Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial strain. When a dog attacks, you need more than just medical attention—you need a legal team that will thoroughly investigate what happened and hold the dog owner accountable.
Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. builds strong cases for dog bite victims by gathering all the evidence needed to prove liability and maximize compensation. Our personal injury lawyers in Naperville understand Illinois dog bite laws and know how to investigate these cases properly.
When you Choose Charlie, you get a team that won’t settle until we have the full picture of what happened and why. Contact our Naperville dog bite lawyers for a free consultation.
Illinois Dog Owner Liability Laws
Illinois has some of the strongest dog bite laws in the country. The Illinois Animal Control Act creates strict liability for dog owners, which means an owner can be held responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. You don‘t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Under Illinois law, a dog owner is liable if their dog attacks or injures any person who is peacefully conducting themselves in a place they have a legal right to be. This includes public spaces and private property where you have permission to be.
The strict liability standard makes it easier for victims to recover compensation. The mere fact that the dog bit you and caused injuries is enough to establish the owner’s liability. Insurance companies still try to dispute claims, but we know Illinois law and use it to protect your rights.
How We Investigate Dog Bite Cases
Strong dog bite cases are built on solid evidence. We conduct thorough investigations to document every detail, which strengthens your claim and makes it harder for insurance companies to deny or undervalue your case. Our founding attorney’s background working for Allstate taught us exactly what evidence matters most.
We start by documenting your injuries with medical records and photographs. We also gather witness statements from anyone who saw the incident or can speak to the dog’s behavior. Next, we investigate the dog’s history by obtaining animal control records, veterinary records, and prior complaint reports.
We also check whether the dog has been designated as dangerous by local authorities. Property records and homeowner’s insurance policies are another critical piece. We go to bat for our clients by tracking down every possible source of compensation.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Cases
Dog attacks cause a wide range of injuries, from minor puncture wounds to life-altering trauma. Insurance companies often try to minimize injuries, especially psychological trauma, but we document everything for your compensation claim.
Common injuries in dog bite cases include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgery
- Torn muscles, tendons, and ligaments from the dog’s bite force
- Nerve damage that can cause numbness, tingling, or loss of function
- Infections, including rabies, tetanus, or sepsis
- Facial scarring and disfigurement, especially in attacks on children
- Broken bones from being knocked down or trying to defend yourself
- Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and fear of dogs
Children are especially vulnerable and often suffer facial injuries because of their height. Facial scarring can require multiple reconstructive surgeries and cause lasting psychological trauma. Some injuries don’t appear immediately, so we advise clients to seek follow-up care and document any new symptoms.
Evidence That Matters in Dog Bite Claims
Building a strong dog bite case requires gathering specific types of evidence quickly. The sooner we can start investigating, the better chance we have of preserving critical information.
We collect several types of evidence to support your claim, including:
- Photographs of your injuries taken immediately after the attack and throughout recovery
- Medical records documenting your treatment, diagnoses, and prognosis
- Animal control reports and police reports filed after the incident
- Witness statements from people who saw the attack or can describe the dog’s behavior
- The dog’s veterinary records and vaccination history
- Prior complaints or bite reports involving the same dog
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy information for the dog’s owner
What Compensation May Be Available
If a dog bit you in Naperville, you may be entitled to compensation for multiple types of damages. Illinois law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages, such as:
- Medical expenses: Forming the foundation of most dog bite claims, these include emergency room treatment, doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, medications, and psychological counseling. If your injuries require future treatment like scar revision surgery, we include those anticipated costs.
- Lost wages: These are another important component if you missed work while recovering. We calculate not just the days you were out, but also any reduced earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from performing your job duties.
- Pain and suffering: This form of compensation accounts for the physical discomfort and emotional trauma you experienced. Dog attacks are terrifying experiences that can cause lasting psychological effects. Children who are bitten often develop a fear of dogs.
Why Choose Charlie Therman for Your Dog Bite Case
At Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C., we understand that dog bite cases require both legal knowledge and compassionate client service. You’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, and mounting medical bills.
We handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing. Our family-oriented firm treats every client with the personal attention and respect they need during this difficult time. We’ve been serving the greater Chicago area since 2002, and our 75 years of combined legal experience mean we know how to handle complex injury claims.
You don’t have to deal with the insurers on your own. Contact Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. today to schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer in Naperville who will fight for the compensation you’re owed.
Get Help from Our Naperville Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bites cause serious injuries that deserve serious legal representation. Don’t let insurance companies minimize what you’ve been through or pressure you into accepting a low settlement. Charlie Therman Injury & Accident Lawyers, P.C. has been helping dog bite victims in Naperville and throughout the Chicago area get the compensation they need since 2002.
We investigate these cases thoroughly, document all your damages, and negotiate aggressively for full and fair compensation. Illinois law is on your side, and we know how to use it effectively.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your legal options after a dog bite in Naperville. The sooner our dog bite attorneys in Naperville can start investigating your case, the stronger your claim will be.
