As every American knows, dog bites are not on the list of favorite things as sung by the children in the Sound of Music. In fact, they are (along with bee stings) in the list of reasons why we have to remember our happy list. While the song is a beloved favorite of generations of Americans, it also trivializes what can actually be a severely debilitating incident. Some people who are bitten by dogs in their youth often grow up to be afraid of all dogs, which means that the impact of that one incident carries consequences far into their future. Ensuring that a person who is bitten by a dog receives the proper care can be the difference between them fully recovering and being affected for life.
Dog Bite Injuries: Generally
Many people may not realize that animal bites, and dog bites in particular, require immediate medical attention. According to one study, dog bites account for more than 90% of all animal bites in the United States. What is even more troubling is that dog bites can typically lead to deep tissue or muscle damage that requires reconstructive surgery to fix, if it can be repaired at all. Adding to this information is the fact that a dog bite, unlike a cut or scrape, means that the animal’s teeth are breaking through the protective layers of a person’s body, which allows any bacteria in the dog’s mouth to be transferred easily to the bloodstream and tissues of the victim. Without thorough cleaning, these bacteria can lead to serious infection that may or may not be treatable down the road.
Recovery
Luckily for anyone who has been the victim of a dog bite, there are laws in place to protect them. Most states, Illinois included, have dog bite statutes that provide guidance as to who is responsible for the dog’s actions, and how much a person can recover to help them receive medical care so that they may begin the healing process. According to Illinois law, a victim may bring a lawsuit against the owner of the dog that bit them within two years of the incident to recover damages. The victim will need to be able to prove that the dog attacked or injured them, that they were not trespassing, and that the animal was not provoked. The law also protects someone who was not bitten, but was still injured by a dog’s actions (i.e. injured after being knocked down by a dog while walking on the sidewalk).
Dog bites can cause very serious and long-lasting injuries. Don’t let someone’s pet cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills. If you or someone you know has been bitten or injured by someone else’s dog in Grayslake, call the Law Offices of Robert T. Edens, P.C. today for a consultation. Our professionals have over 20 years of experience working on personal injury cases, and can help you obtain the money you deserve to help you get back on track.