Dog Bite Lawyer Peoria, IL

Injured by a Dog? Consult a Top-Rated Dog Bite Lawyer in Peoria, IL

Have you or a loved one been bitten by a dog or victim of animal attacks? If so, it’s essential to consult a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. The sooner you consult with a professional, the better we will be able to protect your rights and ensure that you receive rightful compensation.

At LeFante Law Offices, our team can help you navigate the legal process and pursue compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering. If the dog owner is uncooperative or the dog has a history of aggression, we can help you hold the pet owners accountable and seek justice.

If the dog bite occurred on someone else’s property, such as a neighbor’s yard or a public park, the property owner might be liable for your injuries. As experienced lawyers, we can help you determine who is responsible and pursue a compensation claim.

While insurers may deny your claim for compensation or offer a low settlement, as the leading Peoria dog bite lawyer we can help you negotiate a fair settlement or file a lawsuit to pursue full compensation.

Contact LeFante Law Office today to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

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Number of Dog Bites on The Rise

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported the following national dog bite statistics:

• Approximately 88,000 dog bites occur each year in the United States.
• About 15 dog bites a year are fatal and may require medical attention.
• Children are more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults.
• In 94% of instances, the victim knows the dog.
• The rate of dog bite-related injuries is highest for children.
• The most common breeds involved in fatal dog attacks in the United States are pit bulls and rottweilers.

It’s worth noting that these statistics are based on reported dog bites, and many dog bites go unreported. It is also worth mentioning that dog bite injury claims are challenging to settle, mainly because compensation will be reduced and, in some cases, denied if the owner was aware that the pet was violent or prone to violence, with a history of violence. Plus, insurers find other ways to deny claims or reduce compensation for animal attack victims by arguing that the injuries aren’t worth as much as what is being demanded and at what point the injuries happened. 

That is why dog bite victims should contact us immediately, as this allows us to investigate and prepare an airtight case that increases your odds of receiving rightful compensation.

Dog Attacks and Bite Laws In The US

Dog bite laws can vary by state in the United States, but there are several common considerations that are typically evaluated in dog bite lawsuits. Here are a few key considerations:

Negligence: In many states, a dog owner can be held liable for a dog bite if they were negligent in controlling or restraining their dog. This can include actions like failing to keep a dog on a leash or allowing a dog to roam freely. This is a very common reason in many dog bite cases. 

Strict liability: Some states have “strict liability” laws for dog bites, which means that a dog owner is automatically liable for any damages caused by their dog, regardless of whether they were negligent. This typically applies if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior or if the owner knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous.

Comparative negligence: In some cases, the person bitten by the dog may have contributed to the incident through their actions. If this is the case, the damages awarded in a lawsuit may be reduced based on the percentage of fault assigned to the victim.

Damages: Damages in a dog bite lawsuit can include medical expenses, lost income, pain, and suffering. However, this is something that a good Peoria dog bite attorney can argue effectively. 

Statute of limitations: There is a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit in most states, so it’s essential to act quickly if you are considering legal action.

If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, it’s important to consult our team of professional dog bite lawyers in Peoria, IL, who can advise you on the specific laws and considerations that apply to your case.

Peoria’s Ordinance Protects Dog Owners

Yes, dog bite laws exist in Peoria. The local ordinance protects residents and their rights if a dog attacks another party. For starters, dog owners are required to register their pets, then they should be treated humanely, and compensation needs to be paid when the animals cause property damage or physical harm to another human.

The following are a couple of the laws regarding the ownership of these animals living in the city:

• Section. 4-2 prohibits a dog from roaming free. Dog owners that allow this are subject to fines. The initial fine is $50 for the violation. However, this increases with each additional violation and can go up to $300 if the owner is guilty of multiple offenses.
• Animals must be restrained when taken off the owner’s property. This means the dog should always be on a leash when not at home. Since this helps minimize dog attack instances. 
• Section. 4-6 mandates dog owners to treat their pets humanely; this includes providing them with regular veterinary care, shelter, water, and food. Plus, it is their responsibility to ensure that the dog does not become a transmitter of disease if they attack a person. 

Are You A Dog Bite Victim?

If you are a victim, contact a dog bite lawyer in Peoria, IL, immediately. At Lefante Law Offices, we protect your rights and ensure you receive rightful compensation. We’ve helped numerous clients win their dog bite cases and cases involving other animal bites. 

Call us today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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