Dog Bites

Injury Lawyers Representing Victims of Dog Bites in Schaumburg, Wheaton, and Beyond

If a dog has bitten you or someone you love, you may be entitled to compensation. At Therman Law Offices, our reputable and hard-working Wheaton and Schaumburg dog bite attorneys will scrutinize the facts of your case and provide you with an honest assessment of your claim. With more than thirty-five years of combined experience, our injury attorneys have helped clients resolve their dog bite claims and we can help you as well. Please be aware we proudly take on clients from all over Cook County.

Establishing Liability for Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, half of which are children. In fact, the rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. The American Humane Association reports that 66 percent of bites among children result in injuries to the head and neck. Statistics compiled by State Farm highlighted that in 2013, Illinois had the second highest number of dog bite claims in the country. 

Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, people who “own” or “harbor” animals are responsible for all damages suffered by victims of any animal attack. This means that if you are injured or attacked by a dog or other animal, you may be able to sue the dog owner for injuries. There is no “first bite” rule in Illinois, which means that dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs causes, unless the dog was provoked. It is important to note that the dog owner would be liable regardless of whether he or she was negligent. Rather, a dog bite victim can bring a claim against a dog owner based on the doctrine of negligence per se. Negligence per se occurs when a party has violated a duty imposed by law. Put another way, a dog bite would be considered negligence on the part of the dog owner simply because it violates a statute.

Dog injuries may require costly and long-term medical treatment. Fortunately, Illinois law allows victims of dog bites to recover compensation from medical expenses, surgery, pain and suffering, rehabilitation costs, scarring and disfigurement, disability and any other expenses related to the injury. Of course, the exact amount of compensation in a given case would depend on the nature and extent of the injuries suffered.

In the state of Illinois, victims of dog bites must file their personal injury lawsuit in a specific amount of time, known as the statute of limitations. A plaintiff typically has two years from the date of the bite to bring a case to court. If the case is not filed within the two-year deadline, you may be permanently barred from being able to receive compensation through the legal system

Contact an Experienced Injury Attorney in Schaumburg or Wheaton

In the aftermath of a dog bit, you may be left feeling scared, confused and wondering how your medical bills will be paid. At Therman Law Offices, our seasoned Wheaton and Schaumburg dog bite lawyers are here to help answer such questions. We will discuss your case with you and help you figure out the next steps. Please note that we have offices in Wheaton and Schaumburg, and also conveniently located in northwest Chicago near O’Hare Airport. We proudly serve clients from Mt. Prospect, Arlington Heights, Hoffman Estates, Streamwood, Elgin, Bartlett, Hanover Park, Bensenville, Wood Dale and Bloomingdale. For more information, please call us at 312-588-1900 or contact us online. We also handle cases involving car and truck accidents, workers’ compensation, and wrongful death.