According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 20% of dog bite victims will need to seek medical help. While victims can treat minor dog bites on their own, others can cause serious concerns that may worsen over time without medical intervention.
In 2016, Illinois came in second behind California for the most dog bite claims per state, according to the Illinois State Bar Association (ISBA). For the 323 claims it received, State Farm paid out a total of $14 million for Illinois dog bites. If you or a loved one suffered an injury or loss of life as the result of a dog bite in Arlington Heights, a lawyer might be able to help you determine if you have a case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 to speak with our legal team.
Dog Bites Can Cause Serious Complications
Immunocompromised people and those with diabetes may have an increased risk of infection, particularly if the dog bite breaks the skin. Dogs’ mouths can carry many types of bacteria, some of which can cause more harm to humans than to the dog. Victims should receive treatment for bacterial infections caused by dog bites as soon as possible. Signs of infection may include:
- Redness or swelling in the bite area
- Fever
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
In addition to bacterial infections, serious viral conditions such as rabies can cause extensive neurological damage and even death if left untreated. Dog bites, particularly those from large dogs, can also cause severe injuries such as broken bones and muscle and nerve damage.
If your injuries leave you with financial and emotional losses, an Arlington Heights dog bite lawyer can help you hold the owner accountable and seek the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bites Affecting Children
While relatively few dog bites cause fatalities, children under 10 years old are more susceptible to serious injuries from dog bites. According to a study in Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, about half of all children will suffer a dog bite, and 4 in 5 of the serious injuries that result occur to the head and neck.
Another study in Pediatrics found that of the 341 children researched who sought medical treatment for their dog bites, one-year-old children accounted for the highest number of victims who suffered fatal injuries.
If your child suffered serious or fatal injuries after an attack, an Arlington Heights dog bite lawyer could help you seek financial awards.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Arlington Heights, call (800) 794-0444
Laws and Regulations Regarding Dog Bites
Federal laws regarding the regulation and management of dog bites do not exist. However, many states have their own legislation for handling dog bite cases. Victims should report their bites to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible, particularly if they plan to pursue legal action.
Illinois Dog Bite Laws
Unlike many other states, Illinois does not have a “one free bite” rule, which allows a dog to bite once without repercussions for the owner. The first time a dog bites without provocation in Illinois, their owner holds all liability for injuries the victim suffers as a result. The law applies for injuries that occur on the owner’s property, in public places, and anywhere the dog ran free when the bite occurred, including on the victim’s property.
Cook County Dog Bite Laws
Cook County Government also maintains dog bite ordinances. These require the owner of the dog to report the bite to their local police department or the Cook County Sheriff’s Office as soon as possible so the authorities can begin an investigation. The owner must:
- Submit the dog for a veterinary exam immediately
- Refrain from selling, killing, or otherwise getting rid of the dog
- Not vaccinate the dog for rabies until after observation by a veterinarian as directed by law enforcement and animal control
After reporting the dog to the proper authorities, you may wish to seek legal counsel for assistance in pursuing compensation. If you or a loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries as the result of a dog bite in Arlington Heights, contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today, and our team will discuss your case with you.
Arlington Heights Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites in Illinois
Illinois has a statute of limitations on dog bite claims, but the length of time you have to file a suit depends on the specific details of your case. If you suffered injuries as the result of a dog bite or attack, you could file a premises liability claim to pursue financial recovery.
Premises liability refers to the responsibility owners have for injuries that occur on or as a result of a hazardous element of their property. In dog bite cases, the dog accounts for the owner’s property, and victims have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim.
If you lost a loved one as a result of a dog bite, you might qualify for a wrongful death lawsuit. In Illinois, families of victims have two years from the date of the incident or one year after the date of passing, whichever occurs later, to file their claim. An Arlington Heights dog bite lawyer can help you determine the appropriate course of action for your case.
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Contact Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for Help
Dog bites often cause much more than physical pain. The long-term effects they sometimes have on victims can lead to the inability to work, financial instability, and emotional trauma. If you suffered injuries as or lost a loved one as the result of a dog bite in Arlington Heights, the attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you hold the owner accountable and seek just compensation for your losses. Call us today at (800) 794-0444 to speak with our team about your free case evaluation.
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