Schaumburg, IL Dog Bite Lawyer

Have you or a loved one experienced the trauma of a dog bite? The aftermath of a dog attack can result in painful physical injuries and intense emotional distress, among other lasting harm. If you are seeking fair compensation for your dog bite injuries, look no further than the dedicated team of Schaumburg dog bite attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg. With nearly 40 years of experience representing dog bite victims across Illinois, we are committed to fighting for your rights and getting you the damages you deserve.

The Growing Concern of Dog Bites

Schaumburg’s popular Woodfield Mall is the largest shopping center in Chicago and attracts shoppers from all over Illinois. This thriving suburb is also home to destinations like the Legoland Discovery Center, Busse Woods, and Trickster Cultural Center. Dog bites can occur anywhere, whether it is in crowded public places or a family member’s home.

Dog bites remain a pressing issue both locally in Schaumburg and throughout Illinois. While precise data on the number of dog bites among residents is difficult to gather, annual statistics from the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) reveal just how severe the problem is. Over 5,300 postal workers suffered dog attacks while delivering mail in 2022. Chicago ranked sixth on the list of U.S. cities with the highest number of dog attacks that year, with 36 dog bite incidents among USPS workers.

Dog bites are not just isolated incidents. Around 800,000 people nationwide require medical treatment due to dog bites each year. In 2020, dog bites were the seventh leading cause of ER visits for children between the ages of five and nine.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Illinois

In Illinois, the legal landscape surrounding dog bites differs from that of other states. Many states have a one-bite rule, which may shield dog owners from liability for a first-time incident if the dog was not thought to be dangerous. Illinois law, however, places full responsibility on dog owners for any injuries caused by their pets. This holds regardless of the dog’s past behavior, provided the victim was lawfully present where the dog bite incident occurred.

Research from the American Animal Hospital Association shows that pit bulls are responsible for more dog bites than any other breed, accounting for 22.5 percent of incidents. Mixed breeds and German Shepherds round out the top three most dangerous dog breeds, being involved in 21.2 percent and 17.8 percent of dog attacks, respectively. The World Animal Foundation reports that pit bulls were responsible for 33 out of 44 fatal dog attacks in 2019.

Despite these statistics, however, it is important to remember that any kind of dog has the potential to bite. Illinois law states that owners can be held accountable for their dog’s actions, irrespective of the breed involved in a dog attack. The dog bite does not have to be from a breed that is traditionally considered dangerous such as Rottweiler or pit bull. 

A dog owner is anyone who has the right of property to the dog. This includes a person who is caring for the dog or keeps one on their personal premises. In some cases, a dog bite victim may pursue a case of negligence against the owner. Proving owner negligence involves showing that the owner failed to fulfill their duty of care. This might include evidence that the owner did not properly control a known aggressive dog or neglected to give sufficient warning to prevent an attack.

Tips for Preventing Dog Bites

Prevention is key to reducing dog bite incidents. Both Schaumburg dog owners and residents can take steps to mitigate the risk of attacks.

Owners should familiarize themselves with their dog breed’s behavior and take appropriate measures to prevent aggression, especially in known trigger situations. The dog should be leashed in public places.

When encountering unfamiliar dogs, it is best to exercise caution. Avoid behaviors that could provoke an attack, such as making sudden movements or invading the dog’s space. Here are some tips for staying safe around dogs:

• Recognize signs of stress in dogs, such as yawning, tucking their tail between their legs or licking their lips.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with dogs, as they may interpret it as a challenge to their authority or dominance.
• Remain calm and avoid running past or yelling at dogs, as these actions can provoke aggression.
• Be mindful of dogs that are sleeping, eating or playing with toys. They may become protective or territorial.

Despite every precaution, however, dog bites can and do still occur. If you are bitten by a dog, be sure to seek medical attention right away to treat your injuries and minimize the risk of infections. Report the incident to authorities and get information about the dog’s vaccination status. Reach out to an experienced Schaumburg dog bite lawyer to learn about your rights after a dog attack.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can result in a variety of injuries, ranging from lacerations to broken bones. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, puncture wounds are among the most common types of dog bite injuries.

In addition to physical injuries, victims face a significant risk of infection. Emotional trauma is also common, with anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder affecting many survivors long after the physical wounds have healed. Children, in particular, may experience heightened emotional distress in the aftermath of a dog attack.

• Puncture wounds: Puncture wounds can range from minor to severe, depending on the force of the bite. They are caused by the dog’s teeth penetrating the skin.
• Lacerations: Cuts or tears in the skin caused by the dog’s teeth with varying depth and severity. There may be potential damage to underlying tissue, nerves and muscles.
• Facial wounds: Dog bites to the face can result in serious injuries, including damage to the eyes, nose, mouth or ears, which may require surgical intervention.
• Avulsions: This refers to the tearing away of tissue, such as when a dog bites and partially or completely removes an ear or other body part. The victim is likely to suffer excessive bleeding and scarring.
• Broken bones and crush injuries: Large dogs can exert significant force with their jaws, leading to fractures or crushing injuries to bones and soft tissues.
• Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to the bacteria present in the dog’s mouth. If open wounds are not promptly treated, infections can lead to serious complications. Common types of infections include rabies, Pasteurella and staph.

Recovering Compensation for Dog Bites

The recovery process can be long for certain injuries, such as facial disfiguration or mobility issues. The medical bills after a dog bite can quickly pile up, especially when the treatment involves multiple reconstructive surgeries. Even after medical interventions, the dog bite victim may suffer long-term consequences and permanent changes to their day-to-day life. For example, eye injuries can affect a person’s ability to see properly, or damaged limbs can prevent them from working.

Along with one’s livelihood, the lasting trauma of a dog bite can also impact relationships and overall well-being. Illinois courts allow dog bite victims to recover fair compensation for mental distress even when there is no visible physical injury. Children are particularly prone to developing anxiety or fear around dogs after a traumatic attack.

At Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we believe in helping clients recover damages that cover the full extent of their losses after a dog bite. Our Schaumburg dog bite lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf to ensure a just resolution to your personal injury claim. We will not be satisfied with lowball settlement offers.

There is no cap on damages for personal injury cases related to dog bites in Illinois. Schaumburg dog bite victims may pursue compensation for a range of losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more. With an experienced attorney representing you, there are higher chances that you will receive the full compensation you deserve.

Time Limit for Schaumburg Dog Bite Claims

Illinois law gives adult dog bite victims two years from when the incident occurred to bring a personal injury claim. As a result, those seeking legal recourse must act fast to avoid losing their right to recover compensation.

Keep in mind that the two-year statute of limitations has certain exceptions, such as for children. If someone is injured in a dog attack while trespassing on the dog owner’s property, their claim for compensation may be barred under the law. An experienced Schaumburg dog bite lawyer can provide guidance on what time limits apply to your case.

Contact Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If you or a family member has been the victim of a dog bite, you deserve fair compensation. The Schaumburg dog bite lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg are here to help. We pride ourselves on providing clients with dedicated and compassionate legal representation.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward reclaiming your life after a dog bite. We operate on a contingency basis, meaning we only collect payment if we successfully recover damages on your behalf.