Arlington Heights Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Attorney for People Injured in Dog Attacks in Rolling Meadows and Palatine

According to recent statistics, nearly a third of all households in Illinois own a dog. In many cases, dogs are loyal pets and treasured members of the family, but the prevalence of dogs as pets tends to belie the fact that they can be dangerous animals capable of causing severe and fatal injuries. Fortunately, victims of dog attacks in Illinois are often able to secure compensation for their injuries.

At Adler Law Offices, LTD., we can help you file a personal injury claim against a dog's owner, and we will work to ensure that you are compensated fairly for your dog bite injuries. Attorney Charles Adler has practiced law for over 40 years, and his knowledge and experience allow him to negotiate and litigate successfully on his clients' behalf. When he takes your case, there is no attorney fee unless he is able to recover compensation.

Injuries From Dog Attacks

Aggressive dogs and friendly dogs alike may cause injuries, and injuries may result from an accident or the dog's intentional behavior. Bites are perhaps the most prominent cause of dog-related injuries, but they are not the only possibility. The injuries that a person may suffer in a dog attack include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds - A dog's teeth and claws can cause serious damage to the skin, muscle tissue, and other organs. Depending on the severity, an injury victim may suffer heavy bleeding or permanent scarring.
• Broken bones - The force of a dog's bite can crush a person's bones, and dog attacks may also cause the victim to fall to the ground and suffer broken bones due to the force of landing.
• Infections - Dog bite injuries that are not promptly treated can quickly develop serious infections that lead to further health complications. Dogs that have not been vaccinated are also capable of spreading rabies.
• Head and facial injuries - The impact of a fall from a dog attack can cause concussions and other traumatic brain injuries. Dog bites to the face also tend to be especially harmful and may affect a victim's vision, speech, and other abilities.

Recovering Damages From an Illinois Dog Owner

If you have been injured due to a dog bite or attack, the terms of the Illinois Animal Control Act allow you to pursue compensation from the dog's owner. The standard for demonstrating a dog owner's liability is lower than in many other kinds of personal injury cases. It is not necessary to demonstrate that the injuries were the result of the owner's negligence, nor is it necessary for the injury to have occurred on the dog owner's property, as it would be in a case involving premises liability.

However, it is still important that you have evidence demonstrating that your injuries were caused by the dog's actions, rather than some other incident. You will also likely need to demonstrate that you did nothing to provoke the dog's attack and that you were legally allowed to be in the location where the attack occurred. Your medical records, photographs of your injuries, and the testimony of witnesses to the attack can all help to build your case.

Compensation for dog bite injuries often comes from the owner's homeowner liability insurance, and your attorney can represent you in settlement negotiations and help you address any insurance disputes. If a fair outcome can not be achieved through a settlement, your case may be resolved in court with your attorney representing you throughout the litigation. Recoverable damages for dog attack injuries include medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, mental trauma, pain and suffering, and scarring and disfigurement. Damages for wrongful death are also recoverable if a dog fatally injures your child or another family member.

Contact a Cook County Dog Attack Injury Attorney

When you and your family are coping with the trauma of a dog attack, you need an attorney who can help you get the compensation you need to recover. Contact us for a free consultation today by calling 847-394-0100 or 312-236-2700. We represent dog bite victims in the Chicago area and throughout Cook County, including Mount Prospect, Rolling Meadows, Arlington Heights, Palatine, and surrounding areas.