No Criminal Charges Filed Over Dog Bite Attack

Thursday, August 2, 2012

No Criminal Charges Filed Over Dog Bite Attack

Written by Malman Law, reviewed by Steve J. Malman.

Early in the morning on Monday, January 2 a jogger was brutally attacked by two pit bulls. Luckily for the man, 62-year-old Joseph Finley, a neighbor heard his cries for help and came to his rescue. The neighbor, Stanley Lee, beat the dogs off with a wooden baseball bat.

Finley was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for multiple dog bite injuries on his feet and legs. Lee did not sustain any dog bite injuries. When police arrived on the scene, one of the dogs charged; both dogs were shot as a result.

The Chicago Sun-Times reports that “police issued citations to the dogs’ owner, who lives near the scene of the attack, for not properly restraining the dogs and not having a license. Police do not plan to charge the owner criminally, police spokesman Ron Gaines said early Tuesday.

It appears the dogs escaped through an open gate, said Chicago Animal Care & Control Commissioner Cherie Travis, who spoke with the owner and a relative.”

Illinois Dog Bite Law

The state of Illinois has strict laws about holding negligent owners liable for a dog biting, attacking, or mauling an individual. In addition to holding the owner liable for dog bite injuries, owners may also be held responsible for injuries suffered by a person who gets hurt while trying to escape from an aggressive animal; the injuries sustained are not limited to dog bite injuries.

Illinois is a “first bite” state, which means that the dog that inflicted the bite wounds does not need to have previously bitten another person for a dog bite victim to be able hold the owner liable. Regardless of what the law states it is imperative that you are represented by an experienced Chicago injury law firm that knows how to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your dog bite wounds.

Dog bite injuries go beyond the pain of the actual dog bite injury site. Dog bite attacks can cause serious internal injuries, permanent disfigurement, emotional trauma, and even death.

DISCLAIMER: All information on this website is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as legal advice. The Law Offices of Malman Law shall not be liable for any errors or inaccuracies contained herein, or any actions taken in reliance thereon.