Learn how to respond to a dog bite in a park or public space

If you’ve been bitten or otherwise injured by a dog in a park, then you should take prompt action to protect your rights. After you get the emergency medical care that you need, you should take immediate steps to protect your legal and financial recoveries.

The First Step is Identifying the Dog and Its Owner

The first thing that you need to do is to identify the dog that bit you. You can do this by taking pictures of the animal with your cell phone or getting the names and contact information of witnesses who saw which dog attacked you.

Next, you need to identify both the owner of the dog and the person who had custody or control of the dog at the park. Both of these people could be responsible for paying your injuries pursuant to the Illinois Animal Control Act and common law in the state of Illinois.

Once you’ve made these identifications, then you will be ready to seek damages against the responsible person or people.

The Next Step Is Pursuing a Fair Recovery With the Insurance Company or in Court

You may first try to negotiate a fair settlement for all of your injuries with the responsible person or that person’s insurance company. This should include compensation for all of the damages that you suffered as a result of the dog, including (but not limited to) your past and future medical expenses, lost income, pain, suffering, and other damages.

If a fair settlement cannot be reached, then you will need to file a complaint in state court before the statute of limitations expires. While settlement talks may continue after you file your complaint, this action will ensure that your case can be heard in an Illinois court if a settlement cannot be reached.

You have a lot to think about with your medical and emotional recoveries. You shouldn’t have to handle your legal recovery alone. Instead, please contact us now at 1-800-800-5678 and schedule a free consultation with a local dog bite lawyer to find out more about how we can help you get the legal recovery you deserve after a dog bite in a park or anywhere in the state of Illinois.

Jason F. Abraham
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Helping car accident and personal injury victims throughout Wisconsin, Illinois and Iowa since 1993.