There are nearly 5 million animal attacks yearly in America ranging from minor bites and scratches to vicious animal attacks that could result in death. While death occurs in less than 100 of the reported dog bites or attacks that occur across America annually, dog bites that require hospitalization are very common. In fact, a dog bite is the second most frequent cause for emergency room visits among small children.

If you have done everything you can to avoid being bitten by an animal, and you become the victim of an animal bite or attack, seek medical help immediately. If you sustain significant injuries that result in medical costs, loss of wages, and pain and suffering, you will have to hire a Illinois dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney.

A dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney will be well-versed in Illinois dog-bite laws, and they will have the knowledge needed to argue your dog-bite case, on your behalf, in order to recover the maximum amount of damages you are entitled to under Illinois law. While each state has its own special dog-bite laws ( Illinois is a strict liability state), there are some common themes across the board relative to compensation. In every state, a victim can recover compensation from a person whose negligence caused the attack, a person who violated a leash law or a dog bite law prohibiting dogs from "running at large," and a person who kept a dog with the knowledge that the dog had a history of injuring people.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer or attorney that specializes in dog and animal bite law, however, personal injury lawyers that handle other areas can be helpful as well. If you find a personal injury lawyer or attorney with several specialties, it’s important to inquire about the number of dog or animal bite cases he/she has handled and how long they have been in business. An experienced personal injury (or animal bite) lawyer or attorney, will have years of experience and hundreds of successful cases to his or her credit.

To find an experienced dog and animal bite lawyer or attorney, or a personal injury lawyer or attorney, visit the American Bar Association website. Access the ABA lawyer locator to gain access to 1000’s of dog and animal bite lawyer and attorney (and personal injury lawyer and attorney) profiles in your area.