Knowing what to do after a dog bite in Chicago is critical, as dog bites and other animal bites can lead to serious infection, injury, or exposure to rabies. Whether the bite came from a pet or wild animal, immediate medical attention and proper first aid can help avoid long-term damage for most animal bites. Our Chicago dog bite attorney team helps victims recover medical care costs and protect their rights after being bitten.
What to Do After Dog Bites in Chicago
Here’s what to do after dog bites in Chicago:
Find a Safe Place
After a dog bite, the first step is to move to a safe area away from the potentially dangerous animal to prevent being bitten again. Stay calm and avoid provoking the dog or other wild animals involved. Once you’re safe, assess the wound and begin basic first aid if you’re able.
First Aid Medical Care Steps
Once you’re in a safe place, check the bite wound for bleeding. Apply a clean cloth with gentle pressure to stop the bleeding, and if you’re bleeding severely, go to the emergency room immediately.
Clean the affected area using a clean cloth with mild soap and warm water to reduce the risk of infection, then apply antibiotic ointment. Cover the wound with a sterile bandage or clean dressing and seek medical attention from a doctor if needed.
When to Seek Medical Attention For Animal Bites
You should seek medical attention for animal bites if you experience signs of infection such as redness, swelling, pain, or pus. Deep puncture wounds, bites that are bleeding severely, or injuries caused by unknown or unvaccinated wild animals also require urgent care. A healthcare professional may recommend a tetanus shot or rabies vaccination, along with antibiotic ointment, and daily antibiotics to treat or avoid infection.
Contact Animal Control
After a dog bite or animal bite, it’s important to contact animal control in Chicago to report the incident and help prevent future attacks. Animal control can investigate whether the animal is dangerous and confirm if it has up-to-date shots.
Request Proof Of Rabies Shots
If you’re bitten by a dog or other pet, always request proof of rabies shots from the owner as soon as possible. Verifying the animal’s rabies vaccination status helps determine whether you need urgent rabies or tetanus shots to prevent serious illness. Without this proof, a healthcare professional may recommend treatment to prevent or fight infection, especially if the puncture wound is deep or there’s a high risk of infection.
What Happens When You Report a Dog Bite to Animal Control in Illinois?
When you report a dog bite to animal control in Illinois, the entity investigates the cat or dog bite incident, verifies the animal is up to date on shots for rabies, and may place the pet under observation. This is crucial because cat or dog bites can transmit diseases through their teeth, especially when the skin is broken or the injury is severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control, reporting dog bites to animal control helps manage the risk of infection and ensures the person bitten receives appropriate care. Our dog bite attorneys can also assist with protecting your legal rights and pursuing compensation.
Do I Have to Report a Dog Bite to My Insurance?
Yes, you should report a dog bite to your insurance if you plan to file a claim for medical attention, injury, or other related costs. Whether the bite occurred on your property or someone else’s, notifying your insurer helps document that you were bitten and protects your rights. In some cases, a dog bite attorney can guide you on how to deal with insurance and pursue additional compensation for treatment and lost wages.
If a Dog Bites a Child Does It Have to Be Put Down in Illinois?
In Illinois, if a dog bites a child, it does not automatically have to be put down. The dog is typically confined and monitored under the Animal Control Act to check for signs of rabies or whether it is potentially dangerous. Euthanasia may only occur if the animal poses a serious risk after evaluation. Because children are the most common victims of dog bites, families should teach children about dog safety.
If your child has been bitten by a pet, contact a children’s injury lawyer in Chicago to pursue an injury claim for medical attention, pain, and other damages related to the puncture wound.
How Bad Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Sue in Illinois?
In Illinois, you can sue for a dog bite if the injury caused pain, required seeking medical assistance, or led to lasting issues like infection, scarring, or emotional trauma. Even a wound that seems minor can justify legal action if it breaks the skin or results in the need for antibiotics to avoid infection. Illinois law does not require the dog to be declared dangerous or the injury to be severe to file a dog bite claim. Our dog bite attorneys help victims pursue fair financial compensation for their losses.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Chicago
To file a dog bite lawsuit in Chicago, start by seeking medical treatment after being bitten, especially if there’s bleeding, pain, or a risk of infection. Report the dog bite to request that the dog’s owner provide proof of shots for rabies and document all injuries with a healthcare professional. Then contact a dog bite attorney to help you file an injury claim for seeking medical treatment, lost wages, and financial compensation. Illinois law holds dog owners liable for most animal bites, even if the dog has no history of aggression.
How a Chicago Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
A Chicago dog bite attorney can help you take legal action after a serious bite wound, guiding you through every step of your injury claim. Our personal injury lawyers in Chicago, Illinois, work to secure full financial compensation for care costs, including visits to a doctor to treat injuries to the head, arms, or legs caused by a dog’s teeth.
We investigate whether the dog was sick, unvaccinated, or previously reported, and handle all communication with insurance. Call 312-321-1111 or contact us online for a free consultation and experienced help with your dog bite case.
