Do I Need A Dog Bite Attorney?

Dogs can be wonderful pets, and many people consider them to be like members of their families. However, dogs are unpredictable animals, and even the calmest and most friendly dog may behave unexpectedly. When a dog bites or attacks someone, this can result in serious injuries, and victims may find themselves struggling to recover physically, emotionally, and financially. In these situations, a person may be unsure about where to turn for help, but by working with a personal injury lawyer, they can determine the best ways to proceed.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. The experienced attorneys of Vito & Dollenmaier Law can help you seek compensation for your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. We can handle all the legal aspects of your case so that you can focus on your recovery. We will work to get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries, and we will make sure that the owner of the dog that attacked you or any other responsible parties are held accountable.

Injuries Due to Dog Bites and Attacks

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, you may be feeling scared, confused, and alone. An attack by a dog may result in multiple types of injuries, including:

  • Puncture wounds – When biting someone, a dog’s teeth may break through the skin and damage the underlying tissues or organs. These wounds can affect muscle tissue, tendons, ligaments, and other parts of the body, and they may require surgery to repair.
  • Lacerations – A dog’s teeth and claws can cause cuts and scrapes on the skin that may require stitches. Depending on where these injuries occur, they may also result in significant blood loss. For example, lacerations on the neck or throat may sever major arteries, and the resulting blood loss may put a person’s life at risk.
  • Scarring – In some cases, dog bites can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially when lacerations occur on the face, neck, or upper body.
  • Infections – An animal’s mouth is full of bacteria, and when this bacteria enters the body through a dog bite, it can cause a serious infection. Serious infections may require hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics, and in severe cases, they may even lead to wrongful death.
  • Broken bones – The force of a dog’s jaws may lead to fractured or crushed bones. These injuries may require surgery to repair, and they may result in a lengthy recovery process.
  • Fall injuries – A dog may knock someone off their feet in an attack, and a fall can lead to additional injuries. For example, a person may hit their head when they fall, which could result in a concussion or other type of brain injury.
  • Emotional trauma – A dog attack can be a traumatic experience that leaves victims feeling scared, anxious, and alone. Many people who have been attacked by dogs suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

In Illinois, the owner of a dog or the person who was in control of a dog, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, may be held liable for any injuries the dog has inflicted on others. This is known as “strict liability,” and it applies even if a dog has never previously bitten anyone or behaved in a way that indicated that it might be dangerous. The only exceptions to this rule involve situations where a person provoked a dog into biting or attacking them or when a person was trespassing on someone else’s property.

Contact Our Schaumburg Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

The physical and emotional scars of a dog bite can be severe, and victims will need to determine their options for recovering compensation for the damages they have suffered. At Vito & Dollenmaier Law, our lawyers can help you take the proper steps to get the compensation you deserve. Contact our dog bite attorneys today at 224-539-8821 to arrange a free consultation.