Last updated 6 months ago
Millions of Americans are hurt by dog bites every year. If a dog bites you or a loved one, seek medical help, sequester the dog, and consult an attorney. A lawyer can help you decide if filing a personal injury claim is in your best interest. The following are some immediate actions that you should take after being bitten by a dog:
Seek Medical Help
If the dog bite did not break the skin, there is little chance of infection forming. However, if the dog caused even a small cut, you should see medical help as soon as possible. Dogs have strong jaws that can exert as much as 450 pounds of pressure per square inch. This gives them the power to crush and injure tissue, which can become infected and develop into a serious medical problem in a short period of time. If your dog bite broke the skin, wash the area with soap and water to help prevent infection and contact a doctor immediately.
Confine the Dog
If the dog is still agitated, it may attack again. Confine the dog away from humans and allow it to calm down. This will help make the area safer for all other visitors and medical personnel who arrive at the scene. If the dog is not yours, contact its owner immediately to obtain its vaccination records.
Consult an Attorney
If the at-fault dog does not belong to you, you may be eligible to file a personal injury claim against its owner. Depending on the individual’s level of home or renter’s insurance coverage, his or her insurance company may be able to compensate you for your medical care, as well as any missed work and future doctors’ bills.
Depending on the severity and specifics of your injury, you may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the dog’s owner. The Chicago-based personal injury team at Shea Law Group can help assess the strength of your claim and file appropriate paperwork. Call our office today at (773) 365-0040 to schedule a free initial consultation.
Last updated 6 months ago
Dogs can bite for a number of reasons and may even cause serious injuries to those that have been attacked. While you may not always be able to avoid an attack from an aggressive dog, understanding why some dogs bite may help prevent a future incident from occurring.
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Learn why dogs may display aggression on this page from HumaneSociety.org.
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The Humane Society of the United States explains how to avoid being bitten by a dog, what to do if you are attacked, and how you should react if you are wounded.
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For tips to help you ensure that your dog is behaving safely, visit this page from the American Kennel Club.
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Read this pamphlet from the American Veterinary Medical Association to learn what to do when confronted with an aggressive canine.
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The Illinois Compiled Statutes provide detailed definitions of vicious and dangerous dogs, as well as what actions may be taken against irresponsible pet owners.
If you have been bitten by a dog in the Chicago area, consult the dog bite attorneys with Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040.
Last updated 6 months ago
From disease to injury, dog bites can result in serious problems for someone that has been attacked. Dogs who menace humans are a threat to personal safety, and their owners may be held responsible for any injuries that occur. Visit the following links to learn more about why dogs bite and how the courts handle issues regarding animals.
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For an overview of the rabies virus, including how it is transmitted and what symptoms occur in those infected, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.
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This page from HealthCommunities.com provides a detailed description of the rabies symptoms that occur in infected animals.
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Visit the Illinois Department of Public Health for a comprehensive list of answers to common questions about rabies.
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Learn the standard used by the court system in determining responsibility for a dog bite on this page from Louisiana State University.
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To find out about the legal process for dealing with animals that have bitten humans in Illinois, read this article from Michigan State University’s College of Law.
The dog bite lawyers at Shea Law Group in Chicago can help you achieve justice after an unprovoked animal attack. Call (773) 365-0040 to schedule a free legal consultation.
Last updated 6 months ago
If you are bitten by an animal, it is important to seek medical attention right away, as you may have been infected with rabies. The progression of the disease may be halted with early administration of the rabies vaccine, but if treatment is delayed until symptoms appear, survival is unlikely.
As this video explains, rabies begins to manifest with flu-like symptoms, such as fever and achiness. Within days, neurologic abnormalities appear, including hallucinations, insomnia, and excessive salivation. From there, the disease quickly progress to paralysis and coma, with death occurring soon after.
If you had to undergo rabies treatment after being bitten by an unvaccinated pet, you may be eligible for compensation. Call Shea Law Group at (773) 365-0040 for an over-the-phone consultation regarding your situation.
Last updated 6 months ago
Rabies is a tragic disease that can be contracted by any mammal, including humans. If left untreated, rabies is almost always fatal, with survivors suffering neurological deficits. The following overview can help you learn how to detect and prevent rabies in order to protect your health and that of your pets:
Transmission
While cases of rabies typically occur in wild animals, the disease may develop in unvaccinated pets that are exposed to it through the saliva of an infected host, oftentimes through a bite. Once the virus enters the muscle tissue, it travels through nerve pathways until it enters the brain. During this one to three month incubation period, the newly infected animal displays no symptoms and is not yet contagious. However, as the virus inflames the brain, it enters the salivary glands, where it can be transmitted once again through a bite.
Symptoms
Animals that are infected with rabies and are contagious often act abnormally. Wild animals that are usually timid may appear bold or friendly, while generally personable dogs may become mistrustful or aggressive. Early signs of rabies include difficulty walking, lethargy, and loss of appetite. After a few days of symptoms, the animal may begin to exhibit rage, biting or attacking any nearby moving object. Several days later, the victim loses the ability to swallow and gradually becomes paralyzed, dying soon after.
Prognosis
If preventative measures such as vaccination are not taken shortly after infection occurs, survival is unlikely. Humans and animals alike generally perish within ten days of the onset of symptoms, which is why it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately after being bitten by any kind of mammal.
Because domestic animals such as dogs are generally the cause of rabies exposure in humans, it is vital for all pets to be vaccinated against rabies. If you have been bitten by a dog and are unsure of its immunization history, contact a doctor and call Shea Law Group in Chicago at (773) 365-0040. Our dog bite lawyers recognize the urgency and severity of the situation, which is why we offer 24/7 phone consultations.
