Dogs may be man’s best friend, but that does not mean they are always lovable companions. Indeed, some dogs are aggressive, especially when it comes to someone they do not know. Unfortunately, their aggression and bites can lead to permanent scarring and sometimes loss of life.
If you or someone you love was injured because of a biting incident, you should seek representation from a dog bite attorney. It it important to know about the common causes of dog bites in Chicago so you can see how it affects your claim.
Very few dog bites occur simply because the dog is mean. Quite the opposite is true. Even the most lovable K-9s can bite if they:
Dogs may bite when playing, as it is natural for them to interact with other dogs this way. However, bites can injure humans, who might react in a way that frightens the dog or makes it feel threatened.
There are several things a person can do if they want to protect themselves from a dog bite. The main thing is to avoid sudden movements when nearing a new dog. Running may make the dog chase a person. Direct eye contact and screaming or yelling could be seen as aggressive behavior. People should also avoid going near a dog that is caring for puppies, asleep, or eating, as the dog will be more prone to biting if disturbed.
If the dog’s owner is present, ask if it’s safe to approach. If not, stay calm, remain still, and let the dog sniff to maintain a nonaggressive mood. In either case, it is important not to reach through or over a fence with a dog standing guard, as this may encourage them to want to protect their territory.
If a dog does start attacking, and an individual is knocked to the ground, injuries can be less severe if that person curls into a ball with hands over their head to protect the neck and face.
In Chicago, pet owners or homeowners who provide a pet shelter can be held liable if the dog bites someone. This is because pet owners must keep and maintain the animal under restraint unless the dog is being used for rescue or law enforcement work, according to Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-030. Therefore, the victim does not have to prove that the dog owner or handler was negligent or that the dog has a history of biting. For victims who wish to file a claim, proof must include evidence showing they were:
If the victim cannot establish these things, they may not be able to hold the dog owner(s) liable for the attack.
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries to the victim. Some potential injuries include:
Bites can cause emotional trauma to the victim, especially if the victim is a child. For victims to seek compensation for a dog bite, there are several things to do as soon as possible after the incident. They should:
The pet owner must file a report with the Animal Care and Control Commission within 24 hours, according to Chicago Municipal Code § 7-12-090.
Dog bites are usually preventable. As a defense, the homeowner or pet owner may try to establish that the victim was provoking the dog in some way or was trespassing. This is not always true, however. If you or someone you love needs more information about common causes of dog bites in Chicago or how to establish a claim after an attack, contact McCready Law today.
