It comes as no surprise that, statistically, dogs are one of the most popular pets in the country. Dogs are widespread enough to be a common daily sight: in your own home, out at a park, or around your neighborhood or apartment complex. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, about a third of the households in Illinois include a canine pet. We value dogs for their companionship and their intelligence, which helps explain why they are so popular. Sadly, the sheer number of dogs in the country means that bites, attacks, and other dog-related injuries do occur. While most domestic dogs are not a threat, in general these animals have the physical capability to inflict serious damage.
Precisely because dogs can cause immense harm to the human body, Illinois law expects dog owners and keepers to take reasonable steps to prevent bites. You have a right to feel safe when you are lawfully in a private residence, business, or public space even if there are dogs around. In fact, under premises liability law, the owner of a physical estate might be held legally responsible if a dog bite occurs on their property. The premises liability attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC understand that the law requires property owners to keep their premises safe for visitors and clients. Sometimes, these precautions mean putting measures in place to prevent dog bites.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Property owners are legally responsible for dog bites because these attacks can have awful consequences. In the moment, a bite can be terrifying, not to mention excruciatingly painful. The aftermath of a dog bite can be just as bad. Victims often have to pay for expensive medical treatments even while they are missing time from work or school because of recovery. The added financial stress makes the attack even more difficult to deal with.
Many—if not most—dog bite wounds require a hospital visit. People who have been bitten by a dog might require medical attention for the following:
- Lacerations
- Severe bruising
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies
- Broken or fractured bones
- Head trauma
- Neck and spinal cord injuries
- Muscle or soft tissue tears
- Loss of blood
- Infection
Victims suffering from any one of these wounds would most likely require the services of a medical professional. In addition, some injuries, such as infection or a broken bone, might drag a victim back to the hospital multiple times. The worst outcome of a dog bite—death—is also a tragic, terrible prospect faced by family members each year.
Contact Us
If you or someone close to you has been injured by a dog biting or otherwise attacking you, you may be entitled to financial compensation. The premise liability attorneys at Karlin, Fleisher & Falkenberg, LLC believe that no one should suffer because of a negligent dog keeper. Call us at 312-346-8620 to talk to a dedicated professional about your rights and legal options.