Dog Bite Incident Involving My Daughter
Hello everyone! I wanted to share a difficult experience. My daughter, who turned 5 in March 2021, was bitten in the face by a dog at a children’s park that had clear “no dogs allowed” signs. The dog was next to its owner’s boyfriend, who was distracted on his phone. Suddenly, the dog lunged at my daughter, biting her below her eye and through her cheek and bottom lip, resulting in about 10 painful stitches.
We reported the incident to the police, filed a claim, and sought legal representation that same week. Now, four years later, the lawyer’s office periodically reaches out for updates on any laser treatments or cosmetic procedures I might have considered for her. I’ve explained that I’m unable to afford those treatments right now, and I’ve heard from others that she’s not old enough for such procedures yet.
I’m frustrated with how long this process is taking. Is four years a typical timeframe for cases like this? What is the statute of limitations in Illinois? I’m hopeful that my daughter still has time since the lawyers contacted me last month with the same questions.
I just want to secure compensation for her so we can explore possible treatments, potentially overseas. I’m feeling quite lost, so any advice or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear about what happened to your daughter. That must have been such a traumatic experience for both of you. It’s understandable to feel frustrated about the length of time this has taken.
In Illinois, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally 2 years from the date of the injury, but for minors, it can extend until they turn 18. This means your daughter likely still has some time to pursue a claim.
Regarding the process, personal injury cases, especially those involving minors, can sometimes take a long time due to various factors, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and the complexities of the legal system.
It’s essential to keep communication open with your lawyer and express your concerns about the timeline. They should be able to provide you with more information on when you can expect the case to progress and what steps you need to take next.
In the meantime, consider seeking support from advocacy groups for victims of dog bites or similar incidents, as they can provide resources and emotional support. I hope you find some resolution soon, and your daughter gets the care she needs.