When Dogs Attack -- Rockford Injury Lawyer

An estimated 4.7 million people suffer from dog bites every year. In Chicago alone there are around 2,000 dog bites per year. Dog bites can lead to some very serious injuries, as around 20% require immediate hospitalization; and in some rare cases death. For instance, last December a Rockford resident was bitten in her jugular vein by a dog and passed away. The most shocking stat is that of all of the dog bites in the US last year, the victims considered the dog that bit them a familiar dog (which they have seen or been around before the bite). Further, children are the most common victims of dog bites; specifically it is highest for those between the ages of five and nine, while the next most common victims are adult males. Now obviously one cannot easily just go around avoiding dogs at all costs, since it is very likely that a neighbor or someone you know owns a dog. So, there are some common ways for children to avoid dog bites: do not run from or scream at a dog, remain motionless when approached, avoid direct eye contact with the dog, and never disturb a dog when it is eating, sleeping, or caring for its puppies.

Although, as evidenced from the $9.7 million that State Farm alone had to pay out to its 317 dog bite claims in Illinois in 2010, bites are going to happen. They are most likely going to occur from a Pit-bull as that breed was accountable for the most incidents in 2011. If you are bitten by a dog, you have rights. In Illinois the owner is typically liable if their dog attacks someone, so long as the person was allowed to be in the area they were attacked in, the victim did nothing to provoke the dog, and the victim was acting peaceably toward the dog. The owner of the dog will be liable to pay for any medical expenses and disabilities resulting from the injury, as well as any pain or suffering that may have occurred from the bite. Although, in many instances the dog bite will be covered by homeowners insurance and the costs could be recovered from the insurance company directly.

If you own a dog that has bitten someone, you too have certain rights, but you must always follow procedure if your dog has bitten someone. The first step is to immediately contact the State Health Administrator; they will then contact a veterinarian on your behalf in order to set up a mandatory rabies check within 10 days of the bite. The owner is not allowed to get rid of the dog or move the dog away until the state administrator has released the animal. If the owner of the dog can prove that the victim was on private property or was provoking the dog, they may not be held liable.

In order to learn more about your rights as the owner of a dog who has bitten someone contact, The Crosby Law Firm. If you or someone you care for has been the unfortunate victim of a dog bite, click above for a 'Free Consultation' and find out what we can do for you. The Crosby Law Firm can also be reached at (815) 397-2006.