Getting bit by a dog can be an upsetting and even dangerous experience. Many are unaware that they have the legal right to seek reimbursement for damages caused by a dog bite. A personal injury attorney in Chicago will help you with all of the steps to getting the appropriate compensation for your injuries. While it is difficult to determine if a bite was intentional or unintentional, it is important to pursue all legal avenues available to you to recover financial compensation for your damages.
What to do if a Dog Bites you or your Child
Get the Owner’s Contact Info
Make sure to obtain the name, address, and phone number of the dog owner or any other person responsible for the dog’s actions. When you encounter a dog that has a history of aggression, it is important to record your encounter so that you can submit a report to the local Animal Control department or the police. You will need to keep a copy of your complaint in case you need to contact your lawyer to follow up on your claim.
Take Photos
Take photos of the dog and the bite scene to help document the incident. If you can record the dog’s behavior before the bite occurred, this will be useful in determining whether or not the dog exhibited any signs of aggression before the bite occurred. Also, you should record any other factors that may have contributed to the bite, such as the dog’s strength, whether or not it was leashed, or if the dog had any external medical conditions. Try to take pictures of the bites themselves so that you can get a better idea of how severe they were and the location of the bites on your body.
Seek Medical Attention
If you experience an injury as a result of the dog’s bite, seek medical attention as soon as possible. In most cases, the bite is treated with pain relief, pressure dressings, and antibiotics. If the injury is more serious, you will likely be required to visit the doctor for x-rays and other diagnostic tests to assess the severity of the injury and treat the condition accordingly. You should also talk to your doctor about your options for treatment if you need to have surgery to repair the injury or remove the impacted teeth.
File a Police Report
You should file a police report if the dog was not your dog, it injured you when you did not intend to, or it is a dangerous dog. Most towns and cities require that police be notified of any domestic attacks or other incidents involving domestic animals. Contact the Animal Control office in your town to determine whether you should report the incident to the police or whether the incident can be resolved between the two parties. A police report will come in handy when filing a case with the insurance company and when determining whether or not you will need to hire a lawyer. It will also help you document your experience and provide evidence for future incidents if the dog is repeat offender or bites you more than once.
Legal Actions You Can Take If You Are Bitten By a Dog
If you are bitten by a dog, you may have grounds for legal action against the dog owner. You can file a cllaim with the owner’s insurance company to recover damages for your injuries. You can also file a claim against the dog owner if the dog is not insured. When filing a claim against the dog owner, you must include a list of medical bills and any other documentation pertaining to your injuries. You may also file a complaint with your local animal control office if the dog’s owner refuses to take the dog to a veterinarian or continues to allow it to roam the streets unattended.
You can take legal action against the owner if you are unable to recover damages from the owner’s insurance company. A Chicago personal injury attorney can represent you in any lawsuit that you file against the owner of the dog that bit you. They will be able to determine if you have grounds for legal action and will negotiate a settlement with the dog owner or file a lawsuit against them in court if necessary.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is very important that you take all necessary steps to ensure that your injuries are properly treated. You should seek medical attention immediately if you experience any bleeding or infection following the bite and consult with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your injuries. Do not hesitate to contact your lawyer if you are unsure about the best course of action to take following a dog bite incident.
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