Millions of people suffer dog bites each year, and some of the injuries can be quite serious. Some people require emergency room care and/or hospitalization as a result of dog bites. In some cases, this type of injury can even be fatal. April 9 through April 15 is Dog Bite Prevention Week. Our Chicago dog bite attorney at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys offers the following information about leash laws in the area as well as liability for dog bite cases.
Does Chicago Have Leash Laws?
Chicago law requires dogs to always be on leashes when they are off the owner’s property. Rescue and law enforcement dogs are exempt from this law. A dog’s owner can face a fine if he or she fails to do this. Fines increase if a dog damages another person’s property or bites a person or another dog.
The city has dog parks where you can take your dog off-leash if you have a Dog Friendly Area dog tag. You can pay a small fee and buy the tag, which is good for the remainder of the calendar year. In order to purchase the tag, you will need to have a current Chicago dog license. Or, you will need to have proof that your dog has a current rabies vaccination. In addition, your dog must have had an exam within the past year for any communicable diseases and be current on other vaccinations, such as distemper.
How Does the Law Determine Liability?
A dog owner must keep his or her animal under control. If another person’s dog bites you, the dog’s owner may be liable for any damages it causes. This may include medical bills and money for lost wages. The dog’s owner may also receive a fine if the animal was off-leash when it should have been on a leash.
Having a dog on a leash doesn’t absolve its owner of legal responsibility if it damages property or hurts another person or dog. The dog still must be under the control of its owner or another responsible person.
Still, even if a dog is within a fence, its owner can still be responsible for an injury it causes. Even if the dog’s paws remain inside the fence.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
If a dog bite you, you should seek immediate medical attention even if your injuries do not seem that serious at first. A bite can develop an infection and cause additional medical problems.
If you are able to do so, identify the owner of the dog and get his or her contact information. It can also help to take a photo of the dog with your camera and also photograph your injuries. Finally, try to get contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident. They may be able to make a statement on your behalf in the future.
Keep a record of any medical bills you incur, as well as any time you may have lost at work as a result of the dog bite.
Finally, you should contact a Chicago dog bite attorney to help ensure protection of your interests. The dog’s owner and his or her insurance company probably will not be eager to offer fair compensation for your injuries.
Contacting a Chicago Dog Bite Attorney
If you have been bitten by a dog, contact a Chicago dog bite attorney at Lerner and Rowe Injury Attorneys today at 708-222-2222. Our dedication to protecting your interests and to making sure you receive the highest possible settlement is second to none.
Our office is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but you can reach us by phone any time of day or week. We also offer a LiveChat feature online for your convenience. And you do not have to worry about your ability to pay – we offer free consultations. You will not pay a fee unless you win your case.