Waukegan Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites have the potential to cause serious bodily injury. Illinois dog bite law does not apply to only dogs, but to any other animal that that is prone to bite or cause damage in another way. If you or a loved one are suffering effects of a serious dog bite injury, it is essential for you to work with a dedicated injury lawyer. A Waukegan dog bite lawyer can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
Illinois Dog Bites
Most cases involving dog bites involve bites to an arm or leg. Animals, dogs especially, are very territorial and become easily frightened when approached the wrong way. A young child who quickly reaches in to pet a dog on the head may get bitten on the hand. Not surprisingly, a significant number of dog bite cases involve children.
In Illinois, a victim of a dog bite may bring a lawsuit against the dog owner or someone else who is viewed as the custodian of the dog. It is critical that the injured victim must not have done anything to provoke the dog bite. The individual generally has to be somewhere where they have permission; a trespasser who is bitten by a guard dog may not be able to sue the owner.
Waukegan-Specific Dog Laws
Waukegan has a few municipal laws pertaining to animals and animal control within the city. For instance:
- Number of pets. The maximum number of pets permitted in one household cannot be more than three. This is a combined total. If someone has two dogs and one cat, this would be permissible, but if someone had four cats and a dog, this would not. If an individual wishes to have more than three animals in their home then they have to seek permission from the police chief
- Animal licenses. Owners of any dog or cat four months or older must have a license for the animal. The dog or cat must wear by these animal licenses at all times and attached to the animal with a sturdy collar
- Leashes. When walking a dog out in the public, the owner of a dog must use a leash that is capable of keeping the dog under restraint
- Fences. If fenced in a yard, the height of the fence must prevent the dog from escape by jumping over it
Injuries from Dog or Other Animal Bites
There are a large number of dog-owners in Illinois and lawsuits for damages caused by these animals are not uncommon. Examples of typical lawsuits brought about as a result of a pet-related injury include:
- Nerve damage
- Infection
- Non-bite injuries (i.e. mauling)
- Lacerations
- Broken Bones
- Death
In some severe circumstances, the injured victim may need to undergo serious medical treatment such as plastic surgery or spinal surgery.
Contacting a Waukegan Dog Bite Lawyer
Situations involving dog bites can be difficult. The injured party needs to demonstrate that they did not contribute to their own injury and that the owner of the pet failed to exercise due care in preventing the harm from occurring. In addition, there are many local laws to take into account when filing a dog bite lawsuit.
An experienced Waukegan dog bite lawyer will be able to determine the merits of the case and advise as to whether suing is advisable. In some circumstances, insurance companies may need to be brought in to recover for losses. Consult with an attorney before speaking with any insurance company.
Injured by a dog or other vicious animal? Contact us today for a free case evaluation.