Animal attacks can leave lasting scars, which can be both physical and emotional. At our law firm, we understand the challenges victims face after such incidents. From physical pain to financial stress, the whole situation can be difficult for some to cope with.
Our pool of lawyers is dedicated to helping you recover the compensation you deserve. With years of experience and a focus on compassionate representation, we’re here to guide you. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How We Legally Represent Animal Attack Victims
Animal attack victims deserve justice and compassionate care. Chicago Injury Lawyer helps by taking the stress of legal matters off your shoulders. We investigate the details, identify liability, and fight for your rights. Let us handle your case so you can focus on recovery.
Thorough Investigation of the Case
Our Chicago attorneys begin by conducting a detailed investigation into your case. We gather evidence, including hospital records, witness accounts, and animal control reports. This helps our lawyers build a strong case for your animal attack injury claim.
Establishing Liability
Our primary focus in animal attack cases is finding out who is at fault. We identify the responsible party, whether it’s the pet owner, a landlord, or another individual. Our premises liability lawyer ensures that liability is established, making it easier to pursue compensation.
Negotiating with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies often try to pay the minimum compensation in animal attack cases. Our experienced attorneys in Chicago handle all negotiations to ensure you get a fair settlement. We fight to cover all your damages, including medical bills and other expenses.
Providing Court Representation
Our team has the expertise to represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached. We present a strong case to the judge and jury, supported by proper evidence and expert testimony.
Supporting You Through the Legal Process
We understand how complicated it can be to handle legal matters after an animal attack. That’s why we are here to support you mentally and emotionally every step of the way. From explaining your rights to keeping you updated on your case, our law firm ensures that you feel supported and informed throughout the process.
Types of Animal Attacks Our Lawyers Deal With
Over the years, the Chicago Injury Lawyer has helped victims of various animal attack cases. Each case is unique, but our commitment to securing justice remains unwavering. Here are the types of animal attack cases we have seen.
- Dog bites and attacks
- Cat scratches and infections
- Exotic pet attacks, including snakes and primates
- Livestock incidents, such as horse kicks or cow trampling
- Injuries from improperly restrained pets
- Wild animals kept as pets cause harm
- Attacks on children in public or private spaces
Contact our animal attack attorneys in Chicago today to discuss your case if you’ve experienced any of these. The quicker we start the legal process, the easier it will be for you to receive compensation.
Common Injuries Due to Animal Attacks In Chicago
Animal attacks can leave victims with injuries that impact their lives for years. These injuries can lead to prolonged recovery times, emotional trauma, and financial strain. Our compassionate legal team helps victims seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you.
These are the common injuries sustained by those whose animals have been attacked.
Deep puncture wounds: Animal bites can pierce through skin and muscle. This often causes the victim to suffer from severe bleeding and damage to tissues.
Severe infections: Bites often introduce bacteria, leading to diseases such as rabies or tetanus, which require immediate medical attention. If the victim is left untreated for too long, their health may rapidly deteriorate.
Broken bones: Large animals can knock victims to the ground, causing fractures that need surgery or extended recovery.
Disfiguring facial injuries: Bites or scratches to the face often result in disfiguring or permanent scars. In this case, victims may need plastic surgery.
Psychological trauma: Victims, especially children, may develop long-term fear, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They may never want to go near animals again.
Nerve damage: Severe bites can cause nerve damage, resulting in numbness, loss of function, or chronic pain. This can cause victims to suffer from permanent disability.
Compensation Animal Attack Victims Can Receive
Victims of animal attacks deserve compensation to help them recover from the physical pain and mental trauma. Financial recovery is necessary to pay those medical bills or other damages caused by the incident. Our top-rated personal injury attorneys in Chicago work beyond limits to compensate victims adequately.
Here are the types of compensation animal attack victims are entitled to in Chicago:
- Medical expenses: Covers treatment costs, medications, surgeries, therapy, and future care needs.
- Lost income: Compensates for the wages that have been lost due to missed work
- Pain and suffering: Compensation given for the physical pain and emotional trauma that animal attack victims suffer from.
