When you think of a dog, you likely think of a happy, tail-wagging companion that is a common addition to families across the world. However, it is very easy to forget that while dogs can be part of the family, they are still living creatures that can sometimes act unpredictably and lash out if they feel the need. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Insurance Information Institute (III), there are an estimated 85 million dogs in the U.S., however, insurance companies paid out around $854 million in claims relating to dog bites in 2020 alone. If you have been bitten by a dog in Illinois, you are likely eligible for claiming compensation for your injuries.

Illinois’ Animal Control Act and Liability

In the state of Illinois, owners are responsible for the actions of their animals in nearly all situations. If a person is bitten by a dog, the owner of that dog is liable for the injuries that the dog causes. Specifically, the Illinois Animal Control Act states that a person is responsible for civil remedies for injuries caused by their dog biting a person if the person was in a place that they were legally allowed to be and the dog was not provoked.

Dangerous Dogs and the Law

Nobody wants to believe that their canine companion is dangerous, but there are occasions where dogs can be unpredictable. Dogs can be deemed “dangerous” or “vicious” by the state under certain circumstances, in which case, the owners would be notified of their dog’s status in writing. In some situations, a person who is bitten by a dog is bitten by one who has a history of dangerous behavior or biting. In these cases, the owner would have even more of a responsibility to ensure his or her dog is not a danger to others.

Often referred to as man’s best friend, a dog is a popular family pet. Although the majority of breeds are friendly and passive, there are some kinds of dogs that can become aggressive under certain circumstances. Any pet can act out if they feel threatened, provoked, or when they are protecting their offspring. An animal attack can result in minor to serious and even fatal injuries. Dog bite victims may suffer long-term effects, requiring surgery, physical therapy, as well as psychological counseling. In some cases, a negligent pet owner may be held liable for your pain and suffering, in addition to lost wages.

Lifelong Consequences 

Some of the most common injuries in the aftermath of an animal attack may require stitches to repair. More serious injuries can result in damage to the back or neck, which can cause an individual to be paralyzed. However, even for physical scars or injuries that can heal, a dog bite victim may suffer long-term damage. For example, many people who are attacked by an animal experience emotional or mental conditions related to the incident. Feelings of anxiety or a lifelong fear of animals may be a result. Regardless of the nature of the injury, it can require extensive rehabilitation.

Dogs can provide comfort as pets, and some have additional professional duties such as being a service animal for a disabled person. It is easy to forget that dogs are animals with their thoughts and feelings, and that is when dog bites happen. The average dog can exert 269 pounds of pressure with a single bite, so when a dog is provoked, the physical damage can be serious.

Children are especially susceptible to dog bites. A young child may not be aware of the warning a dog gives off, and may not understand personal boundaries. Because children are smaller, an injury from a dog can be more severe, and they are at a higher risk of infection. Children should always be supervised with animals, even ones they are familiar with. Half of all dog bites occur from a familiar dog or family pet.

Why Are Dog Bites Dangerous? 

As the Midwest begins to warm up in the spring, people in the Chicagoland area take advantage of every nice day they can. Comfortable temperatures mean it is the perfect time for dog owners to take their beloved pets on a walk and parents to take their kids to play outside. With more animals outside in warmer weather, the likelihood of a dog bite increases.

Why Do Dogs Bite?

Dogs are a popular pet, and over 36% of American households own at least one. They are considered “man’s best friend” but it is important to remember that no matter how friendly a dog is, they are still an animal that acts independently. Even a well-trained dog may bite when threatened. In most cases, a dog bites in reaction to something. They might be startled, or defending territory like food. If a dog is scared or approached by an unfamiliar stressor, a bite may be a form of self-defense. A sick dog may bite if they would prefer to be left alone.

While most people think of a dog bite as the resulting injury of such an attack, there are other injuries that may be sustained during the dog attack. These injuries can be more threatening than a flesh wound and should not be overlooked by a victim, medical provider, or attorney.

Disease from Dog Bites

A dog’s mouth can have many types of bacteria in it. There are over 60 types that have been found. It is no wonder that 18 percent of dog bites become infected.