Belleville Dog Bite Lawyers

As man’s best friend, dogs are the most popular pets in the world; however, in the wrong hands, these canines can be downright dangerous. Dogs of all breeds bite and are capable of causing tremendous harm. If you or someone you love are the victim of a dog attack and have been injured, you may be entitled to compensation. If you want to hold the dog owner accountable, the Belleville personal injury attorneys at Nelson & Nelson can help. Our team of experienced dog bite attorneys can work to ensure your claim is taken seriously and that you receive the right compensation following an injury.

What To Do After a Dog Bite

Report the Incident

Immediately contact the police to have a police report filed in the event you need it later for a personal injury claim. The officer can provide factual evidence in the report that you may need later. Be sure to ask them for the case number so you can get a copy for your records later. While at the scene of the incident, you should try to obtain the name and contact information of the dog owner and any people who witnessed the attack, if possible.

Seek Medical Attention

Prompt medical care is essential in the aftermath of a dog bite. Even if you think the dog bite is minor, there is always the risk of rabies or other infection if the skin is broken. If you can speak with the dog owners, ask if the animal has had its rabies vaccinated. If they have proof of current vaccination, you may be able to avoid the expensive and painful rabies shots when you get to the hospital.

It is important to have a doctor examine your injuries and have them document the reason for your visit and the condition of any wounds as you undergo treatment. If you end up having to file a personal injury claim later, the medical history relating to your accident will be important to have to build the case that you sustained injuries from the dog attack.

Document Your Dog Bite Wounds

There is a reason they say a picture is worth a thousand words. If you are in a safe area after the incident and have the ability to take pictures, make sure you capture images of your injuries (everything from minor scrapes to large gashes), the dog that attacked you, and even the location of the incident. The more pictures you take the better; this documentation will be essential for your dog bite lawyer when building your case.

Medical bills, receipts, and other information critical to the interaction are important to keep as well. If you are unsure of what is and is not important, err on the side of over-preparedness and keep the information handy until the claim is settled.

Contact a Dog Bite Law Firm

Do not communicate with the animal’s owner or the owner’s insurance company without first speaking with a lawyer. Having an experienced personal injury attorney on your side can help you receive compensation for your injuries after the dog attack. Attorneys who are knowledgeable about the legal issues surrounding dog bites like the one you suffered can advocate on your behalf in court and use their skills to see to it that your voice is heard.

Personal Injury

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Class Actions

How Our Dog Attack Lawyers Can Help

Personal injury claims can be made against the dog owner or, in some cases, a third party if their negligence caused the injury. The process of filing a claim for a dog bite can be challenging, especially if you don’t have legal experience. After being injured in a dog attack, you should be focused on healing and recovering, rather than being stressed while handling this complex situation on your own. Our dog bite lawyers ensure victims and their families are protected. Whether the dog owner was there at the time of the attack or the dog was wandering freely, our highly-qualified dog attack attorneys in Belleville can help. Our dog bite lawyers can help identify the dog’s owners and establish if the animal has a history of attacks by investigating the neighborhood and reviewing veterinary records.

These claims require the diligence and knowledge of experienced lawyers with superior resources. At Nelson & Nelson, we maintain relationships with respected medical experts who will be able to determine if and what type of plastic surgery might be necessary or recommend other future treatment options. These medical professionals can help us thoroughly evaluate and support your claim. We will handle settlement negotiations on your behalf and demand the right compensation for your injuries. If a fair settlement cannot be reached in negotiation, we are more than prepared to represent you in court and fight for what you deserve!

Trauma Caused by Dog Attacks

Dogs most often bite a person’s arm, hand, leg, foot, neck, or head. Being the victim of a dog attack can result in painful and serious or life-altering injuries.

Common injuries in dog attacks include:

Cuts and scratches
Puncture wounds
Torn muscles
Damaged blood vessels
Dislocations
Fractures
Amputations
Head and skull injuries
Emotional trauma from the injury

The most common victims of dog bites are children, elderly people, mail carriers, and delivery workers. An animal attack can be one of the scariest and most traumatizing events a person goes through. Children and adults alike may develop a lifelong fear of the animal or anxiety that accompanies every subsequent interaction with a dog.

Compensation for a Dog Bite Injury

The aftermath of the incident can be uncertain and overwhelming both financially and emotionally. If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation to cover:

Reimbursement for medical bills, prescription medications, and physical therapy
The estimated cost of future medical treatment
Current and future lost wages
Pain and suffering
Disability
Scarring or disfigurement

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Belleville, IL

Dog attacks are serious, and the fear and damage they create can last a lifetime. If you or someone close to you has been injured in a dog attack, contact the qualified dog bite attorneys at Nelson & Nelson right away to schedule your free case evaluation. Our dog bite law firm can help you preserve your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.