Common Injuries in Dog Attack Lawsuits

 Posted on April 29,2019 in Premises Liability

On April 19, a 9-year-old boy suffered serious injuries in a dog attack that resulted in his hospitalization. The attack occurred in Rosemoor on the Southside of Chicago, and the boy was rushed to Comer Children’s Hospital. Fortunately, the child was not fatally injured in the attack, but the incident served as a reminder throughout the greater Chicago area of the dangers of dog attacks. If you or a member of your family suffer a dog bite injury, speak with a skilled personal injury attorney as soon as possible. 

Dog Bite Injuries

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), around 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs on an annual basis. While the vast majority of dog bites are non-fatal (only 61 people were fatally injured in dog attacks throughout 2016), the injuries associated with dog attacks can be severe.

Limb Injuries

A large percentage of dog bite injuries occur to the arms or legs. Leg bites are common because a hostile dog has immediate access to a person’s leg. If a person is attempting to pet a dog that becomes aggressive, dog bites to the hand and arm can occur. Often these injuries can result in nerve damage, impacting a person’s use of a limb. In other instances, infections such as rabies, Pasteurella, and MRSA can lead to serious health complications. 

Facial Mauling

If a dog bite victim suffers injuries to their face, the long-term impact can be devastating. Injuries to the mouth can permanently hinder a person’s ability to eat or speak. If a dog bites or claws a person’s eyes, damage can result in permanent blindness. In many dog bites to the face, the wounds can cause permanent scarring, impacting a person’s self-confidence and quality of life. If a person is in need of reconstructive surgery, the associated medical expenses are substantial.

Neck Bites

Many of the most serious dog attacks are suffered by children, and the injuries they suffer usually occur in the head or neck region. Punctures to the neck can ultimately prove fatal due to trauma and excessive bleeding. Significant nerve damage can result in irreparable harm to the vocal cords and lead to a person being unable to speak.  

Contact a Waukegan Dog Bite Injury Lawyer 

Here in the state of Illinois, dog bite liability laws can vary depending on the city and county. At Salvi and Maher, LLC, we understand the psychological and physical impact a dog attack can have. We will aggressively pursue maximum injury compensation for you and your family. To schedule a complimentary consultation with a skilled Lake County personal injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources: 

https://chicago.suntimes.com/news/boy-9-in-critical-condition-after-dog-attack-in-rosemoor/

https://www.avma.org/news/javmanews/pages/171115a.aspx

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/188993.php