773-365-0040
Dogs are typically gentle, loving animals who are considered family members. However, no animal behavior is ever guaranteed. Even the smallest, most unsuspecting dog can be triggered to cause severe physical injury, emotional distress, and serious medical bills.
With dog bites being the second most common reason for emergency room visits involving children, it’s both likely and common that you or someone you know will be the victim of a dog bite injury.
If you or someone you love has suffered an injury from a dog attack, trust your injury case to the best Rockford dog bite lawyers – Shea Law Group. Our dog bite injury attorneys will help you through this process, recover damages, and earn compensation for your pain and suffering.
Serious Injuries from Dog Bite Incidents
Dog bite victims can suffer a multitude of injuries during a dog attack. Some of these injuries include:
- Biting: Common dog bite injuries include puncture wounds, injuries to the eyes, scars, and other skin and soft tissue injuries. If a dog bite breaks the skin, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. It may help to wash the wound using mild soap and warm water to slow the bleeding and help prevent infection.
- Scratching: Dogs have nails that are capable of producing similar injuries to a bite. Nails can puncture the skin, leaving scars, and possibly tearing muscles underneath the skin, causing serious damage.
- Fractures: In severe dog bite cases, broken bones can be the result of a dog attack. Depending on the strength of the animal and its bite pressure, fractures can occur anywhere in the body, including the hands, feet, arms, or legs. Seek immediate medical attention if you believe you’ve experienced a fracture.
Our attorneys at Shea Law Group are experienced dog bite injury lawyers that are ready to fight for you. Insurance companies are difficult to navigate in these cases, which is why you need to have a legal professional on your side.
Dog Bite Liability
The State of Illinois has a strict liability law that places responsibility on the dog owner. Exceptions apply only to victims who trespass on the owner’s property or provoke the dog in some way.
If you have questions or concerns regarding the Illinois law or liability, our personal injury lawyers in Rockford are ready to answer your call and help you determine who will be liable in your dog bite case.
Vicious and Dangerous Dogs
Vicious dogs must be kept in a fenced-in enclosure or structure that prevents them from escaping and others from entering. A vicious dog is defined as one that will attack or bite a person unprovoked or is naturally inclined to attack. A dangerous dog is considered to be any dog that when left unattended will approach another person with apparent intent to attack.
Some studies have shown that dog breeds most likely to bite include Chihuahuas, English Bulldogs, American Staffordshire Terriers, German & Australian Shepherds, Jack Russell Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, and Pekingnese. Having said that, however, many dogs are of mixed breed, which can soften temperament. Most importantly, understand that any dog, regardless of breed, is capable of biting and injuring a person.
Dog Bite Claims
Insurance agencies in the United States spend around $850 million in dog bite claims per year. With Illinois being among the highest payout states in the country each year, our law firm is determined to get you maximum compensation for your injuries.
The team at Shea Law Group understands how devastating it can be to be a victim of a dog attack. The physical and emotional trauma can last a lifetime and the road to recovery is not always easy. We have handled a multitude of dog bite cases in Rockford, IL, and the surrounding areas, with vast knowledge of the necessary steps to maximize your compensation.
It is important to always be careful around dogs you don’t know, and keep a safe distance at all times. If you or a loved one happen to be the victim of a dog bite, contact Shea Law Group at 1-773-365-0040 for a free consultation.
