Recent Pit Bull Attacks Show the Serious Nature of Dog Bite Injuries

 Posted on October 12, 2018 in Premises Liability

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. 

For small children, dog bites can come with severe consequences. Due to a child’s small stature and inability to recognize emotional cues from most animals, they are more susceptible to animal attacks. If you see your child playing with a dog, keep a watchful eye. 

Dog Bite Attacks Nationwide

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a staggering 4.7 million dog bites occur each year throughout the United State. In all, more than one in 70 Americans will be victim to a dog bite each year. While many of these dog bites are inconsequential, over 800,000 dog bites lead to hospitalization every single year. Next time you or your family are around an unfamiliar dog, make sure you know you are safe. 

Contact a Lake County Personal Injury Attorney

Dog bites can come with serious health concerns, costly medical bills, and severe psychological trauma. A large number of dog bites are caused by the negligence of the dog owner. If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, you should work with an experienced lawyer to determine your options for pursuing compensation for your injuries. To set up a free consultation with a Waukegan dog bite injury attorney, call us today at 847-662-3303. 

Sources:

https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2018/09/14/pit-bulls-attack-2-children-in-2-cities-across-state-lines/

https://www.caninejournal.com/dog-bite-statistics/

https://www.healthline.com/health/animal-bite-infections