When a Dog’s Bite is Worse Than Its Bark

In personal injury cases, determining responsibility for one’s actions, or sometimes inaction, is not only critical to the outcome of the case, but provides resolution for all parties involved. However, what happens when the case is not about the responsibility for an individual’s actions, but responsibility for an individual’s pet?

Dog bites can cause not just physical damage, but psychological trauma as well, depending on the severity of the attack, location of the bite, and a host of other factors. A personal injury attorney can help get you compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite.

What am I entitled to after a dog bite?

In the state of Illinois, the Animal Control Act makes it difficult for the dog owner to avoid liability when his pet causes an injury.

The burden of proof for the injured party is relatively straightforward. First, you must prove you were lawfully permitted to be in the place where the bite occurred. Assuming you were invited into the home, this won’t pose a problem.

Second, you must prove that the bite occurred without provocation – that you didn’t do anything to threaten or antagonize the dog to cause it to bite.

Getting recourse for a dog bite

Working with a personal injury lawyer following a dog bite will help you prove your damages. Often, damages will be covered under the dog owner’s, renter’s or homeowner’s insurance. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, scarring and the psychological damages that come from an animal attack.

What to do following a dog bite

If you’re bitten by a dog, get medical attention right away. Get medical care first but consult an attorney shortly after. Should you find yourself in this situation, contact the personal injury lawyers at Gordon Gordon & Centracchio to discuss your options and the damages to which you may be entitled. Give us a call at 312-332-5200