Dogs of all breeds are capable of biting or otherwise injuring humans or other animals. Even dogs that a person is familiar with and considered friendly can snap under the right circumstances. Injuries from dog attacks can be serious. In many cases, emergency medical treatment such as stitches, vaccinations, surgeries, or even amputation may result. The injured party’s expenses can quickly add up and become even more significant if they are prevented from returning to work afterward. Victims may not know how to proceed after an attack occurs. Many hesitate to report such incidents or take legal action if the dog belonged to a neighbor or friend. It is important to understand that all pet owners are responsible for controlling their animals and, in many cases, will be obligated to compensate the injured party for their damages. Damon Young is a Peoria attorney handling dog bite cases. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog and suffered injuries as a result, contact our office to speak with a lawyer.
Peoria dog bite lawyer helping those who have been attacked by an animal
Dogs are considered man’s best friend and can be wonderful companions. It is imperative for owners, however, to understand their responsibility to control their pets for the protection of others. Accidents may occur if a dog escapes from an enclosed yard and attacks an unsuspecting pedestrian, at a public park if an owner isn’t using a leash, or even at a friend’s barbeque. Unfortunately, the resulting injuries can be serious, including nerve damage, amputation, scarring, or multiple corrective surgeries. In Illinois, like many states, dog bite laws exist to protect third parties who have been injured in an attack. The Animal Control Act requires owners to control their animals by maintaining adequate fencing around private property and using leashes in public areas. Failure to do may result in the owner being held liable for injuries caused by the animal. This includes compensating victims for damages, such as current and future medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Illinois is a strict liability state, which means that there are few defenses available to owners in dog bite cases. However, potential defenses may include provocation of the animal or trespassing upon private property by the injured individual. An experienced attorney will understand our state’s dog bite laws and help a victim recover the damages to which they are entitled.
Animal attack cases proceed much the same as other personal injury matters. After the incident occurs, one should contact counsel as soon as possible to visit the scene and preserve evidence that may be relevant to the case. Such evidence may include witness statements, photographs, or even cell phone video footage. In many cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy will provide coverage for the event. This means that an insurance adjuster will be involved to evaluate the case and attempt to settle the matter out of court. Once retained, your attorney will handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company on your behalf. Before demanding a financial settlement, counsel will work with your treating physicians to understand your long-term medical prognosis. If ongoing treatments such as physical therapy or corrective surgeries are required, for example, the costs associated with such treatments would be included in one’s estimation of damages. In addition, if the injury resulted in past or future lost wages, the lawyer may work with a vocational expert to quantify the financial impact. If a reasonable settlement cannot be reached, the case will proceed to trial.
Damon Young is a Peoria dog bite lawyer representing clients throughout Central Illinois. He has experience helping victims who have been injured through animal attacks. Damon understands that bite victims may not know how to proceed after the incident takes place. He offers a free consultation to hear your story and to explain what you should expect from the legal process. If necessary, he will meet with you at your home or the hospital while you recover. Damon is dedicated to achieving the results his clients have come to expect. He takes a hands-on approach to his cases, working directly with doctors and other experts to fully understand the impact of the injuries on his clients and their families. Damon will not back down from insurance company pressure to settle and will not hesitate to take a case to trial if a settlement offer cannot be reached. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, then contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.
Dog bite lawyer providing high levels of customer service to victims in Peoria, Illinois
Damon understands that animal attacks can be traumatic to victims and their families. For that reason, he believes in treating his clients with compassion and high levels of customer service throughout the case. Damon strives to respond quickly to client questions and concerns, providing his cell phone number to his clients for maximum accessibility. He works hard to get the results his clients deserve. If you need assistance, contact our office to speak with a personal injury lawyer.
In addition to Peoria, our attorney also serves clients in the Illinois cities of Bloomington, Eureka, Galesburg, Morton, Normal, Pekin, Springfield, and Washington.
