Man’s best friend. We all love those furry animals. They serve as companions, playmates, care takers and guards. Sometimes, however, dogs are vicious. Your own pet can unexpectedly turn on you. But what happens when someone else’s dog attacks you? What is your recourse?
Within the last week, the Chicago Tribune has reported on at least two incidents of dog attacks. www.chicagotribune.com A 16 year old was attacked by a pit bull and suffered puncture wounds to his leg and foot before a Chicago police sergeant shot the dog dead. Yesterday a 9 year old suffered similar injuries by an unidentified breed of dog and had to undergo plastic surgery.
Dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States. www.dogbites.org In the 8-year period from 2005 to 2012, two dog breeds accounted for 73% of the attacks that resulted in death: pit bulls and rottweilers. www.dogbites.org A 2010 study showed the average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury related hospital stay. www.dogbites.org
Illinois statute makes the owner liable for personal injuries caused by their dog if someone is attacked without provocation. 510 ILCS 5/16 If you were injured or lost a loved one due to a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for those injuries or wrongful death. The personal injury attorneys at DeBlasio & Gower are committed to fighting for the rights of our clients who have been injured by the negligent conduct of others. Our law firm provides free consultations in personal injury cases. To speak with one of our attorneys, call us at (630) 560-1123 or visit our website at https://dgllc.net We are here to help. There are no attorneys’ fees for our services unless we successfully resolve your case.
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