Each year more than 4 million people are bitten by a dog, and an estimated 66% of animal bites require medical attention and antibiotics. Serious bite injuries may require surgery or hospitalization and also may involve:
- Deep Infections
- Osteomyelitis
- Nerve &/or Tendon Damage
- Tissue Loss
- Permanent Serious 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, it is important that you first seek proper medical care. 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 an 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
- 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
- Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
- 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