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Dogs can be problematic at airports if the owner doesn’t prepare

Even though most dog bites occur near someone’s house in a neighborhood, some owners do make the mistake of bringing violent pets into public areas. If an incident where the dog attacks someone else within the premises occurs, both the pet owner and property owner can be held liable. Airports in particular have seen a number of animal-related incidents in the past. In December 2017, a five-year old girl in Portland made national headlines when she was attacked by an emotional support dog while waiting for her flight. Her family is now suing the dog’s owner for not taking better control...

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What does provoking a dog look like?

After a dog bites someone, there can be two sides to the story: the victim's and the dog owner's. Often, the owner claims that the victim provoked the dog, while the victim denies he or she did anything wrong. Determining whether someone provoked an animal before a biting or attack incident can be more complicated than people might think. This is especially true when the victim is a child and does not understand how his or her actions might affect a dog. However, because establishing whether there was provocation is important for many reasons, we explain what provocation might look like...

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Who besides an owner might be liable for dog bite injuries?

Dogs are animals, and as such, they are capable of doing things like biting people. Provoked or not, they have responses and instincts that we don't always understand and cannot always control. As such, people have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to secure animals and minimize the risk that they could attack or bite anyone. Often, it is an animal's owner that has the legal obligation to control his or her pet. However, there could be other people liable in the event of an animal attack. Other parties who may be liable In most cases, the owner of an animal will be...

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Important facts to know to avoid dog bites, attacks

Over a third of all households in the U.S. have at least one dog. Meaning that whether you are one of these households or not, you don't have to look very hard to find a dog. Considering how easily and often people can encounter dogs, it is crucial to have a basic understanding of how to stay safe around them. This means knowing why dogs bite in the first place, as well as what behaviors you should avoid and how to approach a dog properly. Why dogs bite in the first place Dogs are animals, and their primary defense mechanism is to bite....

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Are climate change, developmental sprawl causing more dog bites?

When people think of factors that contribute to dog bite incidents, they often think of situations where a specific dog is either dangerous or provoked. People may not consider outside factors and influences that could be contributing to a higher risk of dog bites on a larger scale. However, researchers from Stanford say that environmental changes could affect animal bite incidences. In fact, they say that climate change and developmental changes in cities could lead to an increase in animal bites in the near future. A changing environment Our environment is changing, in terms of both climate and living conditions. Global warming and...

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What constitutes a dangerous or a vicious dog in Illinois?

Dogs are known as man’s best friend. However, they can sometimes be man’s enemy as well. According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. With almost 40 percent of American households owning one or more dogs, it is important for dog owners to understand their liability when it comes to dog bites. Dangerous dog Illinois provides specific provisions in the Animal Control Act as to what constitutes a dangerous dog, including: Any dog that “behaves in a manner that a reasonable person would believe poses a serious and unjustified...

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3 things that must happen after a dog bite

A dog bite can be a traumatizing, painful experience. And the situation can make victims and owners alike panic and act without thinking clearly, which could create more complications. That said, there are certain things that must happen after a dog bites someone. If you are a dog bite victim or family member, or if you own a dog that bites someone, then you must take care to ensure the following actions occur. Victim should see the doctor All types of dog bites have the potential to cause serious injury or illness. As such, seeing a doctor right away is crucial. Doing so...

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How bad can dog bites be?

Dog bites are a serious problem in Illinois, Missouri and elsewhere in the country. Whether you are a dog owner or not, it is critical to understand what can happen when a dog bites someone. In 2017, nearly 40 people were killed as a result of dog bites, and many of these victims were elderly or young children. These and other statistics should make it clear to anyone that all instances of dog bites should be taken seriously. And readers should also understand that even if a bite isn't fatal, it can still be catastrophic. Non-fatal repercussions of dog bites Not every bite...

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Who is liable when a dog bites someone in Illinois?

If you or a loved one ever suffers a serious injury due to a dog bite or attack, you may wonder who, if anyone, may be legally responsible for your injuries. In some states, the law says the owner of the dog may be liable, but only if they already knew the dog had a propensity for violence. Since the dog essentially gets one free bite/attack before the owner knows it is actually dangerous, this particular legal principle is known as the "one-bite rule." Fortunately for victims of dog bites here in Illinois, we do not follow the one-bite rule. Illinois' dog...

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Can I file a lawsuit after a dog bites me?

Personal Injury Attorney Belleville IL

Whether you love or dislike dogs, you likely encounter other people's dogs on a regular basis. You might wake up to your neighbor's dog barking in the morning; you probably see many dogs when you are out running errands; your friends or family members could have a dog you see all the time. In most cases, these encounters are brief and harmless. However, that can all change in a matter of seconds if a dog bites you. If you have recently been in this situation, you should understand whether there may be grounds to file a legal claim. To better understand your...

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