Springfield Dog Bite Lawyer

There Are Many Dog Bite Injury Victims In Illinois

Animal attacks can come out of nowhere and catch anyone off guard. This is especially true with attacks by dogs. These animals live in our neighborhoods, and we generally consider them to be a part of daily life. Unfortunately many domestic dogs pose serious threats to people. While accurate dog bite statistics are hard to come by, there are hundreds of serious dog attacks on people every year in Illinois. Recently a three year old Springfield girl was suddenly attacked by two pit bulls without much warning. Although she is expected to recover, she needed numerous surgeries and a long hospital stay. Additionally, a city worker received several bites from a dog while she was on the job. These incidents rarely allow the victims more than a few seconds to react.

Any dog can become dangerous if it chooses to attack. Even a small animal can cause a serious injury. Our lawyers know that acting with dog bite defense in mind can still result in harm to a victim. According to the Center for Disease Control, the most common dog bites by breed are inflicted by:

• Cocker Spaniels
• Bull Terriers
• Pekingese
• Chihuahuas
• Pit Bulls
• Bulldogs
• German Shepherds

Negligence Law Regarding A Dog Bite

People must take reasonable steps to make sure that their dogs don’t cause unnecessary harm to others. Going further, many counties and municipalities have more specific requirements for pet owners. For example, in Springfield you must have a dog on a leash when in public if the animal poses a danger of attacking someone. Illinois law regarding animal attacks is governed by a rule called “strict liability”. This means that a person is liable for the actions of their pet or livestock, and cannot argue that they are not liable since they didn’t have any forewarning of the danger posed by the animal. Therefore, if a person owns a dog that bites someone, their only two defenses are that the person provoked the dog, or that the person was trespassing. Lawyers for dog bites in Springfield Illinois must understand Illinois negligence laws as well as local rules and ordinances.

Recovering damages in a personal injury case requires demonstrating how the other party acted in a negligent fashion. Specifically when it comes to a dog bite claim, your Springfield dog bite attorney must be able to show each of the following:

• The dog in question attacked or attempted to attack you
• You had a lawful right to be in the place where your dog injury happened
• You did not unreasonably act in a manner to provoke the dog

Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Serious And Long Lasting

Every dog bite is traumatic, and the physical harm done can be extensive. While accident injuries generally tend to be unique, this is especially true with a dog attack. Your dog bite symptoms can include emotional distress, loss or limited use of limbs, and even organ damage. Disease can be spread by an animal attack, and a dog bite infection can cause catastrophic harm if not quickly addressed by medical professionals. Your Springfield dog bite attorney must understand your injuries and the impact that they will have on your life. Gaining the full financial damages you deserve requires accurately showing the harm that has been inflicted upon you.

No two dog bites are the same. Your wounds may not cause permanent damage, or the effects can be long lasting. The nature of animal bites makes the injuries especially devastating to the victims. Dogs attack in order to cause debilitating damage, and the wounds sometimes have a very hard time healing. Injuries that you can sustain from a dog bite include:

• Torn skin and muscle tissue
• Broken or fractured bones
• Nerve damage that may be permanent
• Infections that develop around the bite wound
• Transmission of rabies or other serious diseases
• Organs damage through tears or punctures
• Post traumatic stress disorder

Steps To Take If You Or A Loved One Has Been Attacked By A Dog

Animal bites must be treated by medical professionals as soon as possible. The tissue damage that you sustain can be devastating, and animal attacks are known to result in disease being transmitted to the victim. One or several dogs can still pose a serious threat after the attack has ended. For this reason, we strongly encourage getting to safety before you do anything else. A dog may be confused and incorrectly feel threatened by your presence. Acting without delay is necessary to ensure your full recovery and to have the opportunity to file a successful claim for damages. While every case is unique, some steps to take after you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog include:

• Call 911 – Seek emergency medical attention immediately. Be sure to report your attack to police when you are able.
• Contact your attorney – An experienced Springfield dog bite attorney will understand how to help you through the entire recovery process. Building a strong case for damages against the negligent party can take time, so seek skilled legal help as soon as possible.
• Write down information about your attack – Writing details down can help you better recall events as time goes on. Inform your lawyer about every detail including information about the dog and its owner.
• Document your injuries – Take photos of your injuries as soon as possible. These records can help your lawyer build a case for financial damages.
• Take your recovery seriously – Animal bites can be difficult to heal. Follow through with your doctor, and make sure to ask how your injuries will affect your health going forward.