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Legal Recourse for Dog Bite Injuries in Illinois

Dog bite injuries can do serious damage, both physically and emotionally. If you’ve recently been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you may be wondering what your legal options are.

Fortunately, there are Illinois laws in place to protect individuals who suffer injury because of someone else’s dog. Understanding your options allows you to hold the owner of the dog accountable and recover compensation for your injuries.

Illinois’ Dog Bite Laws

Illinois has especially strict dog bite rules. Many other states have what’s known as a “one-bite rule,” which means a dog can bite someone once without the owner being responsible. After that, the owner knows the dog is a bite risk and can be held financially accountable for any future bite injuries.

Illinois takes a much harder stance with its “strict liability rule.” In Illinois, a dog owner can be held financially responsible for any dog attack injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone previously.

The key exceptions to this are if the dog was provoked or the person bitten was trespassing. If the bitten person wasn’t bothering the dog and they were in a place they were legally allowed to be, the owner is responsible for bite injuries.

Illinois’ strict liability law applies to all dog attacks, not just attacks involving a bite. If you were injured (physical and/or mentally) by a dog that scratched you, jumped on you, or otherwise acted aggressively toward you, it’s worth consulting a lawyer about whether you have a valid personal injury claim.

Taking Legal Action After a Dog Bite in Illinois

A dog bite injury should always be promptly treated by a medical professional. If possible, get information about the owner’s identity and address, as well as contact information for any witnesses. You should also take photos of the injury and keep copies of all medical documents and receipts.

Taking legal action begins with reporting the bite to the police. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog that bites a person must be contained by Animal Control for 10 days and examined by a veterinarian. Contacting the police and reporting the bite ensures the dog will be contained under the law.

To recover compensation for a dog bite injury, you need to attend a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases. During your consultation, the lawyer will identify whether you have a claim and explain what you need to do to recover compensation.

Illinois Dog Bite Personal Injury Compensation

Dog bite injury compensation can provide you with two basic forms of damages: economic and non-economic. Economic damages offer reimbursement for all costs and losses that have a dollar value. Examples include:

  • Ambulance bills
  • Hospital bills
  • General medical bills for follow-up treatment
  • Surgery costs
  • Physical therapy costs
  • Reconstructive surgery costs
  • Medical device costs
  • Lost wages and benefits

If you can prove a bill or lost wages were incurred as a direct result of the dog bite, you have a good chance of recovering economic damages for it.

The other main type of dog bite injury compensation is non-economic damages. These provide you with compensation for the emotional impact of the attack. Some common types of non-economic damages you might be able to recover in a dog bite case include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional anguish
  • Scarring or disfigurement
  • Diminished quality of life

Dog bite injuries can do serious physical damage, sometimes causing severe permanent injuries or even death. However, this is not the case after every dog bite; sometimes, the attack may result in relatively minor injuries but do serious emotional damage. Nerve damage in the bite area is also very common.

Being attacked by a dog is often a traumatizing experience that can do significant psychological damage. It’s always worth consulting a dog bite injury lawyer about whether emotional damage from a dog attack gives you grounds for recovering compensation.

Illinois Time Limits for Recovering Dog Bite Injury Compensation 

Every state has a time limit for how long you have to file a personal injury lawsuit. Dog bite injuries constitute a personal injury claim, except in cases where the bite resulted in death. If a dog attack was fatal, you can instead file a wrongful death claim.

Under Illinois law, you have two years to file a lawsuit for either personal injury or wrongful death. It’s always best to consult a lawyer as soon as possible after the dog attack to ensure you don’t run out of time to file.

Consult an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today

Help is available for those looking to recover dog bite injury compensation in Illinois. The Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, can help you understand your legal and financial options and assist you with your dog bite injury case.

Our Illinois law firm has offices located in Nokomis, Illinois, and Litchfield, Illinois. Call the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC, today to speak with an experienced Illinois dog bite injury lawyer.

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Why You Need a Construction Accident Lawyer

A construction worker in an orange hat pouring cement.

