Avoiding Serious Dog Bite Injuries This Summer

 Posted on June 26, 2018 in Premises Liability

With the sunshine finally becoming a mainstay in the greater Chicago area forecast, more and more Chicagoans are choosing to spend time outdoors. Many people view summer as the perfect time to be outside with their dogs. While a large number of furry friends on the city’s streets can be a welcome sight for any dog lover, the influx of animals does come with risk. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Even more concerning is the fact that 20% of all dog bites nationwide result in dangerous infection to the victim. 

Just weeks ago, a couple were attacked by three dogs in Cook County’s Elgin Forest Preserve. After being startled by the stray dogs, the Gurnee couple attempted to fight off the animals. Still, one member of the couple suffered multiple puncture wounds in her leg, ultimately resulting in stitches, ongoing testing for infection, and potentially lifelong emotional trauma. If you or a loved one suffer a dog bite injury this summer, it is important to understand your options for pursuing compensation from any liable parties. 

Avoiding Dog Bites 

While some dog bites, such as the attack in Cook County, are unavoidable, here are a few simple tips that could help you and your family avoid a dog bite incident this summer: 

• Keep a Close Eye on Children: According to the AVMA, dog bite wounds are much more common for young children than any other age demographic. Unfortunately, dog bite injuries can be much more severe, and even life-threatening, in children of young ages, due to their smaller stature and proximity to dogs. Since the vast majority of dog bite injuries occur with dogs that the child is familiar with, keep an eye on your children when they are petting their furry friends this summer. 
• Wait for Consent: One of the biggest mistakes that dog bite victims can make is petting a dog before they have asked the permission of the owner. The AVMA states that asking for the consent of an owner before petting their dog can be key in avoiding confrontations with dogs that have suffered past trauma or are not accustomed to high levels of human interaction. If an owner is not present, keep your distance. 
• Know When to Pet: While the vast majority of dogs are generally fun-loving and playful animals, there are times in which no dog should be played with. If you see a dog (even your own) eating or sleeping this summer, it may be wise to avoid any sort of interaction. Sleeping dogs can be on-high alert, and eating dogs can often showcase uncharacteristic aggression. Educating your children on when they should and should not pet dogs can be the difference between avoiding or suffering a dog bite injury this summer. 

Contact a Lake County Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Every year, nearly 800,000 Americans are sent to the emergency room due with dog bite wounds. At Salvi & Maher, L.L.C, our team has decades of experience helping victims of dog bite injuries receive the legal guidance they need. If you or a loved has been harmed by a dog bite this summer, contact our dedicated staff of Waukegan personal injury attorneys. To schedule a free consultation, call us today at 847-662-3303.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/features/dog-bite-prevention/index.html

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/06/07/dogs-attack-couple-elgin-forest-preserve/

https://www.avma.org/public/Pages/Dog-Bite-Prevention.aspx