When you go on a walk, run an errand, or step foot into public space, you deserve to feel safe. But sometimes you could be endangered by the failure of others to control their animals. Even dog lovers can suffer from serious injuries if another party fails to control their dog. Dog bites can change your life in many ways, leading to physical, emotional, and financial suffering.
If you or a loved one was injured or suffered in any way from a dog bite, you may have grounds to file a legal claim and pursue compensation. A Berwyn dog bite lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help explain your options. Call us today at 800-794-0444 for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Injuries from dog bites can range in severity, but even a minor injury could lead to significant suffering down the road. Dog bites can worsen over time or become infected. Therefore, if you have any sign of injury following a dog bite, you should seek medical attention.
Common types of injuries resulting from dog bites include, but are not limited to:
- Cuts, scrapes, bruises, and contusions
- Wounds that result in serious infections
- Puncture wounds
- Eye injuries
- Injuries to the head and neck
- Sprains, strains, and other injuries to the joints
- Broken bones
- Fear, anxiety, depression, loss of sleep, and other emotional issues
Even if you feel comfortable around dogs or an animal seems to be well-behaved, you might still be in danger. Anyone can become the victim of a dog bite regardless of age or prior experience with animals.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year, with 20% of these cases requiring medical attention. While any dog can pose a potential threat to your safety, your incident may involve a particularly dangerous breed of dog that should have been under strict control of the owner.
Dangerous Breeds of Dogs
All dogs are potentially dangerous, and animal experts agree that factors such as a past history of abuse or dog bites, as well as the dog’s training regimen, can affect behavior more significantly than its breed. That being said, there are some breeds of dogs that are more likely to engage in aggressive behavior than others. Some of the more dangerous breeds of dogs are pit bulls, German shepherds, terriers, rottweilers, and various mixed-breed dogs. These types of dogs also tend to be larger and are more capable of exerting forceful bites than their smaller canine companions.
Some dogs can attack for no reason at all, but there are human actions that increase the likelihood of a dog bite. You should always avoid approaching or playing with an unknown dog, especially if the animal is away from its owner. Try to avoid taking an item, like a bone or a toy, from a dog and stay away during feeding time.
Even if you feel like you or your loved one provoked an animal by accident, you still do not deserve a dog bite in return. Every animal owner should have control at all times in a public space in order to ensure the safety of others. If you suffered a dog bite under any circumstance, another party could be liable for your suffering.
For a free legal consultation with a Dog Bites Lawyer serving Berwyn, call (800) 794-0444
Determining At-Fault Parties
Determining liability in a dog bite case is a very important step in filing a successful legal claim.
In the state of Illinois, 510 ILCS 5/ outlines the rules and regulations dog owners must abide by in order to treat their animal humanely and keep others who might come in contact with their animal safe from danger. Understanding the complex legal system can be confusing and overwhelming. Therefore, it may be in your best interest to consult with a Berwyn dog bite lawyer. Our team at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm is available to answer your questions and explain the legal process for your claim. Call us today to learn more.
Berwyn Dog Bites Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Recoverable Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites can often recover various forms of compensation. If you or your loved one suffered in any way, you may be eligible to collect damages for legal fees, medical expenses, emotional suffering, punitive measures, and more. Remember that there is a statute of limitations regarding dog bite claims in most jurisdictions. In Illinois, the statute of limitations for dog bites gives an injured person only two years from the date of the bite. If you are considering legal action, it is in your best interest to start the process as soon as possible.
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Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help
Suffering from a dog bite can turn your life upside down. You may be fearful of the animals you once loved and experience other emotional issues. You may also need ongoing treatment for physical injuries that left you disabled or disfigured. These factors can lead to financial losses that perpetuate into many other forms of stress.
While nothing can make up for your suffering, the good news is that you may have legal options. Some victims choose to take action to pursue justice and recover compensation for their losses. A Berwyn dog bite lawyer with Pintas & Mullins Law Firm can help you fight every step of the way. To learn more, call us today at 800-794-0444 for a free case review.
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