For dog owners, there’s nothing like spending quality time outdoors. If you live in Chicago and own a dog, you know that spring and summer are special seasons. Parks, streets, and Lake Michigan become playgrounds for dog owners and their trusted companions.
However, while pets can be precious, in some cases, they may also pose a threat to others.
Sadly, dog bites and attacks continue to be common across the United States. Every year, thousands of people are bitten by dogs, and dog bites can cause injuries that range from mild cuts to severe wounds that require hospitalization. When young children are attacked, the consequences can prove to be fatal.
Stein & Shulman, LLC is dedicated to representing victims of dog bite injuries across Lake County. Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is determined to fight for your rights and hold any negligent dog owners responsible. No one should ever be injured by a dog, but when these attacks occur, an attorney is your best resource.
Connect with us today to learn more about dog bite injury claims and how our experienced team can help.
Common Injuries Due to Dog Bites
Dog bites are known to cause a range of injuries. Although minor cuts, scrapes, and bruising can occur from minor bites, more serious attacks can lead to severe injuries, such as:
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
These injuries occur when a dog’s teeth tear through the outer layers of the skin. Most dogs have sharp teeth and strong jaws that can quickly puncture through flesh and inflict deep wounds. These lacerations are often deep enough to require stitches/staples to heal.
Infections
Dogs, like other animals, are known to have a high bacteria count in their mouths. Despite many furry friends living in clean and safe conditions, their mouths still threaten human health.
When dogs bite, they can introduce foreign bodies and bacteria into humans. Dog bites often result in severe infection if a wound is not treated correctly or cleaned.
Infected wounds can become complex medical conditions requiring emergency services, medication, and sometimes even surgery.
Nerve Damage
Dog bites can happen anywhere, from extremities like hands and feet to the face and torso. Depending on the bite’s location and severity, these attacks can sometimes damage nerves in the body.
Often, nerve damage is a permanent condition that can have detrimental effects on a person’s mobility for the rest of their life.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Because dog bites are largely superficial injuries like cuts, punctures, and lacerations, there’s a high chance these wounds can develop into prominent scars. Although advancements in medicine and plastic surgery have come a long way, scarring remains challenging to treat.
Many victims of dog bite attacks are left with physical scarring and disfigurement. Although these are superficial conditions, they can cause victims emotional pain and suffering for years.
How Dog Attacks Happen
Dog bites and attacks can occur for a variety of reasons, and it’s important to understand the underlying causes. Two of the most common situations that can result in a dog bite include:
Poor Training
Dog owners are responsible for the behavior and actions of their pets. Dogs that have not been properly trained may be more likely to bite humans. Many times, owners will neglect their dogs or fail to engage with them in a positive way, which can contribute to increased aggression and unfriendly behaviors.
In some cases, dog owners have been known to train dogs for fighting and illegal activities. When dogs are bred to be aggressive, the threat of an attack increases.
Provocation or Teasing
Even when dogs are trained, whenever they are teased or provoked, they can still bite. Although dogs are generally regarded as safe domestic pets, they still have protective instincts that can become activated whenever they feel threatened.
Children and adults should always proceed with caution, especially when meeting a new and unfamiliar dog.
Dog Bite Laws in Illinois
Under Illinois’ Animal Control Act, dog owners are fully liable for injuries caused by their animals. If attacked, you can pursue damages against the owner and file a lawsuit if needed.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, liability may become moot if the evidence suggests you provoked the dog or trespassed onto the owner’s private property without permission.
How an Attorney Can Help You Recover Damages
If you live in Lake County and sustained a dog bite injury, consult with a personal injury attorney to determine the best course of action. An attorney can review the facts and discuss any options for filing a claim against the dog’s owner. Illinois has complex personal injury laws, and time is of the essence if you plan to file a claim or lawsuit.
Stein & Shulman, LLC can prepare a solid case to help you recover medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other related expenses.
Schedule a free consultation today!
