Dog Bites: Common Type of Personal Injury
In 2012, there were 16,500 dog bites in the United States, yet that number doesn’t truly reflect the true number of individuals injured by dogs because many incidents go unreported.
Dog bites are one of the more common personal incidents. Injuries can range from minor scrapes and bruises to catastrophic injuries.
As a personal injury law firm, we are well-versed and experienced in all types of personal injury cases, including dog bite incidents. If you suffered an unprovoked dog bite injury, you may be eligible for compensation for those injuries through legal action.
At TorHoerman Law office, one of our local, experienced Edwardsville dog bite lawyers can help to answer any questions you may have.
Contact us today to learn more about getting financially compensated for the losses your incurred as a result of a dog bite injury.
What to Do After Suffering a Dog Bite
These are some of the important initial steps that you should take if you were attacked or bitten by a dog:
- Contact medical responders and see your doctor right away. You should mitigate any obvious or potential injuries as soon as possible.
- Report the incident to the Edwardsville Police Department and the Edwardsville Public Safety Department right away.
- Gather evidence. Photos of your injury, contact information for the owner and witnesses, a detailed description of the incident and the animal, and any medical documents you have will help your case later on.
- Call a dog bite lawyer Edwardsville. Once medical treatment has been administered and the authorities have been notified, it is important to call an attorney to discuss the incident further. They will help guide you forward.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
According to the CDC, more than 36% of households in the United States own a dog, and over half of dog bite injuries occur at home with dogs that are familiar to us. Even then, 1 out of 5 dog bite victims will require medical attention.
When a dog bites or attacks a human, injuries can happen because of the sheer amount of pressure a dog’s jaw can place on an object, such as an arm. The most common are, but not limited to:
- Lacerations
- Cuts and bruises
- Broken bones
- Torn muscle
- Skin infections
- Scarring
- Eye injuries
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death
More than 27,000 victims of dog bites require reconstructive surgery according to MedicineNet.com.
Furthermore, if an injury is not properly treated, there is a risk of infection or the development of diseases or transfer of bacteria such as rabies, Capnocytophaga bacteria, PasteurellaExternal, MRSA, or tetanus. If you, a friend, or family member has been bitten by a dog, do not hesitate to seek medical treatment. What may look like a small cut or laceration could turn into something more serious if left untreated.
Who is Liable for my Injuries?
Illinois law follows strict liability rules for any domestic animal attacks.
According to the law, if an unprovoked dog attacks a person — on public property, or while the person is lawfully on private property — the pet owner(s) are liable.
If the animal attacks a person or animal while unprovoked, the owner is still liable for the dog bite injury sustained from the attack regardless of the animal’s nature or history of non-violence.
Filing a Dog Bite Lawsuit
Physical pain, emotional distress, medical bills, lost wages during recovery, and rehabilitative surgery are all types of “damages” an individual can suffer as a result of the dog attack.
When preparing for your case, a dog bite lawyer Edwardsville will essentially “add up” all of the damages endured.
When negotiating with the liable party, your lawyer will ask for a specific amount of compensation, based on your damages.
A good lawyer will not just sue the liable party, they will ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
While most personal injury negotiations do result in a settlement, there is a chance the case could proceed to trial.
In that instance, your lawyer will prepare for the upcoming trial where either the judge presiding over the case or the jury assigned to listen will decide the outcome.
Edwardsville Dog Bite Lawyer
You may be entitled to compensation for both physical and emotional damages you endured as a result of your injury.
At TorHoerman Law, our team of experienced Edwardsville dog bite lawyers can help you navigate the lawsuit process.
Contact our dog bite attorneys today for a free no-obligation dog bite lawsuit consultation.
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