What You Must Prove in a Chicago Dog Bite ClaimTo recover damages after a dog bite, there are several things that you must prove in court. This is where you will need the help of a Chicago dog bite attorney. In court, you must establish:
- The identity of the dog that bit you, and the identity of the owner;
- That you were attacked by the dog and bitten/injured;
- It was the dog bite that caused your injuries and damages; and
- That the dog attacked you in a public place, or in a place where you had the right or permission to be.
If, however, you were trespassing at the time of the dog bite, or if you knowingly provoked the dog, or if you were committing a crime at the time (robbery, burglary, etc.) the owner of the dog may not be held liable for your damages.
Compensation in a Chicago Dog Bite Claim
There is no standard amount of compensation in an Illinois dog bite claim, nor any formula to estimate the value of your claim. To estimate your claim, you can schedule a consultation with a Chicago dog bite lawyer.
A lawyer will investigate your case, and give a rough estimation of how much your claim may be worth, based on your medical bills, lost wages and other pertinent details.
If you wish to proceed with a claim, you will have to file a lawsuit. However, if the owner of the dog is guilty beyond a doubt, they may choose to settle out of court. In this case, a Chicago dog bite lawyer can help you negotiate a settlement. If an agreeable settlement cannot be reached, you will have to proceed to court. It will then be up to your dog bite lawyer to build a winning case.
Hiring a Chicago Dog Bite Lawyer
You should be able to recover from your injuries without worrying about court documents and filing paperwork. While you adjust to life after your injuries, you can take comfort in knowing you don’t have to handle an injury alone.
When you have the help of a trusted Chicago dog bite lawyer from the Law Offices of Barry G. Doyle, P.C. you’ll get expert legal advice and guidance concerning your long-term needs. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – 312-263-1080