If you or someone you know has been the victim of a canine attack in Northern Illinois, do not hesitate to call our experienced Rockford dog bite lawyer. The sooner you call, the better your chance of preserving evidence and protecting your legal rights. At Hupy and Abraham, we offer a free consultation, so you have nothing to lose.
The guide below discusses everything you need to know about hiring a good dog bite lawyer in Rockford, IL, from when to call, how they can help, how long you have to file and much more.
When to Call a Dog Bite Lawyer in Rockford
There are hundreds of new dog bite cases every year. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, it is important to know when to call a lawyer. Contacting an attorney does not mean that you are suing the dog owner. You may just need some legal advice.
Even if you do not plan on filing a lawsuit, it is still a good idea to speak to an attorney as soon as possible after the dog bite incident. An experienced Rockford dog bite lawyer will be able to tell you what your legal options are and help you understand your rights. They can also help ensure that evidence is preserved and that all deadlines are met.
What Will a Rockford Dog Bite Lawyer Do?
If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may wonder what a lawyer can do for you. The first thing a dog bite attorney will do is sit down with you and evaluate your case. They will examine the evidence and determine if you have a strong case. They will work with you to preserve the evidence and build a strong legal argument if they think you do.
Our Rockford dog bite lawyer at Hupy & Abraham will also do the following:
- Educate you on your state’s laws surrounding dog bites
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack
- Determine who is liable for your injuries
- Gather evidence, including medical records and witness statements
- Calculate the value of your claim
- Determine what damages you are entitled to receive
- Negotiate a settlement with the liable party’s insurance company
- If an agreement cannot be reached with the insurance company, they will file a personal injury lawsuit on your behalf and take the case to trial
Do I Have a Valid Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Being bitten by a dog is a frightening experience. If you or a loved one has been bitten, you may be wondering if you have a valid injury claim. In Rockford, IL, the dog bite statute requires the victim to prove liability that the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog was dangerous and posed a risk to anyone around them.
To have a valid dog bite injury claim, you will need to prove the following:
- That the defendant owned the dog that attacked you
- That the defendant's dog bit you
- That as a result of the bite, you suffered an injury
You will need to present evidence such as medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos of your injuries to prove these elements. An experienced Rockford dog bite attorney can help you navigate these complex legal issues to obtain the compensation you deserve.
How Do Dog Bite Cases Differ From Other Personal Injury Cases?
Not all personal injury cases are created equal. Below, experienced and proven dog bite injury lawyer Jason Abraham details the differences between dog bite cases and other types of personal injuries.
How to Choose the Best Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Near Me
If you suffered injuries after being bit by a dog in Rockford, you need to find the best dog bite injury lawyer near you. This task can often be a challenge with so many options to choose from and not knowing which one is right for you. There are several ways to choose the right attorney for your case. One way to start your search is by asking family or friends for referrals of lawyers they have used in the past or considering a lawyer you may already know.
When it comes to choosing a dog bite injury lawyer, you'll want to choose someone who has experience with these types of cases. An experienced lawyer will know the ins and outs of the law and will be able to fight for your rights. They will also know how to negotiate with insurance companies and get you the maximum settlement possible. You can see what other clients have been awarded for their dog bite claims by reviewing our case results.
You will want to choose a lawyer who is compassionate and understanding. This is an extremely emotional time for you, and you need someone who will guide you through all aspects of your case. A compassionate lawyer will listen to your story and do everything they can to ensure you get the justice you deserve. You can get an idea of how past clients feel about a certain lawyer by reading past client testimonials to show how satisfied they have been when they used them for their dog bite case. In addition, check out the types of awards and accolades that a lawyer has received from their local community can provide insight into how they are rated and regarded by others.
When looking for a Rockford dog bite lawyer, be sure to find one who offers a free consultation. This consultation is important because it allows you to meet with the lawyer and get an idea of their personality and how they would handle your case. You will want to ask questions at this initial meeting since the answers the lawyer provides can help you make a final decision. It's essential that you feel comfortable with your lawyer, as this will make the entire process much easier for you. If you have any doubt at your initial meeting, the lawyer may not be the right fit for your case.
Finally, you will want to ask what type of payment arrangement is available—at Hupy and Abraham we offer our clients a Win or It Is Free Guarantee!
Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Cases in Rockford
The time you have to file a canine attack in Rockford (and across the entire state of Illinois) is just two years. If you don't file a claim within two years of the date of the incident, the defense will move to have your case dismissed and you'll be left with no recovery.
What Percent Does a Lawyer Make From a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
If you or a loved one have been the victim of a dog bite, you may wonder how much the lawyer will get paid if you win your case. Since medical bills can add up fast after a dog attack, you may think that hiring an attorney is not within your budget and will only add to your financial strain. At Hupy and Abraham, we believe that all our clients deserve the right to legal services and should be allowed to pursue a full and fair settlement for their injuries. We work on a contingency fee, meaning there is no upfront payment, and we only collect a fee if we win your case.
When a lawyer works on a contingency fee arrangement, they will agree to take a percentage of the total amount of money you recover from the person responsible for your dog bite injuries. A contingency is only paid if the lawyer wins your case. If you lose, the lawyer does not get paid anything.
The percentage will be discussed between you and your lawyer and agreed to once an agreement is signed. There may also be other costs you will be responsible for paying, such as copies, filing fees, medical record costs, etc. Only agree to an amount if you understand what fees and expenses you will be responsible for paying once your case settles. If you are unsure, ask your lawyer to explain them in more detail.
Contact Our Rockford Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Case Review
If you or a loved one was bit by a dog in Northern Illinois and suffered a severe injury, contact Hupy and Abraham for a free consultation. Our dog bite lawyer in Rockford, IL, will go above and beyond to win your case and have a Win or It’s Free Guarantee. To set up a confidential appointment, fill out our convenient contact form online or call us at 1-800-800-5678.
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