staff If your child was recently bitten by a dog, you’re probably feeling overwhelmed and concerned about their recovery. You may also be wondering if you need to take legal action by hiring a dog bite lawyer Joliet-based. Here’s what you need to know about pursuing compensation if your little one was injured in a dog attack.
What Laws Cover Dog Bites to Children?
Every state has statutes that apply to dog bites, especially when the victim is a child. These laws place additional liability on dog owners when their pet bites or injures a minor. Reasonable expenses like medical bills and emotional damages may be covered under the law. An attorney can help you understand your rights and navigate the legal process.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
Hiring an attorney after your child is bitten by a dog has several benefits. A lawyer can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, investigate the details of the incident, and negotiate a fair settlement. This allows you to focus on helping your child heal, rather than dealing with legal matters. An attorney only gets paid if they recover compensation for you.
How Do I Find the Right Lawyer?
Not every lawyer has experience with dog bite cases – you’ll want to find one who specifically handles these incidents. Ask other parents for referrals or search online for attorneys in your area. Look for someone who is compassionate and will fight to get your child the maximum compensation for their suffering. Meet with lawyers before deciding to get a sense of their commitment to your case.
What Compensation is Available?
Various forms of damages may be available after a dog bites your child. This includes reimbursement for medical treatment, both initial emergency care and follow-up appointments. Your child may also receive therapy to cope emotionally, which would be covered. Pain and suffering damages account for the trauma of the event itself. And if your child has scars or disfigurement from the bite, additional compensation may be warranted.
What If My Child Partially Caused the Bite?
Even if your kid somewhat provoked the dog or behaved carelessly around it, you can still pursue legal damages. "Comparative negligence" laws account for the victim’s role and reduce – but don’t eliminate – compensation accordingly. An attorney can still build a strong case by putting more liability on the dog owner. However, stronger cases happen when the bite was unprovoked.
Is There a Deadline to Take Action?
Every state has a time limit, known as the "statute of limitations", for filing a dog bite lawsuit. These range from 1 to 6 years typically. It’s important to contact an attorney promptly after the incident rather than waiting. This allows crucial evidence to be gathered, and the strongest case established on your behalf. Don’t risk losing your right to recover damages – take quick legal action.
The process after a dog bite can be daunting, especially when trying to assist your child’s recovery. But hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer can make navigating legal action much smoother. With an attorney fighting for you, important compensation that benefits your child can be obtained. Focus on helping your child heal, while letting a legal expert handle the negotiations and complex filings.
