Dog bites and animal attacks can be traumatic and can cause serious injuries. Unfortunately, dog bites and animal attacks occur too frequently. Over 4.7 million people are injured in the United States every year.
Formerly Illinois adhered to the "one free bite" law, which favored animal owners and relieved them from liability because they were considered "unaware" of an animal's violent nature. This law, however, was changed by the Animal Control Act. Now if a dog, or another animal, attacks or injures a person, the owner of the animal is liable for the full amount of the injury.
Local municipalies may also have laws that apply to a dog bite case such as leash laws, vaccination requirements, or even restrictions on the ownership of certain breeds. The complexities involved in local and state laws make it wise to contact a skilled animal attack attorney at Law Offices of Adam J. Zayed, P.C. to help you pursue compensation for your animal attack injuries.
Some of the more common physical ramifications of a dog bite or animal attack are:
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Severed nerves
- Eye damage
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
Dog bites can arise from a multitude of situations. Some of the most common circumstances surrounding dog bites are: injury on private property, leash law violations, attacks resulting from inadequate fencing, escaped animals, and dog bites in public areas.
Some of the important steps to take in the event of a dog bite or animal attack are to: (1) Seek medical attention; (2) Report the bite to the police; (3) Photograph the dog or animal if possible; (3) Identify owner of the animal; (4) Identify possible witnesses; (5) Contact animal control; (6) Photograph injuries; (7) Photograph and save clothes you were wearing during your injury; (8) Do not accept communication from the dog owner or the dog owner's insurance company.
Dog bites nearly always involve the legal issue of premises liability. It is possible to recover significant damages against responsible dog owners, landlords, and even homeowners insurance carriers.
If you or a family member has been injured by a dog bite, please contact a dog bite lawyer who will vigorously move your case to resolution. At Law Offices of Adam J. Zayed, P.C. we have strong relationships with doctors, including plastic surgeons and physical therapists. We have the resources and experience to protect your rights and to ensure that you receive maximum compensation for your injury. Please contact us for a free consultation, or call us at 815.726.1616 in Joliet.
