How Can a Lawyer Help With an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Claim?

 Posted on August 18, 2021 in Dog Bite Injuries

Illinois laws are friendly to dog bite injury victims, in that dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means that if you have been injured by a dog, you do not need to demonstrate the owner’s negligence in order to recover compensation. However, this does not necessarily mean that recovering the full compensation you deserve will be easy. There are many obstacles you may encounter, and it is beneficial to work with an experienced attorney who can help you confront them.

Challenges in Recovering Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

In most cases, the compensation available to dog bite victims comes from the owner’s homeowner liability insurance coverage. There are several ways in which an attorney can help you navigate the challenges of filing and settling an insurance claim, including:

• Identifying the dog’s owner - Many dog bite injuries are caused by dogs who are unfamiliar to the victim, and it is not always easy to determine who the dog belongs to, especially if it is unleashed and roaming and it has no ID tags. An attorney can help you work with local law enforcement to find the dog’s owner so that you can initiate your claim.

• Determining the amount of compensation to pursue - Keeping track of your medical expenses is an important first step in calculating your damages, but in the case of severe injuries, you may be entitled to other damages as well. An attorney can help you calculate past and future lost wages due to the disabling effects of your injuries, as well as reasonable non-economic pain and suffering damages.

• Demonstrating that the attack was unprovoked - In order for strict liability to apply, the victim must have been “peacefully conducting himself or herself” at the time of the attack. A dog owner or their insurance provider may try to fight a liability claim on the grounds that your actions provoked the attack, and you may need a lawyer’s help to counter their argument.

• Demonstrating that you were legally permitted to be on the premises - Another requirement for strict dog owner liability is that the victim was “in any place where he or she may lawfully be.” If the owner tries to contest your claim, your lawyer may need to help you demonstrate that you were not trespassing on the property when you were injured.

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, it is a good idea to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. At Dog Bite Injury Lawyer - Mevorah Law Offices LLC, we can help you take prompt action to hold a dog owner accountable and represent you throughout your claim. Call us today at 630-552-6860 for a free consultation with an experienced Illinois dog bite injury attorney.

Source:

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41