Wheeling Dog Bite Lawsuits

Dogs are the most common pet in the United States, with over 50 million households owning at least one dog. While most dogs are fun-loving companions that will go their entire life without attacking a human, that is not always the case. More than 1,000 dog bites per day across the United States require roughly 850,000 people to seek medical care related to dog attacks. At the Wheeling dog bite law firm of Briskman Briskman & Greenberg, we represent dog bite victims, helping them recover much-needed compensation. Our attorneys are compassionate advocates who take the time to listen to what is important to you and develop a strategy in response to your unique needs.  

The Most Dangerous Breeds of Dogs

Most breeds of dogs are capable of snapping and may attack a person without provocation or notice. However, certain breeds are much more dangerous than others. This may be because of the animal’s size, aggressiveness or special breed characteristics. For example, Pitbull Terriers are notorious for attacking humans, and for good reasons. Pitbulls, as a breed, instinctively attack vulnerable parts of their victim’s body, including the head, neck and groin.

One way of determining the most dangerous breed of dog is to look at the breeds responsible for the highest number of fatal attacks. According to a recent study that looked at the number of attacks between 2005 and 2017, Pitbull Terriers are, by far, responsible for the vast majority of fatal attacks. Below is more detailed information about the most dangerous breeds of dogs:  

• Pitbull Terriers: 284 fatalities (65.6 percent of all fatal dog bites)
• Rottweilers: 45 deaths (10.4 percent of all fatal dog bites)
• German Shepherds: 20 fatalities (4.6 percent of all fatal dog bites)
• American Bulldogs: 15 deaths (3.5 percent of all fatal dog bites)
• Mastiffs: 14 fatalities (3.2 percent of all fatal dog bites)

In addition, mixed-breed animals were responsible for 17 fatal dog attacks, or roughly four percent of the total number of fatalities between 2005 and 2017.

Common Injuries in Wheeling Dog Bite Cases

While dogs are typically fairly even-tempered, when they do attack, it can result in various serious injuries. The nature and severity of injuries stemming from an attack depend on a few factors.

In most Wheeling dog attack cases, the animal bites the victim. This often causes serious damage to the skin, connective tissue and even bone in the affected area. Typical dog bite injuries include:
• Cuts and laceration;
• Bruising;
• Torn ligaments;
• Broken bones or fractures; and
• Nerve damage.

Of course, as a result of these injuries, scarring is common, as are other types of disfigurement. For example, it is not uncommon for a dog bite victim to lose a finger, hand or foot due to the bite or a required amputation.

Sometimes, however, dog attacks do not necessarily involve a bite. For example, if a dog lunges at you, causing you to fall to the ground, you may suffer a sprained wrist or ankle, or other injuries related to the fall.  
 
Recovering After a Wheeling Dog Bite

Illinois is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bite liability. This means that if another person’s dog bites you, the owner is liable regardless of whether they were negligent. However, to benefit from the strict liability statute, you must:
1. Not have provoked the animal;
2. Be “peaceably conducting” yourself; and
3. Be in a place you are lawfully allowed to be.

If each of these elements applies in your case, it will not matter if the dog’s owner took some steps to prevent the attack.

Of course, not all dog attack cases involve dog bites. Importantly, under Illinois personal injury law, an animal owner is liable for all injuries that are proximately caused by an attack or attempted attack. Thus, if you tripped, fell, and broke your wrist as you were running from a dog that was chasing you, the owner may still be liable for your injuries.

Contact the Wheeling Bog Bite Lawyers at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg

If a dog recently attacked you, your child, or another family member, reach out to the personal injury attorneys at Briskman Briskman & Greenberg to schedule a free consultation. Since 1987, we have been helping injury victims seek meaningful compensation that allows them to move on more easily with their lives after suffering serious injuries. And, as a part of the Briskman Guarantee, we will never charge you for our representation unless we can help you recover compensation for your injuries. To learn more and schedule a free consultation with one of our Wheeling dog bite lawyers, give us a call at 877-595-4878. You can also reach us through our online contact form.