harm. Even if the dog does not have any prior history of aggression, they can still cause serious injuries such as deep puncture wounds or nerve damage.
In Illinois, the Animal Control Act is very strict regarding dog bite cases. If you or your loved one suffered a dog bite, you could receive compensation for your suffering through a personal injury claim or a lawsuit against the dog owner. You want to engage in a personal injury attorney early in the process so they guide you on how to protect your rights and ensure you get full and fair compensation for your losses.
Overview of Dog Bite Laws in Mount Prospect
One of the most important laws for dog bite cases in Mount Prospect, IL, is the strict liability law. According to this law, the dog owner is liable for the dog bite regardless of whether they were aware of the aggressive tendencies or past behavior of their dog.
Unlike many other states, Illinois does not follow the one-bite rule, which provides some leniency to dog owners in cases where the dog bite incident was the first such act of aggression and the animal’s owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous. However, as this rule doesn’t apply to cases in Mount Prospect, the burden of proof for the victim is lower in Illinois.
The law allows dog bite victims to pursue a negligence case along with strict liability if they can prove that the owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent the dog from biting. If a dog has a history of aggressive behavior, then the dog owner might face stricter legal consequences, including hefty fines. If the dog bite incident led to severe injuries or death, or if there are repeated offenses then the court may decide that euthanization is necessary to prevent further harm.
Steps to Take Immediately After a Dog Bite Incident
Your first step should be to seek compensation for your dog bite injuries, regardless of the severity of the bite. Getting treatment is not only important for your health and safety, but it also helps to document the injury. You may need to present medical records as evidence in your case.
In cases of severe injuries, you may have to rush to get emergency medical attention. However, if you are present at the site where you suffered the dog bite, you can start gathering readily available evidence. Start by gathering information about the dog and its owner. If possible, get the name, address, and contact information of the dog owner. You may also want to get information about the dog’s vaccination history. Try to take photos of your injuries, the dog, and other relevant details. Other evidence that can strengthen your dog bite case includes witness statements and surveillance footage.
You must also report the incident to law enforcement and animal control to help ensure the dog does not cause harm to others. Document all your expenses, including medical expenses, as may need them to prove your losses.
You can also seek compensation for economic expenses such as lost wages and noneconomic expenses such as pain and suffering due to emotional trauma. Lastly, you want to consult with a dog attack lawyer Mount Prospect so they can guide you on your rights and be responsible for dog bite claims.
How Dogbitelaws.com Assists Clients Through The Legal Process
With the strict liability law in Illinois, dog bite cases in Illinois might appear to be straightforward for the victims, but they can often be challenging. If there is evidence of provocation or unlawful presence, you could find it challenging to receive full compensation or any compensation for your suffering. For example, if the dog bite incident happened while you were trespassing or if you aggravated or provoked the dog, then your case becomes significantly more complex.
We are proud to have gained a reputation as the top Mount Prospect dog bite law firm by helping dog bite victims secure the compensation they deserve. Our dog bite attorneys have the legal expertise, experience, and resources to help you overcome the challenges associated with dog bite cases.
We recommend you seek Legal help for dog bites in Mount Prospect as early as possible so we have the maximum impact in getting you justice for your suffering Mount Prospect dog bite attorney can assess your case and guide you on the best course of legal action to recover compensation. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with our Dog bite lawyer in Mount Prospect.
