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Illinois Dog And Animal Bite Lawyer

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Statistics show that there are more than 5 million animal attacks in the United States each year. Victims of such attacks sustain minor and severe injuries, ranging from a scratch to major lacerations and broken bones. While there are less than 100 deaths resulting from these horrible attacks, there are still hundreds of thousands of seriously injured victims, many who may not know of their rights in such a situation. In many states, victims of dog and animal attacks are entitled to monetary compensation from the owner of the pet. However, the only way this can truly be accomplished is with the help of a local dog and animal bite lawyer/attorney.

In Illinois, pet owners are held liable for their pet's actions. Laws have been put in place outlining how an owner should leash and contain the pet when it is not inside the home. These laws are put in place to protect others, and result from past events that have occurred in the state. In order to make the case viable, a victim must prove that the attack was not provoked, and that the owner failed to take proper safety measures to restrain the dog.

Injuries sustained from dog and animal attacks can be minor scrapes and bruises, or deep cuts and lacerations that damage nerves and tendons. Many injuries are found on the face, as that is where many animals instinctively attack first. Broken bones are also often a result of an dog or animal attack. Such injuries need to be treated by a doctor as soon as possible, no matter how minor they may seem. There may be internal problems that are not superficial, and there is also a risk of bacterial infection. One such infection commonly found in untreated animal bite wounds is called MRSA, a strain of staph infection. This particular strain is resistant to antibiotics and can be deadly if not taken care of properly.

With the help of an experienced lawyer, a victim can receive compensation from the owner's insurance company for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and mental distress. There are some states that allow pet owners a freebie if the pet attacks for the first time. This known as the one-bite law, and many critics feel it is outdated and does not give fair opportunity to a victim. In Illinois, this law does not apply. An owner is held accountable for the pet's behavior and actions.

It is highly recommended that you find a lawyer or attorney who specializes in dog and animal bite law in order to guarantee you'll get the best results possible. 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 the results of those cases.

To win an animal attack suit, it is necessary for your lawyer to prove that the animal who caused the injury was owned and kept by the defendant. In the past, it had to be proven that the owner was aware of the danger potential of their animal because of violent history and past attacks, which resulted in the one-bite law. Under current law, if it can be proven that the owner was somehow negligent by not properly restraining the animal or abiding by leash laws, they can be held liable for damage caused by their animal.

For keepers of exotic animals, or animals that are generally considered wild, the liability is theirs regardless of whether the animal had a prior history or not. Wild animals are generally believed to have a natural tendency to their primitive mannerisms no matter how well trained or domesticated, because of this, owners of these animals are called strictly liable.

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 a directory of local Illinois dog and animal bite lawyers and attorneys.