Dog bites are often gruesome injuries, and victims may suffer from permanent scars, serious infections, torn skin or muscle and even death. Unfortunately, children are the most common victims of serious dog bite injuries across the United States, as their height makes their head and neck easy targets for vicious animals. Children are also more likely to approach strange dogs.
Children between 5 and 9 are the most likely targets of a vicious dog, and young victims are also unable to fend off an attack. There are approximately 75 million dogs in the United States. The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates around 4.5 million dog bites occur every year in this country, although this estimate is probably low. Close to 900,000 victims seek emergency care at a hospital every year, while 30,000 must undergo reconstructive surgery. Up to 20 people die from dog bites every year. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a dog bite or dog attack, you need experienced legal representation. In many cases, you will be going up against the insurance company that providers homeowner’s or renter’s coverage to the dog’s owner, not the owner him or herself.
At Agruss Law Firm, LLC, we are prepared to represent you and protect your rights. We prepare each case as if it were going to trial, which often times resolves cases quicker and provides the best possible results for clients. This strategy is especially important in personal injury cases.
While dog attack lawsuits are usually brought against the owner’s insurance company, many policies exclude certain breeds identified as being especially dangerous. The following breeds are routinely excluded from insurance policies:
Some dog owners choose to carry personal umbrella liability insurance, which offers coverage extending past homeowner’s insurance. In such cases, the policy may offer coverage for dog bite injuries. Meanwhile, breeders, animal trainers and veterinarians usually carry professional insurance. If you were injured by a dog at a business or store, the landlord’s liability insurance should cover the injuries.
Every state has enacted laws regarding dog bites and vicious dog attacks. In Illinois, owners, harborers, and keepers of dogs are liable for injuries to people, whether or not the injury was caused by a bite, without negligence on the part of the owner. Illinois has a strict liability statute, as owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog whether or not they knew or had reason to know their dog was dangerous.
In Illinois, you must prove lack of trespassing on the the owner’s property and lack of provocation, meaning you did not act in a way to cause the dog to attack you. You do not need to prove previous aggressive behavior. If you have been injured by a dog bite or attack, contact Agruss Law Firm, LLC, for a free consultation. We are a Chicago injury law firm representing individuals and families who have suffered an injury or loss due to an accident.
Agruss Law Firm, LLC, will handle your personal injury case quickly, will advise you every step of the way, and will not hesitate to go to trial for you. Lastly, Agruss Law Firm, LLC, does not get paid attorney’s fees unless we win your case. Our no-fee promise is that simple. Therefore, you have nothing to risk when you hire us–just the opportunity to seek justice.