What are Your Options When You Have Been Bit by a Non-Immunized Dog?

Being bit by a dog can be stressful enough, but being bit by a dog that is not up to date on his or her immunizations can be downright scary. Dogs can carry diseases, many of which affect humans as well. One such disease is rabies.

Rabies is a dangerous and potentially fatal virus that causes madness and convulsions. It is transferred through saliva, but most mammals contract the disease via bites. Because of how serious a condition it is, Illinois state law requires all dogs to be vaccinated for rabies at four months old, to receive their booster by month 12, and to be vaccinated thereafter in accordance with the schedule set forth by the USDA.

If a dog owner does not comply with state law and fails to get his or her canine vaccinated, and if that dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable for damages, no matter how great they may be. If you or a loved one was bit by a non-immunized dog in Illinois, you may be feeling scared and even angry. You may wonder if you can pursue damages from the negligent dog owner and, if so, how to go about doing so. Fortunately, the law is on your side. Contact the dog bite lawyers at Brassfield & Krueger, LTD., to discuss your options for recovery today.

Illinois Strict Liability

All states adhere to either a negligence or a strict liability legal theory regarding dog bites. Illinois happens to be a strict liability state. In a strict liability dog bite law state, dog owners are liable for any damages caused by their pets regardless of whether or not they were aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. A dog bite victim can recover compensation for damages even if the dog that bit him or her does not have a history of biting.

What Happens When the Dog is Not Immunized?

If you were bit by a dog, the very first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if the wound is not serious. This is a must if you learn that the dog is not up-to-date on his or her immunizations. Rabies has the highest mortality rate of any other virus on earth, at 99.9%. The key to survival is immediate treatment.

If the doctor suspects rabies, or if the dog’s tests come back positive for rabies, your doctor will begin treatment immediately, starting with the rabies vaccine. The vaccine is successful if given immediately after exposure. You will get the first dose right after being bit and four additional doses over the course of two weeks.

Once you have been treated, contact an Illinois dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. A skilled lawyer can assess your damages and place a value on your claim. He or she can then collect the evidence necessary to prove negligence and recover the compensation you need and deserve to enjoy a comfortable recovery.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer for Legal Help

If you were bitten by a dog in Illinois, the law is on your side. However, it never hurts to work with a skilled Illinois dog bite lawyer, especially when dealing with a dog whose shot record is not up to date. Call Brassfield & Krueger, LTD., to discuss your case today.