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Who Is Liable for My Dog Bite?
When a person has wrongfully suffered a dog bite from someone else’s dog, Illinois law allows that person (plaintiff) to pursue legal action to collect damages for the losses their injuries have caused. When filing a claim, it is important that the correct party or parties who are liable be held accountable, but it is not always clear where that liability lies. An Illinois dog bite lawyer can help make that determination. The following are some of the potential parties.
Property Owners
If the dog bite occurred on someone else's property, the owner may be named as the defendant (the at-fault party). In some cases, the plaintiff may pursue legal action against the property owner for negligence or failure to control the dog, especially if the dog had a history of aggressive tendencies that the owner was aware of or should have been aware of.
Potential Infections from Dog Bites
Not only can dog bites be painful, but they can also lead to a variety of infections, some of which can be serious or even fatal. Infections resulting from dog bites can vary in severity, depending on factors such as the size of the wound, the location of the bite, and the cleanliness of the dog's mouth. While dogs are often considered loyal companions, it is important to realize that they are still animals with the potential to cause harm if frightened or provoked. If you or a loved one are bitten by a dog and suffer damages, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer to see what your legal options may be.
Cellulitis
One of the most common infections that can develop from a dog bite is cellulitis. Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection that can occur when bacteria from the dog's mouth enter the wound. Symptoms of cellulitis include redness, warmth, swelling, and tenderness around the bite area. Left untreated, cellulitis can spread to other parts of the body, leading to more severe complications.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
The physical and emotional aftermath of a dog bite can be traumatic. Understanding the reasons behind these incidents is crucial for prevention and responsible dog ownership. The following is a brief overview of four of the most common factors often associated with dog bite incidents. For more detailed information if you have been injured, contact an Illinois dog bite lawyer.
Fear and Anxiety
Dogs may resort to biting when they feel threatened or scared. Fear is a powerful motivator for aggression in dogs. Common triggers include unfamiliar people or animals, loud noises, sudden movements, or even an owner's aggressive behavior. In these situations, dogs may perceive biting as their only means of defense. Socialization, proper training, and positive reinforcement can help dogs become more comfortable and less fearful in various situations, reducing the likelihood of aggression due to fear.
Serious Infections from Dog Bites
While often seen as minor incidents, dog bites can lead to serious infections that pose a significant health risk. Dogs' mouths harbor various bacteria, and when their teeth puncture the skin, these bacteria can enter the body, potentially causing infections. The following is a brief overview of the types of infections that can result from dog bites. If you or a loved one has suffered this type of injury, contact an Illinois personal injury lawyer for legal assistance.
Cellulitis
One of the most frequent infections resulting from dog bites is cellulitis. Cellulitis is a skin infection that occurs when bacteria enter the skin through a bite wound. It is characterized by redness, swelling, warmth, and tenderness in the affected area. If left untreated, cellulitis can spread rapidly, leading to more severe complications.
Consequences of Scarring and Disfigurement from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks are traumatic incidents that can leave victims lasting physical and emotional scars. In many cases, the injuries sustained from these attacks result in scarring and disfigurement, which can profoundly impact a person's life. Anyone who has suffered injuries from a dog attack is entitled to pursue legal action against the liable party under Illinois law. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help.
The Physical Toll
When a dog attacks, the physical injuries inflicted can be severe. Dogs have powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can cause deep wounds and tissue damage. These injuries often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, which may require extensive medical treatment. This treatment can include surgery, skin grafts, and reconstructive procedures. Scarring from dog attacks can be both visible and painful. It can affect any part of the body, including the face, neck, arms, and legs.
How Often Are Children Injured by Dog Bites?
Dogs are often seen as lovable and friendly animals, but they still have the potential to cause serious injuries. Unfortunately, children are more likely to be injured in dog attacks due to their small size and their lack of knowledge about how to interact safely with dogs. Each year, more than 800,000 people experience dog bites that are serious enough to require medical attention, and more than half of these victims are children. A personal injury attorney can help families understand how to respond in these situations. Some injuries that children often suffer in dog attacks include:
Bite Wounds
When a dog bites a child, its sharp teeth can puncture the skin and cause damage on the surface and in the tissues below. Bite wounds can range from minor scratches to severe lacerations that may require medical attention. They may include:
When Can Dog Attacks Lead to Fall Injuries?
Dog attacks can be a terrifying experience, causing physical and emotional harm to the victim. While most people associate dog attacks with bites and scratches, these incidents can also involve other types of injuries, including those suffered in falls. When a dog attack causes someone to fall down on a hard surface, such as a sidewalk, they may suffer multiple types of severe injuries, including broken bones, head trauma, and spinal cord damage. Victims of dog bites and attacks will need to understand what steps they can take to ensure they will be compensated for the injuries suffered in falls and other ways they have been affected.
Reasons Dog Attacks May Lead to Dangerous Falls
While dog bites can be very painful and can lead to issues such as puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, nerve damage, and disfiguring scars, a person may be seriously injured in other ways. Fall injuries can occur when a dog jumps on someone or makes aggressive moves. Falls may be caused by:
Know the Signs of an Infected Dog Bite
One of the biggest risks associated with dog bites is that the bite can become infected. Dogs’ mouths are home to many different types of bacteria that can be harmful to humans. While there is a persistent myth that dogs' mouths are cleaner than humans, it is largely untrue. Dogs have a tendency to pick up items most humans would find revolting in their mouths. When a dog bites a person and breaks the skin, bacteria from the dog's teeth can be driven deep into a person’s body. This bacteria can then multiply and cause a serious infection. In the most severe cases, an infected bite can mean that the affected body part must be amputated. As dog bites on the hand are very common, this can be a major concern. If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to seek urgent medical care even if you do not believe the bite was particularly bad. You should then contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Can I Pursue Compensation After an Attack by an Unleashed Dog?
When a dog is off its leash and roaming without supervision, it can pose a serious threat to public safety. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and around 800,000 dog bites require medical attention. A significant number of these bites occur when dogs are unsupervised. In these situations, dog bite victims may be unsure about their legal options, including who may be held responsible for the injuries they have suffered.
Laws Related to Unleashed and Roaming Dogs in Illinois
In general, the laws in the state of Illinois allow a person who is injured by a dog to hold the dog's owner or the person who had control of the dog liable for their injuries. As long as a person was legally allowed to be in the location where the dog attack occurred, and they did not take any actions that provoked the dog, they can take legal action to address the injuries and damages they have suffered.
When Can Dog Bites and Attacks Lead to Broken Bones?
Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that can leave a victim with serious injuries. Bone fractures are one type of injury that often occurs as a result of a dog attack. Depending on where a fracture occurred, the severity of the injury, and other factors, broken bones can be very painful and debilitating. By understanding when broken bones can be caused by dog bites and the treatments that may be needed to address these injuries, victims can make sure they will be able to recover, and they can also pursue compensation for their damages.
Broken Bones Based on the Location of a Bite and the Force of an Attack
In many cases, whether a dog bite will result in broken bones will depend on the force of a bite and the parts of the body that were affected. Larger dogs with strong jaws may break or crush bones when biting a person on their arms or legs. However, bites from dogs of any size may cause fractures in parts of the body with smaller, more delicate bones, such as the hands or feet.
Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Attorney
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, our personal injury lawyers can help you determine the actual value of the damages you have suffered, and we will work to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Call us at 630-552-6860 or fill out the form below to arrange a free consultation.
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By Appointment Only 630-420-1000 |
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134 N. Bloomingdale Road, Bloomingdale, IL 60108 630-529-4761 |
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900 E. Roosevelt Road, Lombard, IL 60148 630-932-9100 |
