Each year, millions of people are bitten by dogs. Among them are senior citizens. Seniors are often incapable of protecting themselves, especially against large dogs. For this reason, they could face worse injuries than the average adult.
If you have a senior loved one who was bitten by a dog, read on. You need to know your options and their legal rights in this situation.
The Medical Risks Seniors Face After Dog Bites
About 20 percent of dog bites become infected thanks to germs found in dog saliva. Infections can spread quickly, and some are even fatal. Some seniors may have other concerns with their immune systems, making infection much more likely and much more dangerous.
Another condition that may develop is rabies, a viral disease that is typically fatal. The saliva of an infected dog transmits the disease. If your loved one is bitten by a dog with rabies, you need to seek medical assistance immediately.
MRSA is also possible to catch from a dog bite. This form of staph infection can be asymptomatic in dogs, but it can be deadly in humans.
Scarring is a significant issue many seniors face even after their injuries have technically healed. Fixing scarring can require additional surgeries and procedures that are not only expensive but may also pose a health risk.
The Financial Risks Seniors Face After Dog Bites
Dog bites are incredibly common. In fact, a 2012 study demonstrated that dog bites accounted for about one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claims in 2011. In fact, the average dog bite claim in 2011 was about $29,000.
Why are dog bite claims so expensive? Well, dog bites are expensive to treat thanks to the rising costs of medical treatment. Plus, many people who are injured by dog bites face other problems, like inability to work and therefore lost wages.
While many seniors do not work full-time, they may still be able to recoup financial losses if they are unable to work at all or if they are disabled as a result of the incident. Each situation is a bit different based on the circumstances involved, but an attorney can help your loved one learn more about their rights to compensation.
Often, the only way to ensure that dog bite medical bills are paid for is to pursue a legal case against the dog’s owner or their homeowner’s insurance.
Unfortunately, homeowner’s insurance companies often avoid paying for dog bites. For example, the company may claim that the owner of the dog failed to notify the company that they owned such an animal. As a result, your loved one may have to personally file a suit against the dog owners themselves.
The Legal Rights of Seniors After Dog Bites
Illinois allows individuals bitten by dogs to pursue personal injury cases in court. You must act quickly after the incident because Illinois has a statute of limitations on personal injury cases. In Illinois, the statute of limitations is two years from the day of the bite.
In a personal injury case, you must be able to demonstrate that your loved one was attacked by a dog without provocation and that the resulting injuries caused damage. You should always work with a qualified personal injury attorney for cases like these, as proving injuries and medical claims can be difficult.
Randall A. Wolff & Associates, Ltd., understands that you want to take care of your loved ones to the best of your ability, even if it means you have to pursue a court case. Call us today to set up a consultation with a team of attorneys who care.
