John J. Malm & Associates Obtains $250,000 Settlement for Woman Seriously Injured in a Vicious Pit Bull Attack in Kane County

Illinois dog bite attorneys John J. Malm and Sara L. Bendoff recently obtained a $250,000 settlement for a client who suffered severe injuries, including multiple puncture wounds to her wrist, as a result of a vicious pit bull attack in Aurora, Illinois.

According to Mr. Malm, “a pit bull attack can happen suddenly, seemingly for no reason and without warning. This case, like many dog bite cases we have handled for our clients, involved two people who know each other, and who are friends,” attorney Malm explains. “Unfortunately, dogs are territorial animals that can feel threatened for no reason at all, especially inside a home. Sadly, a friendly visit can become dangerous in an instant, often with devastating injuries,” according to Mr. Malm.

In this case, our client was welcomed inside a friend’s home, and the owner of the dog encouraged her to pet the friend’s pit bull mix dog. Suddenly and without warning, the dog lunged at the woman and began pulling at her hair. The dog then let go and charged the woman again, this time repeatedly biting her right wrist. The client attempted to free herself from the dog’s grasp as the dog began to shake its head. The dog refused to let go until after it was repeatedly struck. After observing the horrifying damage and exposed tendons on her right wrist, the dog charged a final time, biting the woman’s chin and lip. After several horrifying minutes, the client was able to free herself, but only after the pit bull’s owners finally took control of the animal.

The pit bull attack was investigated by the City of Aurora Animal Control Department. The dog’s owners openly admitted to the investigating officer that they had witnessed the dog exhibit similarly aggressive behavior toward a neighbor just a few months prior to the attack.

The client underwent surgery to repair a lacerated flexor carpi ulnaris tendon. Once their client had recovered from her injuries, Mr. Malm and Mrs. Bendoff presented a formal settlement demand to the homeowner’s insurance, State Farm Insurance. The settlement demand sought damages on behalf of the client for her injuries, medical bills, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. Mr. Malm and Mrs. Bendoff successfully negotiated a significant settlement on their client’s behalf, thereby avoiding lengthy litigation and a trial.

How much is a dog bite case worth? It often depends on the nature and extent of a client’s injuries, and whether those injuries are permanent. For additional information on dog bite lawsuits in Illinois, or to learn about our firm’s numerous dog bite settlements, visit our dog bite information page here.

If you or a family member have suffered an injury as a result of dog bite or other animal attack, contact the experienced dog bite lawyers at John J. Malm & Associates. Our dog bite attorneys have handled many dog bite claims and lawsuits in Kane County, DuPage County, Cook County, Will County, and throughout the State of Illinois. Call (630) 527-4177 or (630) 524-2323 and speak to our team of experienced dog bite attorneys today. You or your family member may be entitled to a substantial settlement for your injuries.