Yes, if you lose time from work because of your dog bite wounds, then you may be able to include your claim for lost income in your dog bite lawsuit.
You will not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent in order to recover damages. Instead, you will need to prove that you are entitled to damages pursuant to the Illinois dog bite statute, and you will need to prove the value of your lost income.
What’s Included in Lost Income?
Any income that you can prove that you are unable to earn because of your dog bite should be compensable in a dog bite lawsuit. This could include, for example:
- Your regular wages.
- Bonuses and other compensation incentives.
- Benefits, such as healthcare and retirement savings that are funded by your employer.
- Income from clients or customers if you are self-employed.
Some of these things, such as lost wages, may be relatively easy to prove. However, other things that are less certain—such as future income, bonuses, and income from being self-employed—may require the help of expert witnesses such as doctors and economists.
Why You Need to Take Action Now—Even If You Are Still Out of Work
You may not yet know the exact date when you can return to work. However, your time to file a lawsuit is limited and you may lose your right to recover damages if you wait too long to file a case. Accordingly, Illinois courts allow you to prove what your likely and reasonable future lost income will be when you seek damages.
For more information about how to protect your right to recover full and fair damages for a dog bite injury in Illinois, please contact our experienced attorneys today at 1-800-800-5678 to schedule a free consultation or download a free copy of our dog bite brochure.