Dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional trauma that lasts far beyond the initial attack. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, an Aurora personal injury lawyer can help you hold the dog’s owner financially accountable.
Dog bite victims often have to deal with expensive medical bills, time away from work, and stressful interactions with insurance adjusters. A dog bite lawyer in Aurora from Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., can handle your claim and help you recover compensation for your injuries.
How an Aurora Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You
A skilled lawyer can handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing. Their role may include:
- Investigating the circumstances of the attack
- Identifying all responsible parties
- Gathering evidence and witness statements
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Preparing your case for trial (if necessary)
Legal support can make a significant difference when it comes to recovering a fair settlement.
Dog Bite Laws in Aurora
Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, dog owners are automatically liable when their dog bites someone who is lawfully present and did not provoke the attack. In most cases, victims don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent.
Local ordinances may also require dogs to be leashed or confined, and owners who ignore these rules can face additional penalties.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bites can cause far more than just surface wounds. The force of a dog’s jaw and the bacteria present in its mouth can result in severe and sometimes permanent injuries. Common examples include:
- Puncture wounds: Deep bites can damage muscles and nerves beneath the skin.
- Infections: Dog saliva can transmit bacteria that lead to serious infections if untreated.
- Nerve damage: Bites near the face, arms, or legs can impair sensation and movement.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Visible injuries often require reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional trauma: Many victims develop anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
While the dog’s owner is usually the main party held responsible, others may also share liability depending on the circumstances of the attack. Those parties include:
- Property owners: Property owners can be held liable if the bite occurred on their premises and they failed to maintain safe conditions or ignored a known risk.
- Landlords: Landlords can be held liable if they knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to take reasonable steps to address the danger.
- Dog sitters or handlers: Dog sitters or handlers can be held liable if they were responsible for controlling the animal, and their negligence led to the attack.
- Businesses or organizations: Businesses or organizations can be held liable if the dog was present for business purposes and attacked a customer or visitor.
Liability determinations often require a detailed review of where the incident occurred, who controlled the dog at the time, and whether any safety rules were ignored. A dog bite attorney in Aurora can investigate your attack so that you can focus on your recovery.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Aurora
The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can affect both your health and your claim. Take these steps:
- Document everything: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the incident.
- Collect information: Get the owner’s name, contact information, and details about the dog’s vaccinations.
- Get medical attention: Always seek treatment right away, even if the wound looks minor.
- Report the bite: File a report with animal control services or local law enforcement.
- Avoid speaking with insurers: Don’t give statements or accept settlements without legal guidance.
Why Dog Bite Cases Can Be Complicated
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, but insurance coverage disputes, local ordinances, and conflicting witness statements can complicate the process. In some cases, owners deny liability or claim the victim provoked the dog.
An Aurora dog bite lawyer can gather evidence such as medical reports, animal control records, and witness statements to strengthen your case. They can also work with medical experts to show the extent of your injuries and how they have impacted your life.
Preventing Dog Bite Incidents
Preventing dog bites is an important part of community safety, especially in neighborhoods where dogs are common. Whether you are a dog owner or a resident, taking these proactive steps can reduce the risk of attacks and keep everyone safe:
- Proper training and socialization: Dogs that are trained and socialized from a young age are less likely to display aggressive behavior.
- Leashing and containment: Always keep dogs on a leash in public areas and properly contained at home to prevent unexpected encounters.
- Supervision around children: Children are often the most vulnerable, so never leave them alone with a dog, even a familiar one.
- Recognize warning signs: Growling, snapping, or stiff body language can signal that a dog is uncomfortable or stressed.
- Report dangerous animals: Contact animal control services if you notice aggressive dogs or repeated bite incidents in the community.
Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney in Aurora
The process of recovering from a dog bite can be long and stressful. An Aurora dog bite attorney from Therman Law can handle every part of your legal claim and help you obtain the compensation you need to move past the attack.
Book a free consultation to get legal help today.
