Did a dog bite you or a loved one in Carlinville, Illinois? Are you dealing with severe pain, lost wages due to time off of work, and other expenses you never planned for as a result of a vicious attack? If so, you’re not alone. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 4.5 million people fall victim to dog bites each year in the United States, with more than 800,000 seeking medical attention, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Alarmingly, at least half of those affected are children. Some crucial dog bite facts to consider include:
- Nearly 1 in 5 individuals bitten by dogs require medical attention
- Children are the most frequent victims of dog bites and face a higher likelihood of sustaining severe injuries
- The majority of young children are bitten by dogs they are familiar with (friends, neighbors, etc.) and during daily activities
- Any dog, regardless of size, age, or gender, can bite. A dog’s breed is not the determining factor for aggression. Instead, its history and behavior play a crucial role.
The Carlinville dog bite lawyers at the Noll Law Office have a proven track record of success protecting those injured in dog attacks. Dog bite lawyers Daniel and Sarah Noll are ready to guide you through every step, from understanding your rights under the Illinois Animal Control Act to pursuing fair compensation for the harm you’ve suffered and losses you’ve incurred. Call (217) 414-8889 or complete a contact form online for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your situation and legal options.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in different injuries with varying degrees of severity. Understanding the common types of dog bite injuries could help victims and their families seek the necessary medical treatment and evaluate the potential long-term consequences. Some of the most common dog bite injuries reported in Springfield include:
- Scarring and disfigurement – Many dog bite victims are left with permanent scarring and disfigurement, which can have a lasting emotional and psychological impact on the victim. In some cases, reconstructive surgery or other cosmetic procedures may be necessary to minimize scarring and improve appearance.
- Puncture wounds – These are deep and narrow wounds caused by the dog’s teeth piercing the skin. Puncture wounds are prone to infection and may require thorough cleaning, antibiotics, and close monitoring.
- Nerve damage – Depending on the location and severity of the bite, nerves could be damaged, potentially leading to loss of sensation, impaired motor function, or chronic pain.
- Lacerations – Lacerations are cuts or tears in the skin caused by a dog’s teeth or claws. They can range from minor to severe, potentially affecting muscles, tendons, and nerves. Severe lacerations may require sutures or surgery.
- Bruising and contusions – A dog’s powerful jaws can cause bruising and contusions, even without breaking the skin. These injuries can be painful and result in swelling, inflammation, and tenderness.
- Crush injuries – When a dog bites down with force, it can cause crush injuries to the underlying bones, joints, and soft tissues. This can lead to fractures, dislocations, or permanent damage in severe cases.
- Infections – Dog bites carry a significant risk of infection since a dog’s mouth harbors bacteria that can enter the wound. Infections can cause complications, requiring additional medical treatment and, in extreme cases, leading to severe health issues or even death.
- Psychological trauma – Dog bite incidents can lead to significant psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a fear of dogs. Victims may require therapy or counseling to help them cope with the emotional aftermath of the attack.
- Rabies – Although rare, there is a risk of contracting rabies from a dog bite if the animal is infected. Immediate medical attention and post-exposure prophylaxis are crucial in these cases.
What Compensation Is Available for a Person Who a Dog has Bitten?
Dog attack victims often face physical, emotional, and financial challenges as they recover from their injuries. Seeking compensation through a personal injury claim could help them get the treatment and support they need to heal and move forward. In Illinois, dog bite victims could seek compensation from the dog’s owner for economic and non-economic damages. These include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses – Compensation will cover the cost of treatment related to the dog bite, including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, follow-up appointments, medications, and rehabilitation services. In cases where long-term or ongoing care is needed, future medical expenses may also be factored in.
- Lost wages – If a dog bite victim cannot work due to their injuries, they may be entitled to recover lost wages for the time missed. Additionally, if the injury results in a reduced earning capacity or the inability to return to work, victims may also seek compensation for future lost wages as well.
- Property damage – A dog attack could damage or destroy personal property, such as clothing, eyeglasses, or phones. Victims could seek reimbursement for the repair or replacement of these items.
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering – Dog bite victims can experience significant physical pain and discomfort immediately after the incident and during recovery. Compensation for pain and suffering aims to address the physical and emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
- Emotional distress – The psychological impact of a dog bite can be substantial, leading to PTSD, anxiety, depression, or a fear of dogs. The dog’s owner might be required to compensate victims for the emotional trauma they have endured due to the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Dog bites can leave permanent scars and disfigurement, which may have lasting physical and psychological effects. Compensation for scarring and disfigurement considers the impact on a victim’s appearance, self-esteem, and overall quality of life.
