Many people treat their pets, often dogs, as members of their own family. But what happens when we are bitten and injured by someone else’s four-legged furry companion? You may be glad to learn that there are, in fact, legal remedies for such situations. These remedies are designed so those bitten by someone else’s dog can pursue compensation related to their dog bite injury.
If you were bitten and injured by someone else’s dog, strongly consider contacting an experienced personal injury who will ensure your rights remain protected and that you can pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.
A Dog Bit Me. Now What?
In the aftermath of a dog bite, always seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if a wound appears minor, it must be cleaned and properly treated to prevent infection. If the dog bite is severe, go to the emergency room or call 911 for assistance. Next, obtaining as much information as possible regarding the dog and its owner is important. This includes the name, address, and phone number of the owner, as well as any information about the dog’s vaccination history. Finally, get their contact information if there were any witnesses to the attack.
It would be best to consider reporting the incident to your local animal control agency. They can investigate the incident and ensure the dog is vaccinated. In some cases, they can also determine if the dog has a history of aggression and take appropriate action to prevent future attacks.
Is the Dog’s Owner Liable?
In Illinois, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous, they are still responsible for any damages caused by the dog. This includes medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, suppose a person provoked the dog to bite or attack or was trespassing on someone else’s property when they were bit. In that case, this will likely complicate the situation and make it more difficult if not impossible to receive compensation.
Contact a Cook County Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one were injured by a dog, contact the knowledgeable Rolling Meadows dog bite injury lawyers with Vito & Dollenmaier Law. Call 224-539-8821 for a free consultation.