Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bites can result in very serious injuries, both physical and psychological. Many victims suffer from scarring and emotional trauma following a dog bite attack, and sometimes this damage can be long-term or even permanent. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, we at 844 See Mike are here for you every step of the way to ensure that your rights are protected and you are fully compensated for your injuries and losses, and this includes working on your behalf to ensure a favorable settlement. In 2016, Illinois ranked second in the U.S. in payouts for claims on homeowners’ insurance policies, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), and these included over 900 claims against the insurance policies of dog owners; the average payout was just under $43,000. Here are some important considerations for dog bite personal injury claims:

• Emotional/psychological trauma – Victims in these cases may suffer from anxiety, flashbacks, or even PTSD after a dog attack;
• Medical expenses – Dog bites can result in a variety of complications, such as infections and damage to nerves, muscle, or tissue, which may require significant medical care and expenses;
• Scarring – Visible scars, especially those which are permanent, can reduce a victim’s confidence or self-esteem, and cosmetic surgery may be necessary to treat some scars.

Under state law 510 ILCS 5/1, also known as the “Illinois Animal Control Act,” Illinois dog owners are obligated to:

• Keep dogs on a leash in public and contained when on the owner’s premises;
• Train their dogs to have a generally peaceful temperament;
• Always supervise the dog when it is interacting with a stranger, especially a child.

Additional Chicago ordinances in the Municipal Code (7-12-010) include:

• Dogs should be fenced-in or leashed on the premises so that they cannot cross the property line;
• Dog bites and a dog’s potential dangerousness may be investigated – even resulting in euthanasia if deemed necessary – by Chicago Animal Care and Control;
• If the CACC’s executive director concludes that the dog is dangerous, the owner may need to pay a $500 – $1,000 fine and put the dog in obedience training;
• A dog owner must notify the executive director of a dog bite attack within 24 hours;
• All dogs aged four months or older must be vaccinated and licensed.

We at 844 See Mike are proud to serve our fellow citizens in personal injury cases, including when you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite attack, and we are fully committed to protecting your rights and ensuring that the other party is held legally accountable when negligence occurs. We will fight until the very end to ensure that you are fully compensated for all injuries and losses resulting from the accident, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and you won’t owe us a dime for our services. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, contact 844 See Mike for a free consultation. Helping our clients is about counseling, advocating, and ultimately solving problems. With years of experience successfully representing the people and not the powerful, we will take care of the insurance adjusters, your medical bills, your property damage, and your lost wages, and monitor your treatment so you can focus on healing and getting your life back to normal. We will handle your case quickly and advise you every step of the way, and we will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, 844 See Mike is not paid attorneys’ fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. You have nothing to risk when you hire us – only the opportunity to seek justice.