Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers
Each year more than 4 million people are bitten by a dog—and an estimated 66% of animal bites require a medical attention and antibiotics. Serious bite injuries—which may require surgery or hospitalization—may involve:
- Deep infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Nerve and/or tendon damage
- Tissue loss and permanent facial or body scarring
- Multiple medically necessary cosmetic surgeries
- Lengthy rehabilitation
- Wrongful Death
If a dog or other animal has attacked, mauled or bitten you or a loved one, first seek proper medical care, then contact Adler & Adler, P.C. to learn about your legal rights and understand your options, which may include filing a compensation claim against the pet owner's property insurance policy. The attorneys at Adler & Adler, P.C. have critical experience you need when seeking financial compensation for current and possibly future medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages.
Illinois law is clear that unless a attack was provoked, the animal's owner is responsible for the animal's behavior. It also is not necessary that the animal actually make physical contact in causing an injury. Breeds commonly encountered in dog bite cases include Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Presa Canarios, Poodles, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherds. But any dog, cat or other household pet may, out of instinct or for reasons understood only by them, launch an unprovoked attack.
What to Do If You Are Bitten by a Dog or Other Animal
If you or a loved one has been attacked by any dog or pet:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Obtain the name and address of the animal's owner
- Record the names, addresses and phone numbers of any witnesses
- File a police report as soon as possible and request a copy
- Take photos of your injuries
- Consult an attorney experienced with handling animal attack matters in order to protect your rights, such as an attorney at Adler & Adler, P.C.
- Do not sign anything
- Do not speak with or give a recorded statement to any insurance company
- Keep a log of all of your medical treatments, bills, physical complaints and lost wages