Construction sites are dangerous areas where accidents may be likely to occur. Whether your accident is the result of a slip and fall or the use of a defective product, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your accident-related injuries and losses with the help of a construction accident lawyer.

After a construction accident, it’s best to consult with a skilled lawyer right away. They can begin working on your claim and help get you on the path toward benefits and monetary recovery.

They Can Explain Your Rights and Options

Construction accident cases can be tricky to handle. It’s common to feel lost, overwhelmed, and fearful for the future.

Accident lawyers know the ins and outs of construction accidents. They’re well-versed in the laws and procedures associated with these types of cases, making them valuable allies.

Your construction accident attorney can help you understand your rights and legal options, as you may have several. They’ll create a personalized approach to your case and work diligently to handle your claim as timely and efficiently as possible.

They Can Give You the Dos and Don’ts of Construction Accident Claims

Along with giving you information concerning your rights and options, lawyers can help you understand what you should and shouldn’t do after an accident.

What you do after a construction accident can have a substantial impact on your ability to recover benefits and compensation. For this reason, lawyers are available to guide you and tell you what you should and shouldn’t do in relation to your case.

They Can Assist You With Filing Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

When your construction accident happens at work, you may have the opportunity to file a workers’ compensation claim. Workers’ comp is a special type of insurance employers are required to have for the protection of their employees in the event of an accident.

Under workers’ compensation, you may be eligible to receive various benefits, like wage replacement and covered medical care. To receive these benefits, you must file a workers’ comp claim soon after your accident.

Workers’ compensation claims can be difficult to navigate, but a knowledgeable lawyer can assist you throughout the process.

They Can Determine Whether You Have the Right to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

When you receive accident benefits through workers’ compensation, you’re not allowed to pursue additional compensation through a civil lawsuit against your employer. However, the same cannot be said for third parties.

If a third party plays a role in your accident and subsequent injuries, like a contractor or sub-contractor, you might be able to recover compensation from this party by filing a personal injury lawsuit.

A construction accident lawyer can review the details of your case, conduct a thorough investigation, and definitively determine whether you have a viable case. If you do, they can assist with filing the lawsuit and representing you.

They Can Handle Negotiations on Your Behalf

Whether it’s the workers’ compensation insurance company or a third party, you may need to engage in settlement negotiations at some point during the process. Negotiations can be stressful, and your benefits and compensation ride on the outcome.

Construction accident attorneys are skilled in the art of negotiation. They can represent your best interests throughout the back and forth and help you fight for the best possible outcome.

They Can Represent You During Proceedings

Should you need to file an appeal after receiving the insurance company’s decision or go to court for your case, your accident attorney will be right there with you. Lawyers represent clients in hearings and court proceedings day in and day out, so they don’t shy away from the challenge.

A Compassionate Lawyer Can Provide Support and Guidance Throughout Your Case

Along with assisting you through the legal part of your case, lawyers who have experience with construction accident cases can also provide the support and guidance you need during a challenging time.

No one understands your situation better than an accident attorney. During the rough times, you can count on your lawyer for answers and reassurance, giving you the peace of mind you need.

Consult With a Skilled Attorney Today

After a construction accident, don’t wait to speak with a lawyer. Time is limited to file workers’ compensation claims and lawsuits, and you don’t want to miss the opportunity to pursue fair compensation.

The Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC offer clients two convenient locations in Nokomis, IL, and Litchfield, IL. When you’re ready to discuss your case, contact our firm to schedule your consultation with a construction accident lawyer.

 

 

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3 Key Factors that Determine Personal Injury Settlement Value

When you have been injured by another person, receiving compensation is the result of either a successful lawsuit or a settlement agreement. While lawsuits may attract more attention and interest, most legal disputes will be resolved through a settlement.

Settlements offer greater predictability, lower fees, and quicker resolutions than lawsuits, which makes them favored by plaintiffs and defendants alike. There is also a higher likelihood that a settlement will be discussed in your own personal injury case.

The defendant in your situation may offer you a specific amount for damages in return for your agreement to drop your lawsuit. The compensation value the defendant offers you — and the amount for which your case will settle — will depend on three key factors.

