Attorney At Law
We all like to think that dogs are man’s best friend and that they would not do anything to harm us. But the reality is over 4.5 million Americans suffer a serious dog bite injury each year.
In case you or a loved one in the Chicago area is on the receiving end of a dog bite, it is important to know what to do next. In this blog post, Vaziri Law LLC will give you a quick rundown of the three steps you should always take following a dog bite.
Step 1: Care for the Wound
Seek immediate medical attention. No matter how serious your wound, dog bites are well-known for causing infection. Being treated by a healthcare professional can prevent further harm.
Your medical records may also become important evidence if the bite was serious enough that it is necessary to seek compensation for your injuries from your insurance company or the owner of the dog.
Step 2: Report the Bite
According to Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-090, the owner of a dog that bites a human must report the incident to the Commission on Animal Care and Control within 24 hours. Some other municipalities in the area have similar regulations.
But this does not mean that dog owners always report bites. Many dog owners will often dispute that a bite occurred or downplay serious injuries, especially if they fear their dog may be taken away from them.
Anyone who gets bitten should double-check that the bite is reported by contacting the local animal control agency or the police.
Step 3: Consult an Attorney
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured by a dog bite, and the cost of treating your injury is overwhelming, you should not hesitate to reach out to the Vaziri Law LLC team. Filing a lawsuit against the dog’s owner can help you get the money you need to treat your injury.
The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) explicitly states that a lawsuit may be filed against a dog owner following a bite:
“If a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.”
Vaziri Law LLC can help you take full advantage of this law to get you the money you need to treat your injuries. Taking legal action also sends a message to Chicago area dog owners that they must be responsible pet parents, and take bites seriously.
Fueled by Passion. Built on Trust.
The experienced team at Vaziri Law LLC has helped dog bite victims in the Chicago area obtain compensation following a dog attack. We understand these lawsuits can be emotionally draining, particularly if the victim is a dog lover or has a close relationship with the dog’s owner. You can trust our team to handle your case with care and compassion for all involved. Please contact us today to discuss your case.