Illinois Dog Bite Lawyer for Injuries to Children

Attorneys for Child Injuries from Dog Attacks in DuPage County and Kane County

Many families have one or more dogs as a pet, and due to their familiarity with these animals or with pets owned by friends or family members, children may not realize the dangers that come from interacting with dogs. Due to their inability to recognize the warning signs of a dangerous dog, children are at a higher risk of being bitten. Because of their small stature, dog bites can result in very serious injuries to children.

At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, we understand the personal, emotional, and financial difficulties a family can experience when a child suffers an injury. We are dedicated to helping families in these situations, and with our help, you can receive the compensation you deserve for the harm that was done to your child because of the negligence of a dog owner.

Dog Bite Injuries for Children

Around 4.5 million people suffer dog bites each year in the United States, and more than half of those victims are children. Around 26% of children who are bitten by dogs need to receive medical attention, and they are far more likely to be seriously injured than adults. Some of the injuries that children may suffer due to a dog bite include:

• Severe lacerations - Due to the small size of children's bodies, they may experience deep cuts or puncture wounds in a dog bite, which may cause a great deal of pain and take a long time to heal.
• Muscle, bone, and tendon injuries - The ripping and tearing motion of a dog bite can cause serious damage to muscle tissue, or tendons may be severed or torn. Due to the flexibility of children's bones, some dog bites may be strong enough to cause fractures. 
• Nerve damage - Damaged or severed nerves can result in the loss of sensation in a child's arms, legs, or other parts of their body, and these injuries may be permanent and irreversible.
• Scarring and disfigurement - The deep lacerations or punctures from a dog bite can leave horrific scars, especially if injuries occur to the face. Plastic surgery may be necessary to remove scars or minimize disfigurement.
• Amputation - Due to the smaller size of children's limbs, dog bites may cause irreparable damage, resulting in the loss of fingers, hands, arms, or legs.
• Infections - Certain types of diseases may be passed from an animal to a child, such as rabies, Pasteurella, staph infections, or tetanus.
• Psychological trauma - Children may suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety in the aftermath of a dog attack, and they may require ongoing therapy to help them deal with this trauma.
• Wrongful death - 60% of dog bite injuries to children occur in the head or neck areas. These injuries may result in severe blood loss, brain trauma, or other types of damage that can ultimately be fatal.

Injuries from dog bites can inhibit a child's growth and development, and ongoing physical therapy may be needed to ensure that they can make a full recovery. In some cases, children may experience a permanent disability or impairment, which can have a serious impact on their well-being for the rest of their lives.

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Attorney

If your child has been attacked by a dog, dealing with the immediate trauma can be stressful enough. However, the effects of these types of injuries can last for years, and your family may struggle to address the ongoing costs of caring for a child who has suffered a serious injury. You deserve to receive compensation from a negligent dog owner or the person who was responsible for your child's injury. The attorneys of Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can help you understand your legal options, and we will work with you to pursue the financial compensation you deserve. To schedule a free consultation, contact us at 630-552-6860.