Settlement Amounts Are Tied to the Facts of Your Case

The three factors that impact your settlement’s value are unique to your case. Suppose that you are injured in a car crash when a negligent driver runs a red light. Even if another person is hurt under similar circumstances at the exact same intersection, the value of compensation the two of you could receive might be dramatically different.

This disparity in outcomes occurs because, despite the similarities, there are distinct circumstances at play in every case. These differences have a greater effect on how much your case is worth than where your accident takes place or how many people are involved. These determinative facts include the following:

1. The Strength of the Evidence Supporting Your Claims

If your case were to go to trial, your success would depend on whether you had witnesses and evidence available to prove the truth of your claims. This includes proving not just who was at fault but also the amount of damages you need to be fully compensated.

The more persuasive this evidence is in your case, the more likely the defendant will be to want to settle your case on favorable terms. You’ll want to have credible witnesses who clearly point to the defendant’s fault and objective medical records that support your claim for damages. With those key pieces of evidence, a defendant will be more eager to avoid a trial and the large potential judgment that might come with it.

Conversely, perhaps there are no witnesses to your accident besides yourself, the available evidence is inconclusive on the issue of fault, or there is room to doubt that you were injured as much as you claim.

In such a situation, you may still receive a settlement offer. However, the amount you are offered may be less than you could expect in a case with clearer evidence.

2. The Extent of Your Physical Injuries

A personal injury accident will often leave you with physical and mental or emotional harm. However, it is easier to assign a value to broken bones and brain trauma than the effects of posttraumatic stress disorder or anxiety. As a result, the more severe your physical injuries, the more compensation you could receive through a settlement.

If you are shaken up but have no physical injuries, it will be more difficult to receive a larger settlement. You will need to produce compelling evidence that your mental injuries have dramatically impacted your quality of life to support a larger settlement award.

3. Your and the Defendant’s Desire to Avoid Trial

A trial represents risk, and each person’s or company’s risk tolerance is different. For the injured plaintiff, going to trial runs the risk that the judge or jury will not rule in their favor or will not award them as much compensation as they believe they deserve.

For defendants, a trial could result in an adverse judgment requiring them to pay significant amounts of compensation to the plaintiff. These charges would be incurred on top of attorney’s fees and other costs incidental to trial that they would bear regardless of the outcome.

If you are more comfortable with taking your case to trial than the defendant, you are in a good position to achieve a larger settlement. However, if your defendant is more comfortable with the risks of trial than you, then you may end up settling your case for a lower amount just to take advantage of the security and finality that a settlement offers.

The Difference an Experienced Attorney Makes in Your Case

Having legal counsel to represent you throughout your personal injury case can also make a difference in the outcome of your lawsuit. The experienced team at The Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC can help you understand the value of your case and decide on a reasonable settlement amount.

We are also able to vigorously and competently represent your interests at trial if no reasonable settlement can be reached. We are committed to helping you obtain full and fair compensation for all of your losses.

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8 of the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents in Illinois

Car driving on the highway: the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois.

Statistics regarding motor vehicle accidents in the United States of America are shocking. According to the NHTSA, 36,096 people died in motor vehicle accidents in 2019, and many others were left with injuries. In the same year, an estimated 1,010 people died, and 89,133 people suffered injuries in motor vehicle accidents in Illinois.

While some car accidents are unavoidable, many car accidents are avoidable. Most car accidents in America are caused by driver negligence. Unfortunately, too many motorists engage in negligent behaviors while on the road, resulting in accidents that cause injuries and death.

Below are some of the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois and throughout the U.S.

1. Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is the leading cause of car accidents in Illinois and throughout the U.S.

According to the NHTSA, more than 2,800 people in America died in 2019 in crashes that involved a distracted motorist. Distracted driving occurs when a driver engages in another activity that takes their attention away from driving. Many people know that texting and driving is distracted driving. However, not many people know that behaviors such as using a navigation system while driving, eating while driving, applying makeup while driving, and talking with other passengers are forms of distracted driving.

