In the Calumet Heights neighborhood of Chicago, a woman was critically injured when she was out walking with her dog and three other dogs attacked them, also killing her dog. A victim of a single dog attack can experience serious injuries, both of an emotional and physical nature. And a person who is attacked and bitten by more than one dog may be particularly traumatized and suffer even more injuries. If you have been the victim of a dog bite and have suffered injuries as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. It is important to contact a local injury attorney with experience handling such cases as soon as possible after the incident.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States. Even more alarming is that one in five dog bites results in injuries that are deemed serious enough to require medical attention. In fact, in 2012, more than 27,000 people needed reconstructive surgery for their injuries resulting from a dog bite. It is important to keep in mind that in Illinois, a dog owner is always responsible for injuries caused by the dog, unless the injured person provoked the animal.
The Chicago Tribune reported that the attack took place in the 8700 block of South Cregier Avenue. The woman was walking her own dog when the three other dogs attacked hers. She and the owner of three dogs both tried to stop the attack. According to the Chicago Police, the woman whose dog was killed was severely injured, and the owner of the three dogs was also hurt. The city’s Commission on Animal Care and Control took the three dogs into custody and it is anticipated that the owner will receive citations relating to the incident.
While such punishment is commendable, it does not serve to compensate the woman for her severe injuries, which can include physical as well as psychological trauma. This is a unique case in that not only was the woman injured, but also her pet was killed – a devastating incident to witness and endure. Anyone who is bitten by a dog must seek medical attention as soon as possible. In certain cases, if a person is not treated properly, the dog bite could cause serious injury, including an infection and even death. The CDC website provides helpful tips on ways to prevent a dog bite, to keep you and your family safe.
A person bitten by a dog may have a legal right to recover damages from the pet’s owner or even from the person who was in control of the animal at the time of the attack. The injured person most certainly will have the right to recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and any property damages. There are also some instances in which one may be entitled to punitive damages. In order to recover punitive damages, however, proof of negligence is not sufficient. In fact, one must show reckless or intentional conduct on behalf of the defendant. Anyone injured as a result of a dog bite is encouraged to contact a local injury attorney.