What Happens When You Get Bitten by a Dog in Illinois

Although dogs are considered man’s best friend, they are still pets that can lose control if they feel threatened or anxious. In Illinois, there are hundreds of thousands of dogs living in people’s homes, particularly in densely populated areas like Chicago. It is crucial to know what happens when you get bitten by a dog so you can take proactive steps to protect yourself.

At our Chicago dog bite injury law firm, we will stand by your side throughout the claims process, giving you the opportunity to recover compensation for your legal damages. Our attorneys know what it takes to hold the liable party accountable.

What You Need to Do in the Immediate Aftermath of a Dog Bite

People who are bitten by dogs are often in shock in the immediate aftermath of their ordeals. It can be a scary and painful experience, especially if you have suffered significant wounds. It is essential to stay calm and apply pressure to the wound (with a clean cloth if available) if you are bleeding. Additionally, if the attack is over, avoid direct eye contact with the dog, as this could incite another attack.

To prioritize your health and financial future, follow the steps outlined below.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately and Watch for Signs of Infection

The first and most important step is to seek medical attention immediately. A prompt diagnosis is crucial to preserve your well-being, as even a small dog bite can lead to infection or nerve damage.

First, consider visiting an emergency room or urgent care for severe injuries. You should also schedule a visit to a licensed physician who can perform medical tests to determine the extent of your injuries.

Next, you must document your injuries, diagnosis, and treatment plan. Take photos of the physical damage on your body from the dog attack. Keep all medical records associated with your treatment. Track your medical expenses from surgery, rehabilitation, and other treatment strategies. Timely medical attention will support your medical needs and enhance your legal credibility in the event of a future civil claim.

What Are the Risks of Infection Associated With Dog Bites?

Dog bites can easily become infected. A dog’s mouth harbors a significant amount of bacteria and germs, and these substances, when they penetrate the skin layer, can pose a substantial health risk. Some of the most common bacterial strains in these scenarios include Pasteurella, Staphylococcus aureus, and Capnocytophaga canimorsus.

This is why seeking medical attention is crucial after being bitten or attacked by a dog. You may need professional wound cleaning, antibiotics, Tetanus shots, and Rabies shots in some cases.

In the days following your dog bite incident, be aware of the signs of infection. Redness, swelling, warmth, new bleeding, the presence of pus, or a fever could indicate that the wound has become infected. At that point, you should visit your doctor immediately to pursue additional medical treatment.

Report the Dog Bite

Your next course of action should be to report the dog bite wound to the relevant entities. Under state law 510 ILCS 5/12, all dog bites must be reported to a licensed veterinarian within 24 hours of the attack. You should also contact the local Animal Control agency or police department to create an official report of the incident.

For residents of Chicago, you should contact the Chicago Department of Animal Care and Control to report a dog bite. Once a veterinarian is notified of the incident, a legal process will ensue. The dog will be placed under a 10-day confinement for observation to monitor for Rabies or other infectious diseases.

Reporting a dog bite to these entities is important to initiate medical care processes and to prepare for a potential future lawsuit against the dog owner.

Gather and Preserve Evidence

The next few steps are related to your legal options after a dog bite attack in Illinois. Evidence will be necessary to prove that you were not trespassing on private property or provoking the dog when the bite occurred.

Take photographs of the scene, including any wounds you suffered and the dog. If there are nearby signs indicating leash laws, take a picture of them. You should also search for hazards that may have contributed to the dog’s escape, such as a broken gate or an insufficient fence.

Next, speak with passersby who witnessed the attack and record their statements. You should also exchange contact details with the dog owner once you have identified them. If the dog owner is unknown, witnesses and Animal Control can help identify the owner.

Preserve physical evidence from the attack, such as torn clothing or destroyed property. It is possible to request prior complaints or records of the dog in question from the local animal control or health department.

Understand Your Rights Under the Illinois Animal Control Act

The Illinois Animal Control Act (510 ILCS 5/16) establishes strict liability for pet owners when dogs cause wounds. Rather than proving negligence, as is the case in most personal injury scenarios, victims must only prove that the dog attacked them, that they were not trespassing, and that they didn’t provoke the dog.

The court will also consider whether the dog was leashed or has an aggressive history, which can influence the civil and criminal penalties for the owner.

What Damages Can Dog Bite Victims Recover in Civil Cases Against Dog Owners?

Common legal damages in dog bite claims include:

• Lost wages
• Medical bills (surgery, rehabilitation, therapy)
• Diminished earning capacity
• Emotional distress
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of normal life
• Punitive damages for gross negligence or reckless misconduct

What Are the Legal Repercussions for Illinois Dog Owners If Their Dog Bites Someone?

The pet owner could face criminal charges if the dog had a history of aggression or if the person violated confinement rules. A vet’s report could lead to further investigation or hearings regarding the animal’s classification as a vicious dog.

How We Can Help You Protect Your Rights After a Dog Bite in Illinois

Our experienced law firm will stand by your side throughout the claims process. We understand the importance of having someone who will listen to injured victims.

Our attorneys can provide the following legal services after a dog bite:

• Investigating the dog bite
• Gathering vet reports
• Determining liability, negligence, or recklessness
• Negotiating with insurers
• Representing you in court if necessary
• Assessing damages from the bite, including further treatment costs
• Working on a contingency fee basis (no fees unless we win)

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our top-rated lawyers about your dog bite wound.