In warm weather months, many Chicago-area residents head outdoors for leisure activities, such as running or biking. For pet owners, summer is an ideal time for taking their dogs on long walks. While the vast majority of dogs are friendly and docile, others can show signs of aggression, especially toward children who can often lack the ability to recognize aggressive or dangerous behavior. Below are some of the health ramifications due to dog bites as well as the steps that should be taken to ensure you will receive the compensation you and your family deserve.
The Dangers of Dog Bites
According to studies conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), dog bite injuries are much more common than people would like to assume. Estimates by the CDC found that approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur throughout the United States each year. Considering the fact that children are much smaller in stature, bites in sensitive areas such as the neck and head can result in facial scarring and significant damage to the throat.
In both adults and children, dog bite injuries that break the skin can result in dangerous infections. The CDC states that approximately 18 percent of all dog bite injuries result in infection. These infections can range from rabies to Pasteurella and Capnocytophaga bacteria. If the bite is deep enough to break the skin, the injured area needs to be washed immediately and you need to seek medical attention as soon as possible.
Securing Compensation after a Bite
Due to the dangerous nature of many dog bites, the medical expenses related to these injuries can be incredibly high. If the injuries suffered are severe, the victim can face life-altering health ramifications. The Illinois Animal Control Act states that the pet owner is liable for any injuries suffered by another party if the animal was unprovoked and the victim was in a place he or she was legally allowed to be (not trespassing on the owner’s private property).
Contact a Will County Dog Bite Lawyer
At Flaherty Law, LLC, our legal team is dedicated to helping our clients receive the injury compensation they deserve in the aftermath of a dog attack. When serious injuries are suffered, the mental and emotional toll is felt by the victim as well as the entire family. After the incident, we will examine all aspects of your case and determine liability for your injuries. With years of experience serving the greater Illinois area, we are confident in our ability to secure the compensation your family deserves. To schedule a complimentary initial consultation with a skilled Plainfield personal injury attorney, call us today at 815-860-5702.
Sources:
https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-bite-statistics/