A single dog bite can change your life in seconds. The shock, pain, and confusion that follow often make it hard to think clearly, yet the steps you take next can define your recovery. Many victims unknowingly damage their dog bite claims before they even begin.
From skipping medical care to trusting insurance companies too soon, minor errors can mean lost compensation and long-term hardship. Knowing how to react after an attack can make a significant difference in your health and financial future.
Three of the most common mistakes people make when handling Chicago dog bite claims are:
- Failing to Report the Dog Bite
- Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Care
- Dealing Directly with an Insurance Company
Keep reading to learn more about how you can avoid these common dog bite mistakes and seek compensation for animal attacks with the help of a Chicago dog bite injury attorney.
Dog Bite Claims in Illinois
Dog bite claims in Illinois fall under strict liability laws, meaning the dog’s owner is legally responsible for the attack in most cases. Victims can recover money for medical costs, lost income, pain, and emotional trauma without proving negligence.
Still, the process isn’t simple. Each step (reporting, treatment, documentation, and negotiation) must be handled carefully. Missing even one of them can weaken your case and delay your compensation.
Three Common Dog Bite Injury Mistakes
1. Failing to Report the Dog Bite
The dog owner might offer to pay your medical bills and expenses related to a dog bite while seemingly accepting full liability for the incident. However, a dog owner can quickly change his or her mind about accepting liability for the dog bite, especially if your injuries and damages are substantial.
If a dog bites you, report the attack to the dog owner immediately. To protect your legal rights and help build a case for fault and liability, it is also best to report a dog bite or animal attack to the proper agencies as soon as possible. You can call your local police department or animal control department to report the dog bite or dog attack. Having a written report of the dog bite can be very helpful when filing a personal injury claim.
2. Failing to Seek Immediate Medical Care
A dog bite can have serious consequences. Even though the bite might not be deep, a dog bite can result in one or more infections that can create life-threatening conditions. Common infections related to dog bites include, but are not limited to:
- Rabies
- MRSA (potentially life-threatening staph infection)
- Pasteurella
- Tetanus
- Capnocytophaga
In addition to infections, other common dog bite injuries include open wounds, soft tissue damage, nerve damage, scarring, and fractures. Some dog bite victims may require lengthy hospital stays, surgeries, and therapy to recover from a dog attack.
Seeking immediate medical attention protects your health, but it also protects your legal rights for a personal injury claim. You need documentation of your injuries and damages to recover compensation from the dog owner. Delays in medical treatment could harm your chances of receiving full compensation for all damages.
3. Dealing Directly with an Insurance Company
The third mistake many individuals make after being bitten by an animal is dealing directly with the owner’s insurance provider. Insurance companies treat all personal injury claims the same, regardless of the manner of the injury. The company seeks to lower its liability for the claim as much as possible.
The insurance company is not on your side. Their goal is to reduce or deny payouts on all personal injury claims, including dog attacks. Adjusters might act friendly, but will often pressure you to give a statement or sign paperwork that limits what you can recover.
The company may try to blame you for the dog bite or say that you are partially to blame, which lowers the value of your personal injury claim.
Before you speak with an insurance representative or discuss the incident with the dog’s owner (other than reporting the incident occurred), it is best to consult a Chicago dog accident lawyer. An experienced personal injury attorney explains the law related to the dog attack, discusses your legal options, and provides guidance that can help you maximize your chance of recovering the compensation you deserve after being bitten by a dog.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Chicago
If a dog attacks you or your child:
- Seek immediate medical attention – call 911 if necessary for emergency medical services or go to the emergency room.
- Report the dog attack to the dog owner and local authorities.
- Take photographs of the injuries.
- Don’t discuss the matter with the dog owner, the owner’s attorney, or an insurance provider.
- Contact a Chicago dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible for a free consultation.
Illinois dog bite laws hold dog owners liable for damages caused by a dog attack or dog bite. An experienced attorney can help you prove the legal elements necessary to recover compensation for your injuries, losses, and damages.
Contact Our Chicago Dog Bite Injury Attorneys for a Free Case Review
Our Chicago-based firm stands beside victims who need strong representation and genuine care during one of the toughest times of their lives. We also represent clients as trusted workers’ compensation lawyers and personal injury lawyers across Illinois.
A dog bite may leave scars, but it doesn’t have to define your future. Our mission is to help you rebuild your life, claim the compensation you deserve, and restore peace of mind.
Contact the Costa Ivone Injury Lawyers by calling (708) 400-0000 to schedule a free consultation with one of our Chicago personal injury lawyers to discuss your case.
Costa Ivone, LLC | 311 N Aberdeen St #100B, Chicago, IL 60607 | (708) 400-0000
