Two delivery employees recently became dog bite victims while on the job in west suburban Hinsdale, IL.
Dog Bite Victims Attempting to Deliver Packages
Both dog bite victims were injured on August 19, 2020. At approximately 2:00 p.m., one delivery employee was attempting to drop off a package at a home on the 300 block of North Garfield Avenue. Despite the presence of an invisible fence, the homeowner’s dog managed to bite the delivery employee. The victim refused medical treatment at that time.
At about 3:00 p.m., another delivery employee was reportedly bitten by a dog while delivering a package to a house on the 600 block of Dalewood Lane. The attack occurred on the property while the dog was in the yard.
Dog Bites Common in the United States
Long called “Man’s Best Friend,” dogs are the most popular pets in the United States, with nearly 50 million American households owning at least one dog. While they are a great source of love and companionship, it is important to remember that dogs can also be dangerous, something that the national statistics on dog bite victims show all too well. According to recent data:
- More than four million people in the United States are bitten by dogs per year.
- Nearly one million people nationwide require medical treatment for dog bites annually.
- More than 334,000 dog bite victims end up in emergency rooms each year.
- Every year, approximately 12 to 15 people die from infections and other complications resulting from dog bites.
Even non-fatal dog attacks can inflict serious injuries, including permanent scarring, disfigurement, and nerve damage.
Dog Bite Victims May Be Eligible for Compensation
Fortunately, dog bite victims in Illinois may be eligible to obtain financial compensation from dog owners for any injuries caused by their pets, though with some limitations. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, the owner of a dog or other animal is typically liable for any injuries that the animal inflicts on somebody in an attack, provided that the following conditions are met:
- The animal has bitten or otherwise attacked the victim without provocation. Provocation could include acts such as striking or kicking a dog or pulling its tail, though actions do not necessarily have to have been intentional to be considered provocation under Illinois law. If an action would cause a normal dog to bite – such as accidentally stepping on its tail – then it might be classified as an act of provocation and potentially bar recovery in a dog bite claim.
- The victim had been peaceably and lawfully conducting himself or herself on the premises at the time of the attack. Those who might be considered lawfully on a premise could include friends, family, guests, postal and delivery employees, contractors, utility workers, and anyone else who has been invited onto the property. On the other hand, illegal premise dwellers, such as burglars and trespassers, would fall outside of that category.
Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Innocent Victims
If you have been bitten by a dog, you may have the opportunity to recover compensation for your injuries, but you will need to overcome certain legal thresholds in order to have a valid claim. To help increase your chances of success, do what so many other dog bite victims have done before you and turn to the Chicago dog bite attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With over $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements on behalf of wrongfully injured clients, GWC is one of the premier Personal Injury and Workers’ Compensation law firms in Illinois. No other firm in the state is more respected – or more feared – by its adversaries, both inside and outside of the courtroom. Our Chicago dog bite lawyers have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation of success necessary to get you and your family the justice you deserve.
Contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our dog bite attorneys. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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