Most of the time, dogs truly are man’s best friend; they are companions, confidants, and family members. But when a dog is threatened, sick, stray, mistreated, or abused, it can lash out and bite. Sadly, humans, particularly children, are often on the receiving end (about 1,000 emergency room cases each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Some can be prevented, but many cannot. As such, knowing what to do in the event of a dog bite is the best course of action, particularly for parents of small children.

Victim Usually Knows the Dog

The first thing you should know about dog bites is that the victim usually knows the dog or its owner. They might not have a close enough relationship to fully understand the dog’s temperament or be immediately recognized by the pet, but they have at least seen or know of the pet. This can actually work in the favor of the victim since it can make it easier to determine whether or not the dog is up-to-date on its vaccinations.

A horrifying scene in the Bronx, New York, last fall once again brought national attention to the seriousness of dog attacks. Fortunately the victim survived, but with horrific injuries that required several hours of surgery.

Dog bites continue to be a pervasive problem across the country, and many owners simply plead innocence that they did not think their beloved family pet would be capable of such an act. Roughly 4.4 million people a year are bitten by a dog in the United States, resulting in an estimated 885,000 injuries that require medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

If you or someone close to you has been on the receiving end of an aggressive dog, and sustained injuries, contacting a law office that is equipped and experienced, is advisable. If you have injuries that required treatment, you may be able to recover monetary compensation to cover those expenses and the pain and suffering you have endured.

Summer is a time for enjoying outdoor activities with family and friends. Barbecues, pool parties, or even just walks in the park can help reduce stress and be sources of relaxation for many people. Understandably, it is not uncommon for dog owners to want to include their furry friends in many of these leisure activities. In many cases, this turns out just fine, but sometimes, dogs will bite and when they do, owners may be held fully liable for any injuries sustained.

Dog Bite Provisions in the Law

According the Illinois Animal Control Act, a dog owner is liable for civil damages when his or her dog bites, attacks, or otherwise injures a person who:

As we head into the holiday season, many are preparing to host friendly gatherings and parties. Unfortunately, these parties may also lead to personal injuries that you could be liable for. If you are considering throwing a holiday party this year, there are several things you need to consider.

Update Your Insurance

Before you throw that huge holiday bash, cover your bases financially and contact your homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider to make sure your policy covers you in the even you are found liable for any injuries that occur on your property during the party.

According to a report by NBC Chicago, 25-year-old Nikita Taylor is fighting for his life after being attacked by several pit bulls owned by a neighbor.

Law enforcement officials state that it is unknown exactly how many dogs Taylor was attacked by but witness statements claim that there were anywhere from three to six dogs that were involved in the attack. One witness, Jewell Edwards, told NBC Chicago that she hears the dogs outside all the time, but this time when she went outside, she saw Taylor fighting for his life. Edwards said, "I don’t know if his arm is still on. The skin pulled off the side of his face."

Some of the neighbors stated that they have never seen the dogs attack anyone before, while others state that the dogs are vicious and a concern for the neighborhood. The attack was to believed to have lasted about 20 minutes. The owner could not gain control of the dogs and witnesses to the attack tried to help Taylor. Neighbors attempted to fend off the dogs with bottles, cans, chains, and bats.