Not all injuries caused by dogs have to do with a vicious animal or dog bite accident. Even friendly dogs can cause serious injury. If an excited or energetic dog jumps up on someone, they can knock the person over, causing serious damage. If you were injured by a dog knock down accident, you may be able to get compensation for your injuries.
Dog Knock Down Accidents in Illinois
A dog knocking someone to the ground may not sound serious. The internet even has video compilations of dogs knocking people over. This can be funny until you realize that being knocked to the ground can cause a serious injury.
Like other pedestrian accidents and injuries, it does not necessarily take a lot of force or speed to injure someone. People in Illinois may be familiar with the experience of slipping on an icy sidewalk and landing on their rear, side, or back. A sudden fall to the ground can cause bruising, broken bones, back injury, neck injury, or a traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Elderly Victims of Dog Knock Down Accidents
Elderly people can be more susceptible to injuries when knocked over by an animal. Seniors may have a harder time reacting quickly to an approaching dog and may not be able to avoid getting knocked over. Older individuals may be more likely to break a hip or other bones when falling to the ground. As a result of a fall, the elderly may take more time to heal or contract an illness while in the hospital.
A senior couple was taking a walk through a park in Peterborough, Canada. Some excited dogs who were off-leash ran over to the couple, and a Lab ran right into the back of the woman’s legs, knocking her over. The woman landed on her head and neck and suffered painful injuries.
Child Victims of Dog Knock Downs
A toddler in Australia died when he got tangled up in their family dogs’ leashes. The 3-year-old child was out on a walk with the family and their two dogs, an Alsatian and a husky. The dogs got loose and the child was tangled in the leashes, knocking him to the ground. Paramedics were called after the child collapsed and he was found unconscious and not breathing. The child later died at the hospital from head injuries.
Are Dog Owners Liable for Dog Knock-Down Injuries?
Illinois law does not limit dog attacks just to bites. Under 510 ILCS 5/16, if a dog or other animal, without provocation, attacks, attempts to attack, or injures any person who is peaceably conducting himself or herself in any place where he or she may lawfully be, the owner of such dog or other animal is liable in civil damages to such person for the full amount of the injury proximately caused thereby.
An injury victim may not want to blame the owner of the dog for the accident. However, if the accident caused an injury that required medical attention or missing days from work, you may have the right to get compensated for your losses. In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance carrier will cover the damages. Contact your Illinois personal injury attorney to find out about compensation in your case.
Aurora and Chicagoland Dog Injury Attorney
If you or your child were injured in a dog attack in Aurora or the Chicagoland area, you need an experienced Illinois personal injury lawyer. Contact the Cullotta Bravo Law Group today at 630-898-7800 to schedule your free consultation.
