Orland Park Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Getting bitten by a dog in Orland Park can lead to various issues, affecting both your well-being and your day-to-day life.

Regardless of the situation, dealing with a dog bite situation requires assistance. That’s where our personal injury team can be of service. My firm, Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer is here to guide you through the available options and the claims process. Don’t hesitate to contact us for a free consultation today.

What Is the Dog Bite Law in Illinois?

Various states approach dog bites differently when it comes to the law. Some have so-called “one-bite” rules on the books, where a dog that has not previously shown aggressive tendencies is allowed “one free bite” incident where the owner won’t be held responsible for the incident.

However, Illinois has no such rule. Instead, it follows what is called “strict liability” when it comes to dog bites. This means that, regardless of whether or not the dog has shown aggression previously, the owner is:

Legally responsible for any injuries or damages their dog causes in a bite incident.

Illinois’ strict liability laws mean that if you were bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for benefits and support for your injuries under the law, regardless of the dog’s past behavior or history. However, this means you’ll have to enter the legal process by filing a claim. As a result, it’s important to understand what you need to do to bolster your claim.

How to Strengthen a Dog Bite Claim in Orland Park

Even with the law on your side when it comes to liability, taking the right steps after a dog bite in Orland Park is crucial to maximize your chances of obtaining benefits under the law. Your claim’s strength, which is often filed against the dog owner’s insurance company, plays a significant role in your ability to recover from your injuries. To strengthen a potential dog bite claim, you’ll want to consider taking the following actions:

Get medical care right away – Dog bites can lead to severe injuries and potential infections. Even seemingly minor wounds should be promptly addressed to prevent complications.
Find the dog’s owner – If possible, gather the dog owner’s name and contact information, along with details of any witnesses. This information is vital for establishing liability and pursuing compensation for your injuries.
Report the incident to authorities – Notify the local animal control agency or police department about the dog bite. They can assist in locating the dog and assessing its history of aggressive behavior.
Document the incident – Capture photos of your injuries and the attack location. Provide a detailed description, including the date, time, and location of the incident, as well as pertinent information about the dog and its owner.

By following these steps, you protect both your health and legal rights after a dog bite in Orland Park. Illinois strict liability law holds dog owners accountable for their dogs’ actions, allowing you to file a claim for damages. While the process can be complex, our experienced dog bite team is here to guide you, making sure your rights are protected.

What Is the Claims Process in A Typical Orland Park Dog Bite Case?

Once you’ve decided to proceed with a dog bite claim in Orland Park, understanding the claims process is extremely helpful when trying to recover the available benefits and support under the law. Legally, a dog bite claim follows the same procedures as any other injury claim in Illinois, much like those for car accidents or slip and falls.

The key distinction lies in the strict liability law, simplifying the determination of liability– falling on the dog owner in the vast majority of cases. Consequently, when filing your claim, it will be against the dog owner’s insurance company, meaning an insurance company is going to get involved.

Thus, the claims process typically includes the following steps.

Filing a claim with the dog owner’s insurance company – The first step is to actually file a claim with the homeowner’s insurance company. Our team can help you with this, and will include providing evidence and submitting a formal demand for payment.
Negotiating with the insurance company – Once the claim is filed, the insurance company will investigate and assess the claim. Most of the time, they’ll offer a settlement. Our experienced team can negotiate any settlement offers from the insurance company to ensure fair coverage for all your damages.
Filing a lawsuit – If a settlement can’t be reached, filing a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner may be necessary to recover benefits for your injuries. Our team will represent you in court, defending your rights and making sure everything is covered.

Damages

The ultimate goal of filing any injury claim is to recover “damages,” which simply refers to your injuries and losses. As every case is unique, your damages may differ from other cases. That said, the following damages are generally available in an Orland Park dog bite claim:

Medical expenses – Probably the most common set of damages in these claims cover the costs of medical treatment, surgeries, medications, and all healthcare expenses resulting from the dog bite.
Future medical needs – These damages cover any anticipated long-term or ongoing medical care, including therapy sessions or follow-up treatments.\
Expenses for medical devices – If you need medical devices or aids related to your dog bite injuries, you can recover the cost with these damages.
Lost wages – These damages attempt to make up for wages lost during the recovery period if your injuries keep you away from working or don’t allow you to return to work.
Pain and suffering – These apply to physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
Emotional distress – These damages attempt to cover the psychological impact of the dog bite incident, such as anxiety, fear, or PTSD, in your claim for compensation.
Scarring and disfigurement – This category of damages applies to the physical and emotional effects of visible scarring or disfigurement resulting from the dog bite.
Loss of quality of life – These damages refer to support for the impact of the dog bite on your ability to enjoy daily activities, hobbies, or aspects of life.
Punitive damages – These could be awarded in exceptional cases involving intentional harm or gross negligence by the dog owner, serving as punishment and a deterrent.

The value of your case depends on its specific details. So, it’s crucial to work with our experienced Orland Park dog bite lawyer and team, who will guide you through the claims process and ensure you receive the financial support you rightfully deserve.

Reducing Dog Bites in Orland Park

Obviously, you and others in Orland Park don’t want to be involved in a dog bite incident. While most of the dogs you’ll encounter are well-behaved and faithful companions, the reality is that any dog can give in to its instincts and react aggressively in a given situation. So, in order to respond effectively to these incidents, it’s important to know what to look for:

Recognize warning signs – Learning the signs of a potential dog attack is crucial. Look out for indicators like snarling, a stiff stance, or a dog’s ears laid back with fur standing up on their back.
Stay calm and avoid running – Dogs have a natural instinct to chase. Running or jogging past an aggressive or agitated dog can lead to a bite. If you encounter such a dog, remain calm and walk past it, countering their natural curiosity.
Be aware of leash laws – In Orland Park, dogs in public areas must be leashed. While a leashed dog may appear more aggressive, an unleashed one poses a higher risk. Stay alert when encountering unleashed dogs to prevent potential bites.

While there’s no foolproof way to avoid dog bites entirely, being aware of these measures can help at least reduce the risk of being bitten. However, even in case of an unfortunate incident in Orland Park, working with our experienced team can guide you through his incredibly difficult time.

Orland Park Dog Bite Lawyer Is Here for You

Most dogs are loving and dependable family members, offering unwavering affection. However, dog bite incidents can be unfortunate and tragic, often stemming from their natural instinct to protect their territory. As a dog owner in Orland Park, it’s important to recognize the significant responsibility that comes with ownership. In the event of a dog bite, Illinois law is clear–the owner is accountable and must be held responsible for any resulting injuries.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury in Orland Park and are looking for more information about your available options, contact our experienced dog bite team at Michael J. Brennan Injury & Accident Lawyer for a free consultation. We’ll clarify your legal options and make sure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Michael J. Brennan Accident & Injury Lawyer – Orland Park Office

16521 S 106th Ct
Orland Park, IL 60467
P: (708) 809-2211