So many city dwellers have adopted dogs into their homes, yet very few take the time to properly train or exercise their animals.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) June 28, 2012
With more than 4.5 million dog bites reported every year, these incidents remain one of the most common types of personal injury claims paid out by insurance companies every year. Though the total number of dog bite incidents has remained steady over the past several years, a study conducted by the Insurance Information Institute indicates that both the number of insurance claims filed by dog bite victims and the size of the payout made per claim has increased by more than 50% from 2004 to 2011.
Dog bite injury lawyer, Jonathan Rosenfeld is not surprised by the uptick in the insurance claims made related to these incidents in congested areas like Chicago. “So many city dwellers have adopted dogs into their homes, yet very few take the time to properly train or exercise their animals. As a result, we’re seeing poorly socialized animals put into unfamiliar environments and they simply rely on their instincts and behave as they would in the wild—and attack innocent people.”
In addition to inadequately trained dogs, Rosenfeld also sees an increase in the severity of bites sustained by adults and children due to the popularity of aggressive breeds such as Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. “These are dogs bred for work and to defend property. In most cases, dog owners never consider how misplaced a large dog is in a city environment when it may be cooped up in an apartment most of the day.”
The wisdom of the Illinois Legislature to protect dog bite victims
Thankfully, Illinois has recognized the responsibility of dog owners to keep their dogs under control regardless of the location. When a dog bites or attacks and injures a person in Chicago, the Animal Control Act of Illinois (510 ILCS) states that the owner shall be responsible for all damages incurred by the injured party. In many dog bite cases, a claim form medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and disfigurement can be argued as elements of damages under the law.
Understanding the emergence of severe dog bite cases in the City of Chicago, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is proud to launch their newest website, Chicago Dog Bite Injury Lawyers. The website features information on commonly encountered dog bite injuries, frequent victims of dog attacks and concise information on the laws applicable both on a municipal and state level to protect people from injuries due to misbehaved dogs.