Being bitten by a police dog can be a terrifying and traumatic experience. These animals are highly trained and capable of causing serious injuries in seconds. While police K-9 units are often used during arrests or searches, their use must still follow the law.
If you were bitten by a police dog in Chicago, you have rights, and what you do in the hours and days after the attack with a dog bite injury attorney in Chicago can strongly affect your ability to seek compensation. Here are some of the most important steps to take after a police dog bite in the area.
Get Immediate Medical Treatment
Your health should always come first. Police dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds and severe infections, so you should seek medical care right away and follow all of your treatment recommendations. Make sure your doctor documents:
- The size and depth of the wound
- Signs of infection
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of movement or nerve damage
Medical records can become critical evidence if you later pursue a legal claim.
Identify the Officers and K-9 Unit Involved
If you are physically able, try to determine which police department and K-9 unit were involved in the incident. This may include the Chicago Police Department or another local or regional agency.
You may need various forms of information, like:
- The officers’ names and badge numbers
- The unit that handled the dog
- The location and time of the incident
If you cannot gather this information at the scene, it can often be obtained later through public records requests.
Document Everything as Soon as Possible
Strong documentation can protect you if questions later arise about how and why the bite occurred. As soon as you are able, take photographs of:
- Your injuries from multiple angles
- Bloodied and torn clothing
- The scene where the bite happened
You should also write down exactly what you remember about the incident while it is still fresh. This includes what officers said, whether any warnings were given, and what you were doing at the time of the bite.
Know That Police Dog Bites Are Handled Differently
Unlike typical dog bite cases, police K-9 attacks often involve government immunity issues and different legal standards. Officers are allowed to use police dogs in certain situations, but they cannot use excessive force. If a K-9 was released when it was not reasonably necessary, that could form the basis for a civil rights or personal injury claim.
These cases are highly fact-specific and are not handled the same way as standard dog bite claims. This makes it especially important to schedule a free consultation with a personal injury lawyer in Chicago as soon as you can.
Be Careful What You Say After the Incident
The statements you make after the attack can be used against you later, so it’s best to avoid apologizing or admitting fault in any way. It’s also important to remember that you are not required to give a detailed statement to investigators without legal advice.
Watch the Filing Deadlines Closely
Claims involving government entities in Illinois often have much shorter deadlines than ordinary personal injury cases. For example, notice requirements can apply when a lawsuit is brought against a public entity or employee.
Missing one of these time limits can permanently bar your claim, but an experienced attorney can help ensure you take legal action appropriately and on time.
Contact the Chicago Dog Bite Lawyers With Meyers & Flowers for Legal Help
A police dog bite is not something you should ignore or assume was automatically justified. These incidents raise serious legal questions, and delays can make your case harder to prove. Taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal rights.
If you or a loved one were bitten by a police dog in Chicago, contact Meyers & Flowers for a free consultation today. You can get in touch with us by calling (630) 232-6333 or by reaching out online.