What Compensation Is Available for Severe Dog Bite Injuries?

 Posted on August 05, 2021 in Personal Injury

We live in a society in which dogs are extremely popular pets and companions, and as such, the idea of a dog biting a person, let alone causing serious injury, may seem unlikely to many people. However, this makes it all the more shocking and devastating when a dog does become violent. Some dog bite victims suffer life-altering, and even life-threatening, injuries, and it is important to be aware of the options for recovering compensation to account for the financial and personal costs of these injuries.

Catastrophic Dog Bite Injuries

Many dog bite victims are fortunate to escape with minor bruises, cuts, or puncture wounds that fully heal with time. However, dogs are also capable of causing much more severe injuries, particularly if an attack is prolonged. Some catastrophic injuries that dog bite victims may suffer include:

• Scarring - Deep bite wounds may never fully heal, leaving the victim with disfiguring scars on the arms, legs, and face. Excessive scar tissue can also interfere with a victim’s range of motion.

• Facial injuries - In addition to facial scars, dog attacks can result in injuries to the eyes, nose, and mouth, which may permanently impair a victim’s vision, speech, breathing, and eating abilities.

• Amputations - Severe bite injuries to the arms and legs can result in a situation in which it is necessary to amputate part of a victim’s limb.

• Broken bones - The crushing force of a dog bite can cause a complex bone break, which can result in long-term disability if there are complications with the way the bone heals.

• Nerve damage - A dog bite could damage or sever a nerve, resulting in chronic pain, numbness, or even partial paralysis.

• Infections - Dog bite wounds can become infected, and infections may spread throughout the bloodstream to affect other parts of the body.

While anyone can suffer catastrophic dog bite injuries, children and the elderly are especially at risk of severe complications.

Recoverable Damages in Illinois Dog Bite Cases

Fortunately, Illinois has a strict liability law for dog owners, making them liable for all damages resulting from injuries caused by their dog without provocation. If you have suffered a catastrophic dog bite injury, an attorney can help you understand all of the damages you are entitled to recover. This could include past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and other negative effects on your life.

Contact a Cook County Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you have suffered a severe dog bite injury, your life may never be the same. At Schwartz Injury Law, we can help you pursue a personal injury claim to recover the financial compensation you need to make your life more manageable. For a free initial consultation with an Orland Park personal injury lawyer, call our office today at 708-888-2160.

Sources:

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/dogs.html

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326976

https://www.ilga.gov/legislation/ilcs/ilcs3.asp?ActID=1704&ChapterID=41