Illinois Attorney for Fatal Dog Attacks

Lawyers for Wrongful Death Cases Caused by Animals in Kane County and DuPage County

Many people consider dogs to be friendly pets and beloved family members. However, even though dogs may seem to be loving and gentle, they are still animals, and even a dog with no history of aggressive behavior may behave unexpectedly and attack someone. Dog bites can result in serious injuries, and in some cases, they can even be fatal.

If a member of your family has been killed by a dog, you are likely struggling to come to terms with the loss, and you may be unsure about your legal options. At Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices, our personal injury attorneys can provide you with help during this difficult time, and we are prepared to work with you to ensure that the owner of the dog is held responsible for the harm done to your family.

Dog Attack Fatalities

Dog bites can be incredibly frightening, and victims may suffer serious injuries, including nerve damage and disfiguring scars. If the injuries are severe enough, a victim may be killed. Deep cuts and lacerations from a bite may cause severe blood loss, or a person may contract a life-threatening infection such as rabies or Pasteurella. A dog attack can also lead to fatal non-bite injuries, such as brain trauma suffered when a person is knocked to the ground.

While it can be difficult to predict when a dog attack will be fatal, a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association found that there are a number of factors that are often present in fatal dog bite injuries:

• There was no able-bodied adult present who could have intervened and prevented the attack.
• The victim did not have a familiar relationship with the dog.
• The dog was not spayed or neutered.
• The victim was a child or a person who did not have the ability to interact safely and appropriately with the dog.
• The dog did not have regular, positive interactions with people.
• The dog's owner had a history of mismanagement, abuse, or neglect of dogs.

Other studies have found that there are certain aggressive dog breeds that are more likely to fatally injure a person. Nearly two-thirds of fatal dog attacks are committed by pit bulls, and Rottweilers and German shepherds are responsible for an additional 15% of dog bite deaths.

Wrongful Death Compensation

When a person is killed as the result of a dog attack, their surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the person who was responsible. They may seek compensation for multiple types of damages, including:

• The costs of medical treatment for the victim's injuries
• Funeral and burial expenses for the victim
• The loss of income that the victim would have provided for the family, including wages and benefits such as health insurance or a pension
• The loss of love, care, and companionship provided by the victim to their family members
• The grief, sorrow, and mental anguish experienced by the victim's loved ones

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Fatality Lawyer

If your loved one has been fatally injured because of the negligence of a dog's owner, you should be sure to understand your legal options for recovering compensation. While no amount of money can bring your family member back, a wrongful death claim will allow you to address the financial harm that has been done to your family. The lawyers of Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices can provide you with the representation you need during this difficult time, and we will work to pursue justice on your behalf. Contact our office at 630-552-6860 to schedule a complimentary consultation today.