Illinois Dog Bite Personal Injury Attorneys

Statistically, children are more likely to be mauled by unrestrained dogs than adults. Dog bites can leave kids with disfigured faces and scars that are difficult for even a skilled surgeon to repair. A simple case of what a dog owner calls “playfulness” could actually become a vicious attack, leaving children and toddlers with lifelong physical and emotional scars.

Since dogs can attack people on sidewalks, in neighborhoods and parks, and on the streets, it is far too easy for adults or children to become mauling victims of any breed, from pit bulls to chow chows. Some dog breeds are larger and more aggressive than others, however, even small dogs can do a surprising amount of damage to the face or hands of an innocent child.

The Illinois Animal Control Act renders dog owners legally responsible for the results of aggressive and harmful behavior in their dogs. If an owner fails to properly condition and train the dog, restrain the dog, or otherwise control the dog, preventing it from attacking another person, you can sue that owner for damages in a dog bite case.

In addition to painful wounds, permanent scars, broken bones, lost fingers or toes, or the possibility of infection, dog bite victims can develop crippling, life-long phobias of dogs, cats, and other animals.

It is also very expensive to recover and heal from a serious dog bite. The E.R. visit, hospital stay, and multiple reconstructive cosmetic surgeries quickly add up to an astronomical expense.

As a personal injury law firm with more than 75 years of collective experience working for accident victims, the attorneys at McGowan & Hull know how to make a powerful case to recover damages for you and your family. These monetary awards or damages can cover the cost of medical care, urgent care, ongoing care, and pain and suffering, and provide for multiple reconstructive surgeries.

If the owner claims to be covered by insurance, you should still consult a personal injury attorney before signing anything. Since many of McGowan & Hull’s lawyers have worked for insurance companies, they understand how adjusters settle claims and conduct business. This insider’s view allows us to represent dog bite clients in a very effective way, even when we’re up against a large insurance company’s legal team.

If a dog mauling is so severe it causes a wrongful death, the family can also file a suit to recover additional damages for sorrow and mental distress.

At the law firm of McGowan & Hull, you can receive a free evaluation of your dog bite case. If you are unable to visit our Chicago office, we can come to your home or hospital room. We welcome your call at our offices in Geneva, Illinois at (630) 262-0366, or you may contact us toll-free at (877) 457-2264.

Our Chicago injury attorneys work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we collect damages for you.

If you prefer, you may send us an e-mail by using the form on the Contact Us page. We respond to all correspondence in a timely manner.