DOG BITE ATTORNEYS IN CHICAGO, ILLINOIS

Dog bites can lead to serious injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burden. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Illinois, it's important to understand your rights and the steps you can take to pursue fair compensation.  

At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, our experienced personal injury attorneys are dedicated to supporting victims of dog bites. Our legal team has the experience, knowledge, and resources to fight for the compensation that you deserve.  

Located in Chicago, Illinois, we proudly assist clients throughout Cook County and the Collar counties. Schedule a free consultation today to learn how we can cater to you. 

Understanding Illinois Dog Bite Laws

Illinois law holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their pets cause, provided the victim was not trespassing or provoking the animal. It does not require the victim to demonstrate the owner's negligence to pursue damages for injuries sustained.  

Our legal team offers comprehensive guidance for navigating Illinois' dog bite statutes and will work with you to make sure your claim is handled smoothly. Some of the key aspects of Illinois' dog bite statutes include: 

• Strict Liability: Owners are automatically responsible for injuries caused by their dogs under most circumstances. 

• No Need to Prove Negligence: Victims do not have to prove the dog owner's negligence to seek compensation. 

• Trespassing and Provocation Exceptions: Liability does not apply if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog. 

• Dependable Legal Guidance: Our team's deep knowledge of dog bite laws supports victims through the complexities of their claims. 

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Dog bite injuries often leave victims with both physical and emotional scars. Our team is dedicated to helping you obtain compensation for various damages, aiming to cover not just the immediate needs but also long-term recovery and support. This includes, but is not limited to: 

• Medical expenses: From emergency room visits to follow-up medical appointments, we help you claim costs associated with treating your injuries. 

• Rehabilitation costs: We understand that recovery may require physical or occupational therapy to regain full function and mobility, and we strive to recover these expenses for you. 

• Lost wages: If your injuries have resulted in time away from work, we will seek compensation for lost income and any potential future earnings that were affected by the incident. 

• Pain and suffering: You may be able to seek additional compensation for pain, suffering, lost enjoyment of life, and other non-economic damages that you experienced during and after the attack. 

• Emotional distress: Dog bites can lead to significant psychological impacts, including PTSD, anxiety, and fear of dogs, for which we aim to secure compensation and recovery. 

• Disfigurement: If the attack leaves scars or other permanent physical changes, we pursue damages to address the impact on your appearance and mental health. 

We aim to win you comprehensive compensation that addresses both the visible and unseen effects of dog bite injuries. 

Statute of Limitations in Illinois

It's important for victims seeking justice and compensation in Illinois to understand the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is two years from the date of the incident.

This time frame means that individuals who have suffered from a dog bite must initiate legal action against the responsible party within two years of being bitten. Failing to do so typically results in the inability to seek compensation through the court system, and the victim's right to sue may be permanently lost if they file a lawsuit after two years.

However, exceptions to the filing deadline rule can occur. An experienced lawyer can help evaluate your case, guide you through the legal process, and ensure that your claim is filed within the appropriate time frame to preserve your right to compensation. 

Why Choose Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC?

At Stiberth, Scarlati & Boudreau, LLC, we are committed to securing justice for victims of dog bites across Chicago and the wider Illinois area. Our goal is to alleviate the burden of your recovery process so you can focus on healing. 

• Decades of Collective Experience: Our attorneys have handled numerous dog bite cases in Illinois, giving us unparalleled insight and expertise. 

• Personalized Attention: We understand the emotional and physical toll a dog bite can have on an individual and their family. We provide compassionate, individualized service to every client. 

• No Fees Unless We Win: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf.