Dogs of all sizes, from German Shepherds to Chihuahuas, have the potential to attack and cause injuries. It may be tempting to simply ignore bites by small dogs - they often do not seem as serious as bites by larger dogs. Yet, all dog bites have the potential to cause serious infections and other problems. If you were injured by a dog, consider calling an attorney after you seek medical treatment. Even if the bite does not seem serious right away, it is best to speak to an attorney, as this can help your claim should you later decide to pursue compensation. 

Is a Small-Dog Bite Dangerous? 

The biggest risk from any animal bite, including small dogs is usually infection. When it comes to infection risk, it makes little difference whether you were bitten by a Pit Bull or a Poodle. All types of dogs - and cats, for that matter - carry bacteria in their mouths. Dogs pick up potentially dangerous bacteria from everything they lick or pick up with their mouths. 

When a dog bites a human, some of that bacteria is injected into the person’s body. This commonly results in localized infections around the bite area. The greatest danger comes if that infection becomes severe or spreads. People have had to be hospitalized for widespread infections that result from seemingly insignificant small animal bites. 

In Illinois, the owner or manager of any given premises has a duty to keep the area safe for anyone who is allowed to enter. This means that the floors should be safe to walk on, but this is not always the case. After a slip and fall injury, there are a few steps you can take immediately to protect your legal right to receive compensation. If you or your loved one is injured then getting prompt medical care is the number one priority.  It is also critical to document the accident as soon as it happens. If possible, call a lawyer from the scene so he or she can guide you through the next steps. Otherwise, these guidelines may be helpful to you. 

Steps You Can Take After a Slip and Fall

If emergency medical care is needed, that always takes precedence. Getting proper documentation and contacting an attorney are the next priorities. Here are some steps you can take right away after a slip and fall: 

• Get Medical Care - Do not try to get up right away if you may have injured your neck or back. Wait for EMTs to arrive. Get a thorough medical examination. Have all your injuries treated and documented?

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If you have been injured in a collision with a large commercial truck, you may need all the help you can get to recover compensation for your extensive medical expenses and other damages related to your injuries. In these cases, it is important to look into the actions of not only the truck driver, but also the company that employs them. An experienced truck accident attorney who is well-versed in trucking industry regulations can help you hold all of the negligent parties accountable. Here are some of the most common Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that can affect the outcome of a personal injury claim.

1. Hours of Service Regulations

Hours of service regulations limit a truck driver’s hours on duty and on the road, on both a per-shift and weekly basis. They also require drivers to keep detailed logs of their hours. If there is evidence that a driver or their employer violated these regulations, it may be possible to demonstrate that fatigue and impaired driving abilities contributed to an accident and the resulting injuries.

2. Drug Testing Regulations

Trucking companies are required to test their drivers for controlled substances during the hiring process, after certain accidents, and randomly throughout the year. If there is evidence of a truck driver’s intoxication leading to an accident, their employer may also be liable if company records indicate a failure to follow drug testing regulations.

When a person is injured in a car accident, filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party is often the best way to recover financial compensation for medical expenses and other damages. Most Illinois drivers have liability coverage included in their car insurance policy, which can provide substantial compensation to injury victims when the driver is responsible for an accident.

Unfortunately, however, it is not always possible to recover compensation through the at-fault driver’s liability insurance. When this is the case, injury victims may instead need to seek financial relief through uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage.

Do I Have Uninsured and Underinsured Motorist Coverage?

In order to file an uninsured or underinsured motorist claim, you first must determine whether you have an insurance policy that provides you with this coverage. If you have a car insurance policy for your own vehicle, there is a good chance that you have uninsured and underinsured motorist coverage for bodily injury, as this coverage is automatically included in policies issued in Illinois. If you do not have a policy of your own, you still may be covered under a policy held by your spouse, parent, or another member of your household.

If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence in Illinois, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages. This can include economic damages for your medical bills and lost wages, providing you with much-needed financial relief. However, not all of the effects of serious injuries are financial, and Illinois recognizes this by allowing injury victims to recover certain non-economic damages as well. One form of non-economic damages that may apply in your case is compensation for physical scarring or disfigurement.

Injuries That May Result in Disfigurement

A number of situations could cause injuries that result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Some of the most common include:

• Motor vehicle accidents - In a car, truck, or motorcycle crash, lacerations from broken glass and road rash can cause visible scarring. A collision can also cause dismemberment or complications that require the amputation of a limb.

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