Posted on May 20, 2024 in Dog Bite Injuries

People like to say dogs are man’s best friend, but they probably would not feel that way if they were viciously attacked by one. Dogs have been domesticated, and many people have them as family pets, but the truth is that they are descended from wolves, and many still have their wild instincts. While some kinds of dogs can be very well trained and others are mostly harmless, there are still some dog breeds historically considered vicious and dangerous.

Some people choose to keep these kinds of dogs around as a security measure, as they can serve as guard dogs. They can alert their owners if they feel someone is doing something wrong, and they can attack people they perceive as dangers to their owners. However, dogs are not perfect, they can misidentify an innocent person as a threat, and they can pose a serious risk to the people around them. This article will review some of the dog breeds that are considered the most dangerous. If you have been injured by a dog bite, an experienced Will County dog bite lawyer can review what happened and advise you whether there are any breed-related liabilities involved.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on April 25, 2024 in Dog Bite Injuries

An unsupervised and unleashed dog can pose a serious risk to its surroundings. Even a generally tame and disciplined dog can present a threat. If, for example, it runs over to a dog that does not get along well with other dogs and they begin to fight, that other dog and people around could be injured. For another example, a well-behaved and well-meaning dog could walk over to someone with a serious phobia of dogs who could accidentally run into oncoming traffic to avoid the dog. Of course, if the dog is not tame and left to wander freely, this could pose a risk to people around as well. Dog bites can sometimes require immediate and serious medical attention and can result in a timely and expensive recovery process. If you were bitten by an unleashed dog, speak with a DuPage County, IL dog bite lawyer to formulate a plan for your compensation.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on March 25, 2024 in Dog Bite Injuries

It is estimated that approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in this country each year. More than half of those bitten are children. Dog bite injuries in children are often more severe than in adults because of how vulnerable their size leaves them. While much is focused on the physical injuries children suffer in dog attacks, parents and caregivers must be aware of the psychological impact the attack can have. It is estimated that almost half of children who suffer a dog bite injury will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). If a dog has bitten your child, it is important to speak with an Illinois personal injury lawyer to find out what legal recourse you may have.

Signs of PTSD

When a child experiences a dog bite, the event can be deeply distressing, causing intense fear, pain, and feelings of helplessness. The sudden and unexpected nature of the attack can shatter a child's sense of safety and security, leaving lasting emotional scars. Moreover, the physical injuries resulting from the bite can compound the psychological trauma, serving as constant reminders of the terrifying encounter.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on February 26, 2024 in Dog Bite Injuries

Although we love our dogs, the reality is that they are still animals, and even what appears to be the best-behaved dog can bite someone. There are a variety of reasons why a dog may bite, but – regardless of those reasons – the owner or person responsible for the dog can be held liable for any losses the person who is bitten suffers because of those injuries. The type of compensation depends on various factors, such as the severity of the bite and the circumstances surrounding the incident. These cases can be complex, so you should consult an Illinois personal injury lawyer.

Determining Liability for the Bite

When someone suffers a dog bite injury, the first step is to seek medical attention promptly. Not only is this essential for one's health and well-being, but it also establishes a medical record documenting the extent of the injury, which can be crucial in legal proceedings.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on January 27, 2024 in Animal Attacks

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on December 31, 2023 in Animal Attacks

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on November 28, 2023 in Dog Bite Injuries

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on October 25, 2023 in Dog Bite Injuries

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on September 27, 2023 in Dog Bite Injuries

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.

Continue Reading ››

 Posted on August 23, 2023 in Dog Bite Injuries

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:

Continue Reading ››