Were you invited onto the property of an Illinois resident who owns a dog? Were you just peacefully minding your own business when that dog attacked and bit you without provocation? Were you injured? Dog bites potentially cause a host of medical issues and can even be fatal.
You could contract an infection or serious illness from a dog bite. You might end up with scars or be disfigured, depending on where you were bitten and the severity of the bites. More than likely, you will need medical attention and will incur medical expenses as a result, even with health insurance. You could lose income during your recovery.
You might be entitled to restitution for these and other damages such as pain and suffering. The dog owner’s insurance company may attempt to offer you a settlement well below what your damages are actually worth. Worse than that, the insurance company might try to delay or deny your claim.
An Illinois attorney can advise you whether a particular settlement offer is in your best interest. If not, he or she could negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. If those negotiations break down, a personal injury claim might be appropriate.
Dog bites should never be taken lightly. Even if the physical damage does not appear serious, you could suffer other, serious health consequences. Dog owners have a responsibility to control their pets, and when they fail to do so, people can get hurt. It would be beneficial to have an attorney explain your legal rights and options.
