Dogs are beloved family pets, but even the most gentle dog can bite if provoked. Dog bites are especially traumatic and dangerous for children. If your child is bitten by a relative’s dog in Illinois, it’s important to know how to respond to protect your child and understand your legal options. This article provides an overview of steps to take if your child is bitten by a family member’s dog in Illinois.
Immediate First Aid
If your child is bitten by a dog, the first priority is medical care. For minor bites that don’t break the skin, clean the area thoroughly with soap and water. Apply antibiotic ointment and cover with a clean bandage.
More serious bites that break the skin require emergency medical attention. Take your child to the nearest emergency room or urgent care clinic. Healthcare providers will clean and examine the wound, administer antibiotics, get a tetanus shot if needed, and determine if stitches are required.
Tell a doctor if you know the dog’s vaccination history. Unvaccinated dogs pose a risk of transmitting rabies. Doctors may administer a rabies shot as a precaution if the dog’s vaccine record is unknown.
Reporting the Incident
Illinois law requires that dog bites be reported to authorities in some situations. If the bite requires medical treatment, you must notify local law enforcement. Provide details about the incident, dog, and dog’s owner.
You should also inform the dog’s owner about the bite. Ask for a copy of the dog’s rabies certificate. Let them know you reported the incident to the police. This ensures the owner is aware in case animal control wants to examine or quarantine the dog.
Animal Control Investigation
When police receive a dog bite report, they alert animal control. An animal control officer will initiate an investigation. They may visit the scene, interview witnesses, and evaluate if the dog appears aggressive.
If the bite was unprovoked, or if the dog has a history of aggression, authorities can mandate actions such as:
- Quarantine: The dog must stay at an approved animal control facility or vet clinic for 10 days to check for rabies symptoms.
- Muzzling: The dog must wear a muzzle in public spaces.
- Behavioral training: The owner must enroll the dog in behavioral training focused on aggression.
- Euthanasia: Authorities may order the dog to be humanely euthanized in severe cases.
In some cases, animal control may determine the dog is not a threat to the public and take no action.
Considering Legal Action
If a family member’s dog bites your child, you may want to pursue compensation for medical bills, emotional trauma, or other damages. In Illinois, dog owners can be held liable if they knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies.
Consult with a personal injury attorney from Monge & Associates to discuss the details of your case. We can help you gather evidence like medical records, vet documents, incident reports, and statements from witnesses. We will determine the best legal strategies, which may include:
- Informal negotiation: Our attorney contacts the dog owner to request compensation for damages and negotiate a settlement.
- Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations fail, a lawsuit can be filed against the dog owner seeking compensation.
- Homeowners’ insurance claim: The dog owner’s home insurance policy may provide some liability coverage for dog bites.
Any settlement or court award will be paid by the dog owner and/or their insurance provider. The goal is reasonable compensation for your child’s injuries and trauma.
Preventing Future Incidents
Unfortunately, legal action cannot undo a dog bite. But proper precautions can help prevent future attacks. When visiting relatives with dogs, teach children basic safety:
- Never approach unattended dogs
- Don’t disturb dogs that are sleeping or eating
- Avoid petting dogs without permission
- Watch for warning signs like growling or snarling
Closely supervise all interactions between children and dogs. Advise relatives to keep aggressive dogs secured in a crate or separate room when you visit. With caution and common sense, children and dogs can co-exist safely.
While most family pets would never intend to harm a child, dog bites do happen. If your child is bitten by a relative’s dog in Illinois, stay calm, seek medical care, and report the incident to authorities.
Speak with a personal injury lawyer from Monge & Associates to understand your options for holding the owner accountable and getting compensation for your child’s recovery. With the right response, your child can heal physically and emotionally from a dog bite.
We have offices in 32 locations and 19 states, including Illinois, Utah, and Washington.
Call now for a free consultation at (888) 477-0597 if a dog bit your child in Illinois.