Articles Posted in dog bite

Dog bites are far more common than many people realize. Every year, thousands of Illinois residents, including children, delivery drivers, postal workers, joggers, and visitors, seek medical treatment after being bitten by a dog. In addition to painful injuries, dog bite victims often have questions about what happens after they receive medical care. One of…

Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs, and hundreds of thousands require medical treatment for serious injuries. When people ask, “Which dogs have the worst bite?” they are usually referring to one of three things: The answer is more complicated than simply naming one breed. While some large, powerful dogs can inflict devastating…

The COVID-19 pandemic changed countless aspects of daily life, including pet ownership. As millions of Americans worked from home and sought companionship during lockdowns, dog adoption rates surged. Animal shelters across the country experienced record demand, while breeders struggled to keep up with unprecedented interest in puppies. At the same time, veterinarians, animal behaviorists, and…

Dogs hold a special place in American life. They wait by the door when we come home, keep watch over our families, offer comfort on hard days, and become true members of the household. With more than 65 million households across the country keeping at least one dog, it’s no surprise that most people never…

Dog sitting has become increasingly common in Illinois as pet owners rely on friends, neighbors, family members, and professional pet sitters to care for their animals while traveling or working. While most dog-sitting arrangements go smoothly, serious legal questions arise when a dog attacks someone while under the care of a dog sitter. Victims often…

Dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their animals under control. When a dog is tethered with a chain, rope, or tie-out that extends far enough to reach a public sidewalk, pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, delivery workers, and children can suddenly find themselves within striking distance of an aggressive or frightened animal. In Illinois, a…

Dog parks are designed to be safe, social environment, but when an attack occurs, determining liability becomes legally complex. Unlike typical dog bite cases, dog park incidents often involve off-leash animals, shared responsibility, and unique legal defenses like assumption of risk. In this blog, we break down who may be liable for dog park attacks,…

Pet-friendly stores have become increasingly popular across Illinois and the United States. From home improvement retailers to pet supply chains and boutique shops, many businesses now welcome dogs inside. While this trend appeals to pet owners, it also introduces a serious and often overlooked risk: dog bites and attacks in retail environments. A routine shopping…

Dog bites are a serious public safety issue across the United States, sending hundreds of thousands of people to emergency rooms each year. While many people assume dog attacks happen randomly, research shows that dog bites follow clear seasonal patterns, with certain times of year posing a significantly higher risk. Understanding when dog bites are…

Running outdoors offers physical and mental health benefits, but it also exposes joggers to unique hazards, including dog attacks. Whether it’s an unleashed dog in a neighborhood, a territorial pet near a home, or an aggressive animal on a trail, joggers are particularly vulnerable due to their movement, speed, and proximity to unfamiliar environments. In…