Illinois Ranks Fourth Highest in Dog Bites Nationwide

 Posted on July 30, 2020 in Dog Bite Injuries

As COVID-19 restrictions begin to ease in some places, one can expect to see an increased amount of activity outdoors, including more people out and about walking their dogs. Even though most of these dogs you will see are docile and friendly, a dog bite incident can occur at any time. Whether caused by poor ownership and handling or a simple misinterpretation of a dog’s body language, the effects of a dog bite can be serious, potentially fatal, and threaten not only the physical health of the victim but his or her mental state as well.

Considering the damage a single dog bite can do, it is unfortunate for residents of Illinois that the state ranks among the highest for dog bite incidents. Despite having one of the lowest rates of dog ownership in the United States, Illinois residents filed 822 claims for dog bites in 2018, according to a recent article from MoneyWise. This makes Illinois the fourth highest in the nation for dog bite-related claims, topping claims made by residents of Wisconsin, Michigan, and even New York.

What to Do Following a Dog Bite

Because those who live in Illinois may be more likely to suffer a dog bite than those from other states, it is important to know what you should do if you are bitten. Although WebMD recommends visiting a doctor — especially if the dog is unfamiliar to you, the bite is deep, the bleeding will not stop, or there are any signs of infection —  here is how they recommend you care for a dog bite injury at home:

1. Stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the area with a clean towel.

2. Reduce blood flow to the area and try to keep the injured area elevated.

3. Wash the bite carefully with soap and water and apply a sterile bandage to the wound.

4. Apply antibiotic ointment to the injury every day to prevent infection.

Contact an Illinois Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Following a dog bite injury, it is likely in your best interest to speak with a licensed medical professional regarding aftercare. You should also contact a DuPage County personal injury attorney who is well-versed in dog bite injury claims, as you may be owed financial compensation for your injury. If you or someone you know has suffered a dog bite injury, contact the knowledgeable attorneys of Mevorah & Giglio Law Offices today at 630-552-6860 to schedule a free consultation.

Sources:
https://moneywise.com/a/worst-states-for-dog-bites
https://pets.webmd.com/dogs/dog-bites