Were you or your child attacked by a dog in Wheaton, IL? You may be eligible to seek compensation for your medical bills, emotional trauma, and other damages. Call the experienced legal team at Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys at (630) 690-1919.
Our Wheaton dog bite lawyers are ready to protect your rights and fight for the recovery you need to move forward. Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.
Our Wheaton personal injury attorneys have decades of combined experience representing victims throughout Illinois, and we’ve secured more than $100 million in financial recoveries for our clients to date. We’re ready to stand by your side and help you navigate the legal process every step of the way. Call us or send us a message online for more information.
Why Hire Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys for Help With Your Dog Bite Case in Wheaton, IL
After a traumatic dog bite in Wheaton, choosing the right legal team can make a major difference in your recovery. At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we have a track record of success that you can depend on. Our firm is committed to results, personal attention, and tireless advocacy in and out of the courtroom.
What sets our dog bite lawyers in Wheaton, Illinois, apart is not just our track record, but the way we treat our clients. When you work with us, you won’t feel like just another case. We take the time to understand your story, injuries, and long-term needs. That’s how we’re able to build strong, evidence-based claims that insurance companies take seriously.
Our Wheaton dog bite attorneys are skilled trial lawyers who are always prepared to take your case to court if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer. That reputation matters. Insurers know we won’t back down, which often leads to better settlements for our clients.
Contact our experienced personal injury lawyers today to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to get to work on your case as soon as you are.
What Is My Dog Bite Accident Case Worth?
No two cases are the same, so it’s challenging to estimate how much your case is worth without evaluating its details.
Case value depends on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- How your injuries affect your daily life
- Lost wages
- Medical bills and other treatment costs
- Reduced future earning potential
- Whether you or your loved one was partially at fault for the attack
- Available insurance coverage
Our Wheaton dog bite lawyers will carefully assess your accident to ensure all losses are included in your case value.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Your Rights
Illinois is a strict liability state when it comes to dog attacks. That means dog owners can be held responsible even if the animal had no history of aggression. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, also called the Illinois Animal Control Act, you do not have to prove that the dog had bitten someone before or that the owner was negligent.
To recover damages, you’ll generally need to show:
- The dog attacked, attempted to attack, or otherwise injured you
- You were lawfully in the location where the attack occurred
- You did not provoke the dog
In many cases, victims are bitten in public places like parks or sidewalks, or on private property where they had a right to be, such as visiting a friend’s home. As long as the dog wasn’t provoked and you weren’t trespassing, the owner is likely liable for your injuries.
Our Wheaton dog bite attorneys can explain how these laws apply to your situation during your free consultation.
What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Wheaton?
If you’ve been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for both your financial losses and the personal toll the incident has taken. Illinois allows dog bite victims to recover a wide range of damages, including both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include losses such as:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment and follow-up care
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost income if you missed work
- Loss of future earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the injury
Non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
If the dog owner acted recklessly or allowed a known dangerous dog to roam freely, punitive damages might also be available in rare cases. Our team will carefully evaluate every aspect of your case to ensure no damages are overlooked.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Wheaton?
You don’t need to worry about how to afford a lawyer after being attacked by a dog. At Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront and no hourly fees to hire us.
We only get paid if we win compensation for your case. Our fee comes from a percentage of your settlement or trial award. This structure allows you to hire a skilled attorney without taking on any financial risk.
During your free consultation, we’ll review the fee agreement with you and answer any questions you may have.
Can I Still Recover Compensation if I’m Blamed for the Dog Attack in Illinois?
Insurance companies may try to reduce their payout by claiming that you provoked the dog or were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be. Fortunately, Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law generally allows you to recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you are less than 51% responsible.
For example, if you are found to be 25% at fault, your financial award would usually be reduced by that percentage. That’s why it’s important to have a skilled attorney on your side to counter these tactics and present evidence in your favor.
Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys knows how to fight back when insurers try to shift the blame. We’ll protect your rights and work hard to ensure you recover as much compensation as possible.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Wheaton, Illinois?
Your actions after a dog bite can affect your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you or a loved one has been bitten, it’s important to take the right steps as soon as possible.
Here’s what to do:
- Seek medical attention right away, even for minor wounds
- Identify the dog and its owner, if possible
- Report the incident to DuPage County Animal Services
- Document your injuries with photographs
- Write down what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory
- Get witness contact information, if anyone saw the attack
- Avoid discussing the incident with the dog owner’s insurance company without legal help
Getting medical care is not only critical for your health, but it also creates a record of the incident. That record will be an important part of your injury claim. If you’re unsure what to do next, our Wheaton dog bite lawyers are here to guide you from start to finish.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries in Wheaton, IL
Dog bite injuries can range from mild to life-threatening. Children are especially vulnerable due to their smaller size and inability to protect themselves. Even minor bites can result in infections, disfigurement, and emotional distress.
Our firm can handle dog bite cases involving injuries such as:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Infections, including rabies and MRSA
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones or fractures from falls during the attack
- Eye injuries
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD and anxiety
We can work with medical professionals to understand the full impact of your injuries, both physical and emotional. That helps us pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to under Illinois law.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Illinois?
Illinois law sets strict time limits for filing a personal injury lawsuit. In most cases, you typically have two years from the date of the dog bite to take legal action.
Missing the deadline could mean losing your right to compensation entirely. However, certain exceptions may apply, especially in cases involving children. A minor who is bitten by a dog often has more time to file a claim once they turn 18.
Because these rules can be confusing, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible. We can ensure your claim is filed on time and follows all legal requirements.
Contact Our Wheaton Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Dog bites can be painful and terrifying, especially when they happen without warning. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog in Wheaton, Illinois, Zayed Law Offices Personal Injury Attorneys is here to help.
With decades of combined experience and over $100 million recovered for injury victims, our legal team knows what it takes to get results. We’ll handle every aspect of your case and fight for every dollar you’re owed under Illinois law.
Call our Wheaton dog bite lawyers today or reach out to us online to schedule a free initial consultation. At that time, we can explain your rights and help you take the first step toward recovery.
