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.

Here in the United States, underage drinking continues to be a serious safety threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 percent of high school students admit to consuming alcohol. Every year, more than 4,300 teens die due to alcohol consumption. 

If your child was consuming alcohol at another person’s residence, the adults present are in direct violation of social host liability laws. Perhaps nothing can hurt a parent more than finding out that their child has been injured or killed in an alcohol-related accident. 

This past September, an eight-year-old girl was almost fatally injured by two loose pit bulls in an Indiana suburb. The dogs bit the child over 30 times, and she was treated for serious wounds from her shoulders to her knees. Fortunately, a neighbor was able to save the child and scare the dogs away. 

Less than 20 miles down the road, the dogs brutally attacked another child. According to CBS Chicago, the dogs were ultimately captured in the Chicago suburb of Park Forest. While no victims suffered life-threatening injuries, the attacks reminded all Illinoisans of the dangers of dog attacks and the serious nature of dog bite injuries. Due to the small stature of young children, they are at increased risk of serious injury in dog attacks. If you or a member of your family is attacked by a dog or other animal, you should seek medical attention and legal help. 

Why a Dog Bite Injury Should Be Treated Seriously

While most dogs are friendly, lovable animals, a provoked dog can quickly become a dangerous one. All dog bites should be treated seriously and immediately treated by a medical professional. Even seemingly insignificant dog bite wounds can cause dangerous infections such as tetanus. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, up to 15% of all dog bites lead to infections. 

With the temperatures dropping and the leaves falling from the trees, all Illinoisans know that winter is coming. While the greater Chicago area often resembles a winter wonderland during the coldest months of the year, the changing of seasons also comes with some new dangers. Along with colder weather, ice and snow will soon be finding their way onto sidewalks throughout the state. 

For pedestrians, the inclement terrain that comes during the winter months can be particularly hazardous. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 800,000 Americans are hospitalized each year due to slip and fall injuries. If you or a loved one are injured after falling at or near an establishment, you should speak to an attorney to determine whether you may be able to pursue financial compensation. 

What Fall Injuries Can Cost You

While the vast majority of people that suffer a fall walk away relatively unharmed, some are not so fortunate. The majority of hospitalized slip and fall victims suffer either head or hip injuries. Head injuries can cause concussions, painful headaches, and loss of cognition. Injuries to the hip can cause stiffness, loss of mobility, and loss of work hours. Both of these injuries can be excruciatingly painful, and they may require expensive medical treatment. Studies conducted by the CDC found that the average slip and fall hospitalization results in approximately $30,000 in medical costs. 

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