Chicago, IL Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Lawyers For Animal Attack Lawsuits in Chicago and Surrounding Areas

Dogs and other pets serve as beloved members of many families. However, even though we form close bonds with them, these are still animals, and they can sometimes behave unpredictably. Sadly, there are many cases when dogs bite or attack people, leading to serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries. Those who have been harmed by an animal attack should work with an attorney to determine their legal options for pursuing compensation.

At Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC, our personal injury attorneys understand the physical and emotional harm a dog bite can cause, and we work to help victims receive the compensation that addresses these damages. We are dedicated to achieving justice for injury victims and to improving and enhancing public safety by holding negligent pet owners responsible for their animals' actions.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Depending on the size of the dog and the severity of the attack, the injuries suffered can range from minor to severe. Some potential types of injuries in these cases include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds - A dog's teeth or claws can cause deep cuts which may require multiple stitches and result in severe scarring and disfigurement. A victim may also contract diseases such as rabies from an infected animal.
• Broken bones - The strength of a dog's jaw can cause bone fractures, and victims may be knocked down, leading to broken arms, hips, or brain injuries.
• Eye injuries - Attacks to a victim's face can cause damage to the eyes that may result in blindness.
• Amputation - Fingers can be severed in a bite, and other wounds may require the amputation of limbs.
• Nerve damage - Nerves in the limbs or face may be severed by a dog bite, and these injuries can cause severe, long-lasting pain. A person knocked down by an animal may experience damage to the spine, which can cause a great deal of pain and may result in paralysis.
• Emotional trauma - Victims of animal attacks are likely to experience a great deal of psychological distress, and they may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can greatly affect their quality of life. Children may be especially affected by this type of trauma, and they may take years to recover.

Liability for Dog Bites

In Illinois, a dog's owner may be held liable for injuries caused by their animal, regardless of whether they knew the animal was dangerous. In addition, Illinois is one of a few first strike states, in which an animal is not given a "free bite"the first time it injures someone. To demonstrate liability, a victim will need to show that:

• The animal was not provoked by the victim.
• The victim was legally permitted to be in the location where the attack took place.
• The victim's injuries were directly caused by the animal's actions.

A victim can pursue compensation from a dog owner for their damages, including the costs of medical treatment, any lost wages or reduction in their ability to earn an income, and the pain and suffering they have experienced.

Contact a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog can act suddenly and unexpectedly, and their actions can have effects that last for months or years. If you have been injured by a dog or other animal, you deserve to receive compensation that will help you make a full recovery. Our personal injury attorneys can help you demonstrate the extent of your injuries and work to hold a negligent dog owner responsible for your damages. Contact our office at Tomasik Kotin Kasserman, LLC to schedule a free consultation.