- Disfigurement: Provides compensation for permanent scarring or cosmetic procedures.
- Property damage: This covers the cost of property damage, such as damaged items during the attack. This includes personal belongings such as mobile phones.
Contact our team today to learn how to secure the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable For My Animal Attack Injury?
Liability for an animal attack in Chicago depends on where and how the injury occurred. Here are the most common parties that may be held responsible:
- Animal Owner Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, the animal owner is responsible for injuries caused by their pet.
- Caretaker: If someone other than the owner, such as a pet sitter or trainer, was in control of the animal at the time of the attack, they may also be responsible.
- Property Owner: A landlord or property owner may be held liable if they knew of a dangerous animal on their property and did not take steps to protect others.
Law for Animal Attack Injury Claims in Chicago
Our personal injury attorneys know how much pain an animal attack victim goes through. We evaluate your case quickly and thoroughly to determine your expected compensation.
Personal Injury Law
According to the Personal Injury Act (735 ILCS 5/13-202), you must file a lawsuit within two years of the animal attack incident that caused your injuries. If you delay, your compensation may be denied.
Wrongful Death Act
The Illinois Wrongful Death Act (740 ILCS 180/0.01) states that if someone dies in an animal attack case, then their family is allowed to file a wrongful death claim. This claim has to be within 2 years of the accident to receive compensation.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Under the modified Comparative Negligence Act (735 ILCS 5/2-1116), a victim injured by animal attacks may recover damages only if they have less than 50% fault. For example, if you were previously warned about a dog that bites, but you still went near it and got injured, you may not be compensated, as you knew the animal was likely to attack.
What to Do Immediately After an Animal Attack in Chicago
We understand that experiencing an animal attack can be a frightening experience. But there are some things you must do immediately to protect your health and speed up the compensation process.
Here is what you should do immediately after an animal attack.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries. Even if you feel fine, it is recommended that you consult a professional to ensure your safety.
- Report the attack to local authorities or animal control. Make sure you get a copy of the report.
- Document the scene, including photos of injuries and the animal involved.
- Collect contact Information from witnesses and the animal’s owner. Witness statements will help you to build a strong case.
- Contact an experienced attorney who deals with animal attack cases to discuss your rights and legal options.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire an Animal Attack Lawyer in Chicago?
Animal attacks—whether by dogs, exotic pets, or farm animals—can lead to serious injuries including lacerations, infections, nerve damage, or emotional trauma. If you or a loved one was harmed due to an animal owner’s negligence, hiring an experienced animal attack lawyer in Chicago typically involves no upfront legal fees. Most attorneys handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you only pay if your lawyer recovers compensation for you. Legal fees usually range from 30% to 40% of your settlement or verdict, and your initial consultation is always free.
Under Illinois law, animal owners are strictly liable for unprovoked attacks in public places or when the victim was lawfully on private property. Your attorney will gather medical records, eyewitness statements, and investigate whether the owner failed to meet the required standard of care by failing to restrain or warn others about the animal. If the defense argues shared responsibility, your lawyer may also apply Illinois comparative negligence law to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Animal Attack Lawyer Cost Calculator
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We fight for animal attack victims. We know how these injuries can change lives and are here to help you recover. Our team of lawyers works hard to secure the compensation you deserve.
We handle every case with care and dedication. With years of experience and a proven track record, we are committed to protecting your rights. Contact Chicago Injury Lawyer today for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How do animal attack lawyers in Chicago handle cases?
Our animal attack attorneys thoroughly investigate the case, collecting every piece of evidence. Then, they talk to insurance companies to determine the settlement you will receive.
2. What determines the amount of compensation an animal attack victim is eligible for?
The victims’ compensation can be calculated by examining the medical costs they had to bear after the animal attack.
3. How much time do I have to file an injury lawsuit after suffering injuries from an animal attack accident?
You must file an injury lawsuit within 2 years of the animal attack incident to seek justice. If you exceed this period, you may be denied compensation altogether.
