Last updated 4 months ago
We have recently discussed ways that you can keep your dog from harming others and facts regarding dog bites. We also took a look at dog bites in Illinois and how to act when approached by a strange dog. Readers who enjoyed our recent articles should check out the following resources:
For a dog bite attorney in Chicago, contact the Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 today.
Last updated 4 months ago
Are you looking for a lawyer to represent you in a dog bite injury claim? The skilled team at Shea Law Group can help fight for your compensation. We have years of experience aiding Illinois residents in receiving the amount of damages they deserve. Learn more about dog bites with the information below and Chicago-area residents should contact our attorneys by calling (773) 365-0040 today.
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This article from DogTrainingSite.net offers some great tips for safely meeting strange dogs that approach you.
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CesarsWay.com is a site run by the popular host of The Dog Whisperer. This page on the website contains information about preventing dog bites.
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Do you want to prevent your dog from biting? This article from the American Humane Society website features helpful tips.
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The American Kennel Club website provides this article, which contains additional information about dog bite prevention.
Last updated 4 months ago
Dogs are capable of seriously injuring neighbors, passersby, and children. If you were hurt as a result of a canine bite, you should contact a personal injury lawyer, as you may have a legal claim for damages against the dog’s owner. Here are four interesting facts about dog bites in the United States:
1. 4.7 Million Americans are Bit Every Year
The number of annual dog bites tops four and a half million. This is the figure published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which monitors the general health of the population. While 4.7 million may not seem like much in a country with 72 million pet-owning households, the figure means that no injured American is a statistical outlier.
2. Over 350,000 Injuries Require Emergency Treatment
Not all dog bite victims receive medical attention. The American Humane Association reports that less than half a million individuals seek treatment at emergency rooms for their dog bite injuries. Of these, 58% required serious wound treatment procedures, such as sutures or skin grafts.
3. The Number of Patients Treated for Dog Bites Increased 86% In the Last Decade
According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, the overall number of hospitalizations for dog bites has increased dramatically in the last 10 years. Of these hospitalized individuals, almost half sought treatment for a skin infection that resulted from the bite.
4. 16,000 People Filed Dog Bite Claims in 2011
If you suffered injuries due to a dog bite, you have the legal rights to file a claim against the owner’s insurance company. The Insurance Information Institute estimates that over 16,000 individual claims were filed by dog bite victims in 2011. On average, the standard amount received per claim was almost $30,000.
Shea Law Group in Chicago can help assess the strength of your dog bite personal injury claim. Our personal injury team can then help you obtain the insurance compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering after a dog bite. Chicago-area residents should call our office today at (773) 365-0040 for a no-cost case evaluation.
Last updated 4 months ago
Most domesticated animals are very friendly. However, man’s best friend can sometimes attack and injure unsuspecting individuals. If you were hurt as a result of a dog bite, you may have a personal injury claim against the owner. However, it is always best to try and prevent dog bites. Here is what to do if you are approached by a strange dog:
Look for an Owner
One of the first steps to take if you see a strange dog approaching you is to look around for its owner. In many cases, the owner is nearby but distracted. If you can get the owner’s attention, he or she can reclaim the dog and prevent it from bothering you.
Remain Still
A central tenant of avoiding dog bites is to not make any aggressive movements towards the animal. The best way to do this is to cease all movement and stand still. Brisk movements can pique the pet’s curiosity and expose you to risk of injury. A dog may look friendly, but its jaw is capable of exerting a great deal of force if it becomes excited or scared and bites you.
Avoid Eye Contact
Another important step for preventing dog bites is to avoid eye contact with the strange dog. Much like remaining still, this approach makes you less of a threat to an aggressive or frightened animal. An unknown dog may not seem particularly agitated, but in order to avoid an injury, you should always make yourself seem as unthreatening as possible.
Keep Your Arms Close to Your Torso
In case of an unprovoked attack, keep your arms and elbows close to your torso. This can help protect the vital areas of your body. Do not try to hit the dog, but instead keep yourself protected while remaining still.
If you suffered injuries as a result of a dog bite, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. Illinois residents in need of legal help should contact the Chicago-based dog bite attorneys at Shea Law Group. We can assess the strength of your claim, so call our office today at (773) 365-0040 for a free consultation.
Last updated 5 months ago
This video discusses the prevention of and diagnostic procedures for rabies. Both humans and animals are eligible for vaccinations against this disease, and the video recommends them as important preventative measures for both humans and dogs.
Rabies is a neurotropic disease—meaning that it moves toward brain tissue after infection. As a result, the only way to diagnose this condition in dogs is through euthanasia. A dog must be put to sleep and its brain tissue examined in order to determine if it is infected with rabies.
Rabies is a real danger of dog bites, particularly with animals that are not up to date on vaccinations. If you experienced pain due to a dog bite in Illinois, contact the personal injury team at Shea Law Group. Our staff can help you obtain the compensation you deserve, so call our Chicago office at (773) 365-0040 today.
