At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we’ve handled numerous dog bite cases and understand the significant impact these incidents can have on victims and their families.
Our experience has shown us that dog bites are a serious public health concern, affecting millions yearly. While dogs are often considered loyal companions, encounters can sometimes turn dangerous, resulting in injuries ranging from minor scratches to severe, life-threatening wounds.
If you have been bitten by a dog because of a negligent owner, our Peoria dog bite lawyers may be able to help you pursue fair compensation. Call (309) 250-1871 or fill out our online contact form today.
Prevalence & Statistics
Based on data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), we know that approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States. Around 800,000 of these require medical attention. While fatalities are rare, they do occur, with an average of 30-50 deaths reported annually in the U.S.
Risk Factors
Several factors can increase the likelihood of a dog bite:
Age: Children between 5 and 9 are at the highest risk of dog bites
Familiarity: Contrary to popular belief, most dog bites involve dogs known to the victim
Dog breed: While dogs can bite, some breeds are statistically more likely to be involved in severe bite incidents
Dog’s history: Dogs with a history of aggression or that have not been spayed or neutered may pose a higher risk
Situational factors: Stressful situations for dogs, such as illness, injury, or protecting their territory, can increase bite risk
Types of Injuries
Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity:
Puncture wounds: These are the most common type of dog bite injuries
Lacerations: Deep cuts that may require stitches
Crush injuries: Particularly from large dogs with strong jaws
Infection: Up to 18% of dog bites become infected, with risks including rabies, tetanus, and various bacterial infections
Psychological trauma: Beyond physical injuries, dog bites can cause lasting emotional distress, particularly in children
How Schierer & Ritchie, LLC Can Help
If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, our Schierer & Ritchie, LLC team can provide valuable assistance. We draw on our extensive experience to evaluate the strength of your case and assess potential compensation.
Our approach involves:
Gathering and preserving crucial evidence to support your claim.
Handling all communications with insurance companies and, when necessary.
Providing robust representation in court.
We aim to guide you through the legal process, advocating for your interests at every step.
Dog Bite Prevention Strategies
Preventing dog bites involves education and responsible pet ownership:
Never approach an unfamiliar dog, especially one that’s unattended or chained
Always ask the owner’s permission before petting a dog
Don’t disturb a dog sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies
Teach children how to interact with dogs safely
Properly socialize and train dogs from an early age
Keep dogs on a leash in public places
Spay or neuter dogs to reduce aggressive tendencies
Legal Implications
Dog bite laws vary by state and locality, but generally fall into one of three categories:
Strict Liability: The dog owner is liable for any injury their dog causes, regardless of its previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressiveness
One-Bite Rule: The owner is liable if they knew or should have known their dog had aggressive tendencies
Negligence: The owner is liable if their negligence in controlling the dog led to the bite
Illinois Dog Bite Law
Illinois follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. Under the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression or the owner was aware of such tendencies. This means the victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent to receive compensation.
To establish a dog bite claim under this law, the victim must prove:
No Provocation: The victim was peaceably conducting themselves and did not provoke the dog
Injury: The victim was bitten or attacked by a dog
Lawful Presence: The victim was lawfully on the property where the incident occurred
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Based on our experience, we recommend the following steps if a dog bites you:
Seek immediate medical attention
Report the incident to local authorities
Document everything, including photos of injuries and the incident location
Identify the dog and its owner if possible
Consult with an experienced personal injury attorney
Defenses Against Dog Bite Claims
Illinois dog owners may attempt to use certain defenses against dog bite claims.
The most common defenses include:
Provocation: Claiming the victim provoked the dog, leading to the bite
Trespassing: Arguing the victim was unlawfully on the property when the bite occurred
Assumption of Risk: Asserting that the victim assumed the risk of being bitten by engaging in certain activities with the dog
With a background in prosecution, we know how the other side thinks—and how to build stronger defenses and smarter injury claims.
Local Experience, Proven Results
Born and raised here, we’ve handled thousands of cases across Illinois and recovered millions for clients in your community.
Trial-Ready Custom Strategy
Every case is prepared as if it’s going to court, giving you maximum leverage whether we’re negotiating or litigating.
24/7 Availability & Clear Communication
We’re always just a call away—and we make sure you’re informed at every stage of your case.
Why You Need an Experienced Personal Injury Lawyer
Navigating a dog bite claim can be complex, especially given the specific laws in Illinois. At Schierer & Ritchie, LLC, we understand the intricacies of these cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer brings valuable expertise to your case, from evaluating the strength of your claim and assessing potential compensation to gathering and preserving crucial evidence.
We handle all communications with insurance companies, working diligently towards securing fair compensation for your injuries. If your case goes to trial, we’ll advocate for your rights and interests in court. Our goal is to guide you through every step of the legal process, allowing you to focus on your recovery while we handle the complexities of your case.
Contact Us Today
Dog bites are a serious issue that can have significant physical, emotional, and financial consequences. By understanding the risks, implementing prevention strategies, and knowing how to respond when bites occur, we can reduce the incidence of these traumatic events. When dog bites occur, seeking appropriate medical care and, when necessary, experienced legal representation is essential to protect your rights and interests.
Call our dog bite attorneys in Peoria today at (309) 250-1871 or reach out online to schedule your free initial consultation.
“The results of having them on my case were better than I could have ever imagined and the level of care and compassion I received was next to none. On top of all of that, their skills and knowledge prevented me from receiving an undeserved felony charge.”
