Here in the United States, underage drinking continues to be a serious safety threat. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 30 percent of high school students admit to consuming alcohol. Every year, more than 4,300 teens die due to alcohol consumption. 

If your child was consuming alcohol at another person’s residence, the adults present are in direct violation of social host liability laws. Perhaps nothing can hurt a parent more than finding out that their child has been injured or killed in an alcohol-related accident. 

With the sunshine finally becoming a mainstay in the greater Chicago area forecast, more and more Chicagoans are choosing to spend time outdoors. Many people view summer as the perfect time to be outside with their dogs. While a large number of furry friends on the city’s streets can be a welcome sight for any dog lover, the influx of animals does come with risk. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), roughly 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Even more concerning is the fact that 20% of all dog bites nationwide result in dangerous infection to the victim. 

Just weeks ago, a couple were attacked by three dogs in Cook County’s Elgin Forest Preserve. After being startled by the stray dogs, the Gurnee couple attempted to fight off the animals. Still, one member of the couple suffered multiple puncture wounds in her leg, ultimately resulting in stitches, ongoing testing for infection, and potentially lifelong emotional trauma. If you or a loved one suffer a dog bite injury this summer, it is important to understand your options for pursuing compensation from any liable parties. 

Avoiding Dog Bites 

Most property owners understand the basics of premises liability. For the most part, an owner&s liability is tied to that owner&s negligence in failing to maintain safe premises or failure to addresses a dangerous condition on the property. Chicago owners are responsible for any number of dangerous conditions, like a vicious dog or an icy patch.

But a recent decision in an Illinois concealed carry law has some property owners questioning just how far their liability extends. The new law does not provide any answers because it does not specifically address who is liability if something happens because of a concealed carry in an otherwise "gun-free" zone.

Business owners, of course, have the option to post gun-free or no-guns-allowed signs but signs may not prevent someone from coming into the business with a concealed weapon.

People generally try to keep their homes safe, even if it&s simply for their own health and safety, or to protect their family. But homeowners and property owners also need to keep their land safe for others who enter their property and should take into account any guests and visitors.

Premises liability is a real issue and it is a property owner&s responsibility to maintain the appropriate safety standards. This includes restraining any dangerous, or potentially dangerous animals. Unfortunately for one 9-year-old boy in Illinois, his neighbors didn&t necessarily take this responsibility too seriously.

The boy went to the hospital following a dog attack in his neighbor&s yard. The local Peoria animal protective services are looking into the incident and plan to release more information once the investigation is complete.