Dog Bite Attorneys

Personal Injury Lawyers for Animal Attacks

A dog can be a wonderful companion and in many cases, dog owners consider their four-legged friends to be full members of the family. Sometimes, however, dogs can present unpleasant surprises, especially when they attack and bite an unsuspecting victim. At Rolewick & Gutzke, P.C., we understand the enjoyment a dog can bring to the family home, but we also believe that when a dog injures someone, the animal's owner should be held liable to the fullest extent of the law.

Experienced Premises Liability Lawyers

For decades, the attorneys at our firm have been protecting the rights of injured victims in DuPage County and throughout Northern Illinois. When a dog bites a person, the damage is often much deeper than the visible cuts, lacerations, or even broken bones. Certain breeds of dogs are extremely strong and can cause life-altering physical injuries, but the mental and emotional scars left by dog attacks are frequently just as serious.

At Rolewick & Gutzke, P.C., we provide legal guidance to victims dealing with:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, and scratches that can quickly become infected
• Nerve damage and deep tissue damage which could result in long-term physical impairment
• Scarring and disfigurement that lasts a lifetime
• Broken bones and joints, including those caused by trying to flee the dog
• Emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress from the attack

We work closely with each client so that we fully understand the impact the dog bite has had on his or her life. This allows us to build a case that accurately reflects the client's needs, both today and in the future.

Proving a Dog Bite Case

Our lawyers realize that to win a dog bite or animal attack case, we will need to prove that:

• A dog or other animal attacked, attempted to attack, or bit the victim;
• The victim was injured as the result of the dog's actions;
• The victim was in a place that he or she was legally permitted to be; and
• The victim did not instigate or provoke the dog into attacking.

Illinois is a strict liability state regarding animal attacks, so these criteria mean that if a victim was minding his or her own business or even petting the dog in public or any other place he or she was allowed to be, the dog's owner should be held liable for any injuries sustained.

Advocates for Dog Bite Victims

At Rolewick & Gutzke, P.C., we understand the importance of negotiating with defendants and insurance companies toward a settlement that fully meets our clients' needs. Sometimes, however, insurance carriers refuse to cooperate, and litigation becomes necessary. Our experienced litigators have the knowledge and skill to advocate on our clients' behalf in the courtroom as well.

Contact Us Today

To learn more about our firm and how we can help you recover after a dog bite, contact our office. Call 630-653-1577 for a free consultation today. Based in Wheaton, we are proud to serve Warrenville, Carol Stream, Glen Ellyn, Downers Grove, Naperville, St. Charles, Elgin, Lombard, Oak Brook, Lisle, and beyond.