Dog Bite Lawyer
At Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC, we’ve handled numerous dog bite cases and understand the significant impact these incidents can have on victims and their families.
Our experience has shown us that dog bites are a serious public health concern, affecting millions yearly. While dogs are often considered loyal companions, encounters can sometimes turn dangerous, resulting in injuries ranging from minor scratches to severe, life-threatening wounds.
Prevalence and Statistics
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we know that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States. Around 800,000 of these require medical attention. While fatalities are rare, they do occur, with an average of 30-50 deaths reported annually in the U.S.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a dog bite:
- Age: Children between 5 and 9 are at the highest risk of dog bites.
- Familiarity: Contrary to popular belief, most dog bites involve dogs known to the victim.
- Dog breed: While dogs can bite, some breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in severe bite incidents.
- Dog’s history: Dogs with a history of aggression or unneutered or unspayed may pose a higher risk.
- Situational factors: Stressful situations for dogs, such as illness, injury, or protecting their territory, can increase bite risk.
Types of Injuries
Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity:
- Puncture wounds: These are the most common type of dog bite injuries.
- Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require stitches.
- Crush injuries: Particularly from large dogs with strong jaws.
- Infection: Up to 18% of dog bites become infected, with risks including rabies, tetanus, and various bacterial infections.
- Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause lasting emotional distress, particularly in children.
How Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC Can Help
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, our Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC team can provide valuable assistance. We draw on our extensive experience to evaluate the strength of your case and assess potential compensation. Our approach involves:
- Gathering and preserving crucial evidence to support your claim.
- Handling all communications with insurance companies and, when necessary.
- Providing robust representation in court.
We aim to guide you through the legal process, advocating for your interests at every step.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing dog bites involves education and responsible pet ownership:
- Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one that’s unattended or chained.
- Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog.
- Don’t disturb a dog sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies.
- Teach children how to interact with dogs safely.
- Properly socialize and train dogs from an early age.
- Keep dogs on a leash in public places.
- Spay or neuter dogs to reduce aggressive tendencies.
Legal Implications
Dog bite laws vary by state and locality but generally fall into one of three categories:
- Strict Liability: The dog owner is liable for any injury their dog causes, regardless of its previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressiveness.
- One-Bite Rule: The owner is liable if they knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies.
- Negligence: The owner is liable if their negligence in controlling the dog led to the bite.
In many cases, dog bite victims may be entitled to
Illinois Dog Bite Law
Illinois follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression or the owner was aware of such tendencies. This means the victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent to receive compensation.
To establish a dog bite claim under this law, the victim must prove:
- No Provocation: The victim was peaceably conducting themselves and did not provoke the dog.
- Injury: The victim was bitten or attacked by a dog.
- Lawful Presence: The victim was lawfully on the property where the incident occurred.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Based on our experience, we recommend the following steps if a dog bites you:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to local authorities
- Document everything, including photos of injuries and the incident location
- Identify the dog and its owner if possible
- Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney
Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims
Illinois dog owners may attempt to use certain defenses against dog bite claims. The most common defenses include:
- Provocation: Claiming the victim provoked the dog, leading to the bite.
- Trespassing: Arguing the victim was unlawfully on the property when the bite occurred.
- Assumption of Risk: Asserting that the victim assumed the risk of being bitten by engaging in certain activities with the dog.
Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a dog bite claim can be complex, especially given the specific laws in Illinois. At Schrierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand the intricacies of these cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer brings valuable expertise to your case, from evaluating the strength of your claim and assessing potential compensation to gathering and preserving crucial evidence.
We handle all communications with insurance companies, working diligently towards securing fair compensation for your injuries. If your case goes to trial, we’ll advocate for your rights and interests in court. Our goal is to guide you through every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
Contact Us Today
Dog bites are a serious issue that can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By understanding the risks, implementing prevention strategies, and knowing how to respond when bites occur, we can reduce the incidence of these traumatic events. When dog bites occur, seeking appropriate medical care and, when necessary, experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights and interests.