Champaign Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Attorneys for Animal Attack Injuries in Champaign County, McLean County, and Sangamon County

While pets play an important role in many people's lives, they are still animals, and they can sometimes behave in ways that are unexpected. Dogs can be particularly dangerous, and even a beloved family pet that did previously not have any dangerous tendencies may attack someone. Because dog bites can result in severe injuries, victims will want to work with a premises liability attorney to determine how they can receive payments to address the damages they have suffered.

At Kanoski Bresney, our lawyers have over 40 years of legal experience representing victims of personal injuries. We can help you understand your rights as the victim of a dog bite injury, and we are ready to help you take legal action to hold a dog's owner responsible for the harm that was done to you and your family. We have helped our clients receive a total of more than $550 million in verdicts and settlements, and we will fight to make sure you are fully compensated for your injuries.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

An attack by a dog can result in multiple types of serious injuries that can have a long-lasting or permanent impact on a person's life. While anyone can be injured by a dog bite, children or seniors are especially likely to suffer severe or permanent injuries. Dog bite injuries may include:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations - A dog's teeth can puncture the skin and damage underlying muscles, tendons, or ligaments. An animal's teeth or claws can also cause severe lacerations. Injuries to the neck or other major arteries can result in significant blood loss, which may lead to wrongful death.
• Infections - Diseases such as rabies may be passed from a dog to a bite victim, or a person's wounds may become infected by other viruses or bacteria, leading to serious health concerns.
• Broken bones - Some dogs have incredibly strong jaws, and a bite can break or crush a person's bones. When these injuries occur in a person's hands, wrists, or legs, they may result in temporary or permanent disability.
• Fall injuries - During a dog attack, a person may be knocked to the ground, which may result in broken bones, dislocated joints, sprains, or traumatic brain injuries.
• Scarring and disfigurement - Severe dog bite injuries can leave permanent scars, and plastic surgery or reconstructive surgery may be necessary. A permanent disfigurement can cause significant emotional trauma, serving as a constant reminder of the attack.
• Nerve damage - When dog bites puncture the skin, nerves may be damaged or severed. This can not only lead to a great deal of pain, but it can also result in loss of sensation, problems with muscle control, or paralysis in the affected parts of the body.

Dog Bite Liability in Illinois

Illinois law follows the principle of "strict liability" when addressing dog bite injuries. This means that an owner is liable for any injuries that occur if their dog attacks someone without being provoked. Even if a dog had never previously bitten anyone or shown any dangerous or aggressive tendencies, its owner will be responsible for repaying a victim for any damages caused by a dog bite.

A victim can pursue compensation for the costs of any medical treatment needed following a dog bite, including reconstructive surgery, medications to treat an infection, and ongoing physical therapy. They should be repaid for any income lost while recovering, as well as impairments to their ability to earn an income because of a disability. Damages may also include a person's physical pain and suffering and the emotional trauma they have experienced.

Contact Our Peoria Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

The lawyers of Kanoski Bresney understand the legal and emotional issues surrounding dog bites. We will investigate the circumstances of your case and establish liability by a dog's owner, and we will gather documentation to show the full extent of your injuries. We will determine whether you may be covered under a person's homeowner's insurance policy, ensuring that you can receive compensation even if you do not want to take legal action against a friend, family member, or neighbor. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how we can help with your case, contact us by calling 888-U-COUNT-2 or 888-826-8682. We provide legal help to animal attack victims in the state of Illinois, including McLean County, Sangamon County, Adams County, Champaign County, Schuyler County, Peoria County, Macomb, Macon County, Quincy, Bloomington, Tazewell County, Champaign, Decatur, McDonough County, Pekin, Springfield, Peoria, and Rushville.