- Loss of consortium – In some cases, a dog bite victim’s spouse may be entitled to compensation for the loss of companionship, affection, and support that results from the victim’s injuries.
The specific compensation awarded in a dog bite case will depend on the unique circumstances of the incident, the severity of the injuries, and the long-term consequences for the victim.
It is essential to recognize that people are often bitten by dogs owned by someone they know. This might be a family member, friend, or neighbor. This often makes seeking compensation from them a difficult decision to make. Fortunately, most homeowner’s insurance policies include coverage for injuries caused by pets, which means the victim could file an injury claim against the dog owner’s policy. This way, insurance can compensate the victim for the harm they suffer, and the pet owner will not have to pay much (if anything) out of pocket for the incident.
What Do I Do After a Dog Bite in Carlinville Illinois?
Being bitten by a dog can be a terrifying and overwhelming experience. Taking the appropriate steps following a dog bite is crucial to ensure your safety, protect your rights, and maximize your chances of a successful legal outcome. Here are the essential steps to follow if a dog bites you:
- Seek medical attention – Your health and well-being are the top priorities after a dog bite. Even if the injury appears minor, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional to assess the wound, treat potential infections, and provide the necessary care. In cases where the dog’s rabies vaccination status is unknown, immediate medical attention becomes even more critical.
- Identify the dog and owner – Get the dog owner’s name, address, and contact information if you don’t already know who they are and how to contact them. Record the dog’s breed, size, color, and distinguishing features if possible. Be sure to ask about the dog’s vaccination history, particularly for rabies.
- Document the scene – Take pictures and video of your injuries, where the incident occurred, and the dog, if possible. Also, consider documenting your healing process and any long-term effects, such as scarring or disfigurement.
- Gather witness information – Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident. Their testimonies can be valuable in supporting your case.
- Report the incident – Contact local animal control (Macoupin County Animal Control) or law enforcement to report the dog bite. Filing an official report will create a record of the incident, which is crucial for future legal actions.
- Keep a record of expenses – Keep records of all expenses related to the incident and your injuries, including medical bills, therapy costs, lost wages, and any other costs incurred due to the incident.
- Contact experienced dog bite lawyers – Get in contact with dog bite lawyers as soon as possible after you or a loved one has been bitten. Your lawyer can help you navigate the legal process, protect your rights, and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.
Dog Bite Laws in Carlinville, IL
Chapter 3, Article 1 General Regulations, Division 1 of the Carlinville Municipal Code addresses the restraint, restrictions, and prohibitions of dogs and other animals within the city.
Under Section 3-1-4 (Animals running at large), pet owners or keepers must always keep their dogs on their real property unless the animal is under restraint. Law enforcement, rescue dogs, and hunting dogs on the property set aside for that purpose are exempt.
In Carlinville, dogs may be deemed “vicious” or “dangerous” based on their behavior, as outlined in Sections 3-1-20 through 3-1-23. If a dog is considered (by law) to be vicious or dangerous, the owner has specific responsibilities and obligations to protect others from harm.
A dog may be designated “vicious” after a thorough investigation, including interviews with witnesses, a review of medical and veterinary records, and a detailed report. If the court finds the dog to be vicious, the owner could be required to pay a fine, and have the dog spayed or neutered, microchipped, and confined. The investigation process is similar for dangerous dogs. The owner must also post a “dangerous dog” sign on their property and maintain adequate insurance coverage in case the dog bites and injures someone else.
How Can the Noll Law Office Help After a Dog Bite?
Living in Carlinville, Illinois, residents enjoy the convenience of numerous parks and pedestrian-friendly streets, perfect for leisurely walks or energetic runs. To ensure public safety, Carlinville enforces leash ordinances that require dogs and other pets to be on a leash or adequately restrained within their yards. While most pets are friendly and affectionate, unrestrained and aggressive dogs can pose a significant danger to unsuspecting children and adults. Dog attacks can occur on public streets, in parks, or when visiting a friend’s home.
If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite, don’t hesitate to contact the dedicated Carlinville dog bite lawyers right away. The team at the Noll Law Office understands the severe consequences of dog bites. Physical injuries are not the only consequences victims might suffer. Dog bite victims may also experience PTSD, anxiety, and other emotional distress caused by the attack. If someone else’s dog bit you, your child, or someone else close to you, you have the right to seek fair compensation for what you’ve been through.
The compassionate dog bite lawyers at the Noll Law Office offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case. The firm represents dog bite clients on a contingency basis, meaning you only pay a fee if they successfully secure a settlement or jury verdict in your favor. There’s no risk to reaching out and discussing the specifics of your situation, so call (217) 414-8889 or fill out a contact form today.