Dog Bites
Although a dog can be a faithful and loyal companion, at times a dog can also be a formidable adversary. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. An estimated 386,000 of those bitten seek treatment in an emergency room. More than half of all dog bite victims are children; those aged between five and nine years old are the most likely to be bitten. Dogs instinctively protect their owners and perceived territory using their only means of defense - their teeth. Dog bites are painful and traumatic, often requiring emergency medical care. The ongoing physical and emotional effects of dog bites can be long lasting and can require extensive physical and emotional treatment, including often times invasive, reconstructive surgery. Following a dog bit an inherent fear of dogs and emotional trauma is common, and scars from the injury are usually permanent in nature.
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Those who have been injured by dogs have important legal rights available to them, including the right to seek compensation for their injuries from the dog's owner. The majority of states, including Illinois, have passed dog bite statutes that allow injury victims to recover compensation from a dog's owner regardless of whether the owner had knowledge of the animal's dangerous propensities.
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At Ridge & Downes we have dealt with the complexities of these types of cases many times. Let us help you obtain the full and fair compensation that you deserve.
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There is No Fee Until You Receive Compensation
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If you're ready to protect yourself and your loved ones, call us today for a free, confidential consultation.
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Call us at 312.372.8282 or fill out our Contact Form.