Although Illinois has stiff penalties regarding vicious dogs, even seemingly pleasant dogs may act aggressively in the right circumstances. Unfortunately, the majority of dog bite victims are children.
If the dog is a beloved family member or owned by someone you are close to, it can feel like a betrayal to file a dog bite claim. While you may wrestle with whether to file a claim, the three reasons below may make your decision easier.
1. Cover medical costs
From severe wounds to minor bruising, a dog bite may cause more harm than expected. If the dog has not received proper vaccinations, your child’s risk of getting infected with a disease greatly increases. More severe bites may require surgeries or other procedures. Treating those injuries comes at a cost. Even if the dog owner assures you they will cover the expenses, that comes with no official guarantee.
2. Ease emotional trauma
A dog attack means dealing with physical injuries and emotional trauma. That distress may lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and other mental disorders for a child. On top of the potential medical bills, you may incur unexpected therapy expenses to ensure your child comes out of the experience with no lingering issues.
3. Increase public safety
Even if the dog owner says that an incident like this has never happened, you likely do not know the dog’s full history. Reporting the incident and filing a claim helps ensure that a proper investigation happens. While many dog bites occur due to off-chance circumstances, some dogs may have a penchant for aggressive behavior or may have an illness or wound that is causing them to act out while in pain.
Filing a claim also helps reinforce the need for pet owners to follow the rules and avoid negligent behavior.