Dog bites lawyers Bloomington | What to do if you get bit by a dog
No one likes getting bitten by a dog, and it can be especially distressing if the bite causes serious injuries. If that is the case, you will need a dog bites lawyers Bloomington to help you with your claim. In Illinois, there are rules that apply to both the owner of an aggressive dog and the victim of its bite. It is our job to make sure you don’t incur the medical costs of an accident that was not your fault. Contact Kelly & Castagna today at 309-820-0600 for a consultation.
Seek Medical Attention
If you have been bitten by a dog, the most important thing is getting medical attention right away. You need to get the injury treated and they need to determine whether or not there are any long-term effects on your health due directly from having been bitten by the dog.
According to Forbes dog bites have accounted for:
- 4.5 million people annually who have sustained a bite from a canine.
- 800,000 people each year must seek medical attention after a bite.
In addition, they have found:
- Pit bulls were responsible for 22.5% of bites across all studies.
- Mixed breeds were responsible for 21.2% of bites.
- German Shepherds were the third most dangerous breed, involved in 17.8% of bite incidents.
- Less than 1% of dog attacks result in a death as of 2022.
There are a variety of injuries that can occur because of dog bites. Dog bites can cause significant injury to the skin and soft tissues. The dog’s teeth and jaws are very powerful and the wounds they inflict can crush or tear muscles and skin, penetrate through the chest wall and cause lung collapse, or cause serious or fatal damage to intestinal organs. Even a bite that does not break the skin can cause crushing or bruising injuries to the underlying soft tissues.
Getting medical attention right away is essential. Make sure you take pictures of the injury and keep any medical records that may help your dog bites lawyers Bloomington pursue a legal claim on your behalf.
Report the attack
It is not a requirement to report a dog bite or attack to the police. However, in Illinois you have two years to file a claim, so making the report right away will ensure all your options are open. You should file a police report to make sure the attack is documented.
In addition, you want to contact your local animal control administrator in the county where you were bitten. They have the authority to ensure that the dog sees the vet within 24 hours and that they are quarantined in the meantime.
Once you have reported the attack, you can bring the documents to your dog bites lawyers Bloomington. At Kelly & Castagna, our attorneys will get you a settlement that covers your short and long term medical care and any other damages.
Contact a dog bites lawyers Bloomington
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you can sue the owner of that dog. In most cases only severe injuries are enough for compensation. For example, you may have a claim if there’s been a broken bone or other serious injury requiring surgery or hospitalization. Also, if you’ve gotten an infection caused by an open wound (like tetanus) lasting more than ten days after being bitten, you may have a claim.
If the dog had a history of aggression and was acting aggressively when it bit or injured you, then that could be considered a criminal act on behalf of the owner. If you believe you have a case, consult with our personal injury attorney Elmhurst Illinois, who can help guide you through filing suit against those responsible for their actions and injuries caused by them.
If you are injured by a dog in Illinois, you may be able to recover economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages, as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Our dog bites lawyers Bloomington will help you navigate through the legal system and make sure that your rights are protected.
At Kelly & Castagna we have represented numerous clients who have been injured due to animal bites or attacks and gotten them substantial settlements. Contact us today for a consultation and to start moving forward with your claim.
