Aurora Dog Bite Lawyer

An Aurora dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation if you’ve been injured in a dog attack. With 31% of Illinois households owning one or more dogs, it’s no surprise that Illinois has the second-most dog attack insurance claims in the country. Unfortunately, many victims suffer serious injuries, leading to costly medical bills, lost wages, and lasting trauma.

We have successfully handled hundreds of dog bite cases at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, ensuring negligent dog owners are held accountable. If a dog in Aurora has bitten you or a loved one, contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.

Our Aurora Dog Bite Settlements Include

$375,000 Settlement – An Aurora pit bull attack left a three-year-old child with severe facial injuries requiring surgery and resulting in permanent scarring.

$195,500 Dog Bite Lawsuit Settlement – An 11-year-old Aurora resident was bitten by a neighbor’s dog that escaped from a fenced yard, leading to extensive medical treatment.

$177,555 Settlement – A delivery driver in Aurora suffered nerve damage to his dominant hand after being attacked by a Giant Schnauzer while delivering packages. The injury required medical treatment and an extended absence from work.

The value of each case can vary based on several factors, but taking the proper steps immediately after a dog bite incident will increase your likelihood of receiving fair compensation.

What to Do if You Have Been Bitten by a Dog

Dog bites can be incredibly dangerous, especially for children. It’s important to act quickly to prevent serious injury and secure your dog bite case so you can receive fair compensation. Follow these steps to ensure the greatest chance of a full recovery and fair compensation for dog attacks.

Seek Medical Attention

Medical treatment is crucial after dog attacks, as you may have suffered serious injuries. As soon as the dog has been restrained and you are safe, head to the hospital and receive treatment. This also ensures you have medical documentation of your injuries, which will help you seek compensation.

If the dog owner cannot produce paperwork proving their pet is vaccinated, you must go through a round of rabies vaccinations, as this is a deadly disease with no cure after it begins to manifest.

Contact Aurora Animal Control

After you’ve received treatment for the dog bite, you must call Aurora Animal Control to report the incident. Under Illinois law, these agencies are required to report a dog bite case to the police so a proper investigation can be completed.

You can also call the Aurora Police Department yourself to file a police report. You’ll be asked to provide details about where the attack occurred, the dog’s breed if it is known, and the name of the owner if you know.

Collect and Document Evidence

While the police are investigating the dog bite, you should keep records of the reports and share any information you may have with them, keeping copies for yourself.

This information can include a narrative of the attack, witness reports if anyone else was present, surveillance footage, and photos of your injuries.

Consult An Aurora Dog Bite Attorney

Working with an Aurora dog bite lawyer gives you the best chance to hold the other party accountable, as we will be able to guide you through the litigation process and negotiate with the other party’s insurance company on your behalf.

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers are among the best Aurora personal injury lawyers. With our knowledge of Illinois law and our experience with dog bite cases, we’ll ensure your medical bills and other expenses are covered by those responsible.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dangerous dogs can wreak havoc on an innocent person’s life. Many victims suffer injuries so severe they require hospitalization and significant rehabilitation expenses due to serious injuries like the following.

Lacerations and Cuts

These are the most common injuries in dog bites, particularly for small breeds. Their sharp teeth can tear the skin, while their nails may cause cuts. Many times, these cuts and lacerations get infected, necessitating antibiotics.

Broken Bones

Certain breeds, like pit bulls, inflict devastating wounds thanks to their strong bite force. Should you or a loved one suffer fractures due to a dog bite, you need a skilled attorney who is familiar with all aspects of these devastating injuries.

Scarring and Disfigurement

In some dog bite incidents, the animal latches onto a person’s face, which can lead to extensive scarring and disfigurement requiring plastic surgery, and it may even cause nerve damage.

Infection

Approximately 15% of all dog bites will result in at least one infection. The saliva of dogs has a high bacterial count, which can result in staph infections. In the worst-case scenario, the canine may be infected with rabies, a devastating disease that almost always results in death for the victim if left untreated.

Death

There were 729 claims for dog bites in Illinois in 2022 [4], with children the most frequent victims of fatal dog bites. If you have lost your child due to the irresponsible actions of a pet owner, contact our Aurora wrongful death lawyers to ensure dog owners are held accountable for this tragedy.

Liability in Dog Bite Injury Claims in Aurora, IL

Illinois state law is strict and specific in the case of a dog or other animal attacking a human, including when a civil lawsuit can be opened based on liability. These are the most critical elements regarding bites from dogs.

Strict Liability

Dog owners have strict liability in terms of their animal’s behavior. If an owner knowingly permits a dangerous pet to interact with the public, they may face criminal sanctions or be sued for civil damages.

Provocation Defense

The Illinois Animal Control Act does allow dog owners to defend themselves and their animals in certain instances, specifically provocation defenses. This means that if dogs are goaded into attacking or are attempting to protect themselves or their owner, the owner may be found not liable.

The injured party must also be lawfully on the property in order to sue under premises liability. If they are trespassing, the property owner is not responsible for what happens to them. This is why victims need an experienced dog bite lawyer who can dispute these defenses.

Aurora, Illinois Dog Bite Laws

In addition to Illinois state law, Aurora, IL, has several local ordinances designed to protect the public and hold negligent dog owners accountable. For instance, owners face escalating fines for dog bite offenses, starting at $250 for a first violation, $500 for a second, and up to $1,000 for repeat offenses (Aurora Municipal Code). Additionally, Aurora requires mandatory reporting and confinement of any dog involved in a bite incident. The dog must be observed for at least 10 days to assess any potential health risks (Illinois Animal Control Act). These laws are in place to ensure public safety and help victims seek legal recourse when bitten by a dangerous or unrestrained dog.

Do Doctors Have to Report Dog Bites in Aurora, IL?

Anyone who witnesses an attack is required by law to report the bite, including doctors, EMTs, and witnesses. They should submit a report to the Aurora Police Department as soon as they are made aware, including details about the attack.

Does a Dog Have to Be Quarantined After Biting Someone in Aurora, IL?

Yes, the canine must be quarantined for at least 10 days under the supervision of a licensed veterinarian or another administrator. They must be presented to a veterinarian within 24 hours of the attack, who will perform an exam to identify any possible causes for the bite. The canine will also need to be microchipped at the owner’s expense, and owners are not permitted to hide, euthanize, sell, or dispose of the offending animal in any way until the confinement period is over.

Damages Our Aurora Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You Recover

There are numerous types of damages that can be pursued in this type of personal injury case, and a skilled lawyer will ensure you receive all the compensation to which you are entitled. This can include:

• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitation
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Financial Compensation Typically Awarded to Dog Bite Victims

There is no average settlement when it comes to any personal injury case, but our lawyers have been able to recover millions on behalf of dog attack victims. The average settlement in Illinois is approximately $48,098, but we have been able to achieve settlements as large as $400,000 for victims.

The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Aurora

For any personal injury case in Illinois, victims have 2 years from the time of the incident to file a claim. This may seem like a long time, but given that much of this is taken up by negotiations, it’s crucial that you contact a lawyer as soon as possible to get the best possible chance of receiving justice.

Is Hiring an Aurora Dog Bite Lawyer Expensive?

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe us nothing unless we win. You will pay nothing throughout the legal process, and we will deduct our fees from your settlement.

Talk to an Aurora Dog Bite Attorney Today!

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is known for its meticulous investigations, strong negotiations with insurance companies, and excellent track record of large settlements. Those who experience dog attacks in Aurora need an advocate as soon as possible to protect their rights and get justice. Contact us online or call (888) 424-5757 at any time to schedule a free consultation with one of our Aurora personal injury lawyers.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.