The most common type of animal injury case is a dog attack. Some dog attacks can leave permanent physical and emotional scarring, and sometimes the results can be deadly.
Approximately 300,000 Americans are seen in an emergency room each year for dog bite related injuries. While deaths from dog attacks are rare, serious injuries can occur.
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steps to take following
An Animal Attack
01
First, if the injury involved a bite that broke the skin, you should make sure that the dog had been vaccinated for rabies.
02
Second, you should gather facts about the incident. Where exactly were you when the attack happened? Who owned the dog that was involved? What were you doing at the time of the attack? Were there witnesses? If so, what is their contact information?
03
Lastly, you should contact an experienced attorney. These kinds of cases depend a great deal on the specific facts of each case. The identity of the owner needs to be determined quickly so evidence can be gathered before it starts to disappear.
why choose us
The experienced attorneys at the Beard Law Firm live and work in Southern Illinois. We have handled countless dog attack cases over the years, and we are well aware of the many complex legal issues involved in determining if a dog bite case is viable under the Animal Control Act.
If you or a family member have been injured in a serious dog attack, call the Beard Law Firm for a free consultation at (618) 351-1000. An experienced attorney will discuss your case with you and help you figure out the best way to move forward. If it is outside normal business hours, leave a voicemail or email us at info@beardlawfirm.com. An experienced attorney will usually call you back before the next business day.
A: In Illinois, if you did not provoke the attack, and if you had a right to be on the property you were on when the attack happened, then you may have a viable case against the neighbor/dog owner for the damages you sustained in the attack. An experienced attorney can help you determine if you have a viable case.
Q: What should I do after a dog bite or other animal injury?
A: Obviously, if your injury is serious or life threatening, the priority is to seek emergency medical care. However, when you are able, you should try to determine the identity of the owner of the animal. You should also try to learn the identity and contact information of any witnesses to the attack/injury so your attorney can interview the witness at a later date. Pictures of the animal and your injuries is also a wise thing to do when possible. After taking these initial steps, contact the Beard Law Firm for a free consultation.
Q: I was bit by my neighbor’s dog, he claims that since it is the first time the dog has ever acted aggressively, he is not liable, is that true?
A: In Illinois, the answer is no. Illinois does not follow the first bite rule. if you did not provoke the attack, and if you had a right to be on the property you were on when the attack happened, then you may have a viable case against the neighbor/dog owner for the damages you sustained in the attack.
