Bloomington Dog Bite Attorney

Legal Help After A Serious Dog Bite Injury

A dog bite can turn an ordinary day into a medical emergency, especially when a child is involved. You may be worried about infection, scars, and how fast the medical bills are adding up. At Haxel Law, we help injured people pursue compensation so they can focus on healing instead of fighting with insurance companies.

Our legal team has spent decades handling injury cases in Central Illinois and understands how quickly a dog attack can disrupt a family’s life. We work to guide you through each step, explain your options in plain language, and take on the legal and insurance issues that feel overwhelming right now.

Contact us today at (217) 215-4166 to request a free consultation.

Illinois Dog Bite Law

Illinois follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bite injuries. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner can be held liable if their dog injures someone who:

• Was lawfully present in a public or private place, and
• Did not provoke the dog

This means victims generally do not need to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the attack occurred and the legal requirements are met, the owner may be financially responsible for the damages.

Key aspects of Illinois dog bite law include:

• Strict liability: Owners are responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
• Lawful presence: Victims must have been legally on the property or in a public place.
• Lack of provocation: If a dog was teased or threatened, liability may be reduced or denied.

Because every case is unique, working with a Bloomington dog bite attorney is essential to determine how the law applies to your situation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which require long-term medical treatment. Victims may suffer:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Broken bones
• Infections, including rabies and tetanus
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Children are especially vulnerable to severe injuries, often sustaining bites to the face and neck. These injuries can require reconstructive surgery and ongoing therapy.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in IL

If you were injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. A Bloomington dog bite attorney at Haxel Law can evaluate your claim and pursue damages such as:

Medical Expenses

Victims often face emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation. Compensation can include both current and future medical costs related to the injury.

Lost Wages and Reduced Earning Capacity

Serious injuries may force victims to miss work or even change careers. You may recover lost income as well as compensation for diminished earning potential.

Pain and Suffering

Dog bite injuries can cause lasting physical pain and emotional distress. Compensation may be available for trauma, anxiety, and reduced quality of life.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Permanent scars, especially on visible areas like the face or arms, can affect confidence and emotional well-being. Illinois law allows victims to seek compensation for these long-term impacts.

Property Damage

In some cases, personal belongings damaged during the attack may also be included in a claim.

An experienced attorney will gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence to build a strong case and pursue the maximum compensation available.

Proving Liability in a Dog Bite Case

Although Illinois uses strict liability, certain factors still play an important role in building a successful claim. Evidence may include:

• Photographs of injuries and the scene
• Medical documentation
• Animal control reports
• Witness statements
• Proof of lawful presence on the property

Insurance companies may attempt to minimize or deny claims. Having legal representation helps ensure your rights are protected and your case is presented effectively.

Let Our Firm Help You

Choosing the right law firm after a dog bite is not just about filing paperwork. It is about trusting a team to protect your family’s future. Attorney Martin Haxel has more than 40 years of experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation, including years spent representing insurance companies in cases similar to the ones he now brings for injured people.

That background gives our firm a practical advantage when dealing with homeowners and renters insurance after a dog attack. We understand how adjusters evaluate claims, where they look for excuses to deny or reduce payment, and what evidence they take seriously. We use that insight to anticipate their tactics and to build a case that is ready for negotiation or the courtroom.

Over the years, we have recovered millions of dollars for injured clients, including significant settlements and verdicts in challenging cases. Our firm has handled more than 100 trials and appeals. These are not guarantees of what will happen in your case, but they show our willingness to stay in the fight when insurers refuse to be fair.

When you contact us after a dog attack, you talk with a legal team that takes time to hear your full story. We keep you informed, answer questions quickly, and discuss strategy with you before important decisions.

Call (217) 215-4166 to speak with our team today.