The CDC states that anything that takes a driver’s attention away from driving can be a distraction. There are three main types of distractions. They are visual, manual, and cognitive distractions. A visual distraction occurs when a driver takes their eyes off the road. A manual distraction occurs when a driver takes their hand(s) off the steering wheel. And finally, a cognitive distraction occurs when a driver takes their mind off driving.

2. Drunk Driving

A driver who gets behind the wheel while drunk is a danger to themselves and other road users. According to the NHTSA, approximately 32 people in America die every day in drunk driving accidents. That means that every 45 minutes, one person loses their life in a drunk driving accident. Here in Illinois, of the 938 fatal traffic crashes that occurred in 2019, it is estimated that 27.1% of them involved alcohol.

Alcohol impairs thinking and reduces the brain’s functions. It also impairs muscle coordination and reasoning. For a driver to operate a vehicle safely, they need to be thinking clearly, and their brain needs to be functioning well. To drive a car safely, a driver needs to be reasoning well, and they need to be able to coordinate muscle movements. For example, a driver must be able to execute and coordinate muscular movements to control the vehicle.

3. Drowsy Driving

Drowsy or fatigued driving is another common cause of car accidents in Illinois and throughout America. The human body needs enough sleep. When a driver misses many hours of sleep, it becomes hard for them to perform well when behind the wheel. Drowsy driving is especially a problem with trucks. Because trucks transporting cargo usually get paid by the load, truck drivers may choose to stay behind the wheel when they should be resting. Unfortunately, this can result in catastrophic accidents. For example, when a tired truck driver hits a passenger vehicle, the results can be disastrous because trucks are much bigger and heavier than passenger vehicles.

According to studies, missing many hours of sleep can impact a driver’s ability to drive the same way as drinking too much alcohol. Studies suggest that staying up for at least eighteen hours is the same as having a BAC of 0.05%. And staying up for at least twenty-four hours is the same as having a BAC of 0.10%.

4. Following Too Closely

Rear-end accidents are quite common in Illinois. Often, rear-end collisions happen because of an unsafe driving practice known as “tailgating.” When the car behind follows the car in front too closely, the driver behind is said to be tailgating. This behavior is considered negligent. According to Illinois law, it is an offense for a vehicle to follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent.

5. Speeding

Excessive speed is to blame for a lot of car accidents. Unfortunately, many drivers do not see the problem with driving faster than the posted speed limit. Drivers need to remember that the faster a person drives, the slower their reaction time. In other words, speeding increases the chances of an accident happening.

6. Unsafe Lane Changes

Before passing another vehicle, a driver must ensure they have enough room to get in front of the other car. If there is not enough room to pass a vehicle and get in front of them, it is best to avoid passing. Also, drivers should always use their blinkers when changing lanes to let other road users know they are about to change lanes. For example, if you change lanes without indicating, the other drivers cannot adjust their driving accordingly, and that can result in an accident.

7. Failure To Yield

In Illinois, “failure to yield” car accidents happen quite a lot. Unfortunately, such accidents can result in severe injuries and even death. According to the law, drivers are required to yield the right-of-way to avoid causing an accident. For example, in Illinois, when two cars approach an intersection from different roads at the same time, the driver on the left is required to yield the right-of-way to the driver on the right.

8. Aggressive Driving

Speeding, unsafe lane changes, failure to yield the right of way, and tailgating can be forms of aggressive driving. Other forms of aggressive driving that can cause accidents include;

  • Running red lights
  • Failing to obey stop signs
  • Ignoring signals from other motorists
  • Driving illegally on the shoulder

Contact the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC for Legal Help

We hope you’ve found this information on the most common causes of car accidents in Illinois helpful. Injured car accident victims and surviving family members deserve compensation. It is your right as an injured car accident victim or surviving family member of someone who died in a car crash to recover compensation from an at-fault party.

If you suffered injuries or lost a loved one in an Illinois car accident because of another driver’s negligence, contact our qualified auto accident attorneys at the Law Offices of Glenn & West, LLC.. We can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

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