Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can lead to serious medical problems. There are over four million dog bite attacks reported annually in the U.S. Unfortunately, most dog bite victims are children. With that said, most dog attacks happen at home or in a familiar setting, with the dog belonging to the victim’s family or a friend. While most pets don’t show aggression, enough provocation can lead even the calmest to bite.

Steps to Take After a Bite Injury

If a dog attacks you, act quickly to gather helpful evidence. As always, the priority after an animal attack should be to seek medical attention at once. Proper evidence that can assist with your dog bite claim can include:

• The name of the dog and its owner
• The dog owner’s address
• Names and addresses belonging to any eye witnesses of the attack
• Photos and descriptions of any injuries
• Photos and descriptions of the location of the attack
• Medical evaluation from the treating physician describing any injuries

Florida Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Liability

There are specific laws that apply to dog bite cases. In Florida, dog owners are liable for injuries if their dog attacks someone on any property. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has ever shown aggressive behavior before, and it doesn’t matter if the dog was on a leash or off it. In fact, you don’t need an actual bite to file a damages claim; injuries from being knocked over or falling while escaping an aggressive dog are still covered. If a dog’s actions or behavior inflicted any injuries to yourself, your pet or damaged your property, the owner can be held liable for any damage their dog may have caused.

Type of Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks

Dog bites and attacks can leave a victim suffering from serious injuries. Physical injuries can include:

• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Infection
• Rabies
• Broken Bones or Fractures
• Nerve Damage

A victim of a dog bite may suffer long-term psychological trauma, including nightmares and a lasting fear of dogs. Dog bites can require hefty medical expenses for plastic and reconstructive services. You can still file a claim for compensation if you know the dog owner whose pet attacked you or a loved one injuries. Sometimes this is your only choice if you have sustained extensive losses. Most homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bites, so damages are usually paid for by the insurance company. The Dog Bite Attorneys at Whittel & Melton can help you recover compensation for lost wages, medical expenses, emotional suffering, and property damage.

Why You Need Experienced Legal Help After a Dog Bite Injury

Regardless of your dog bite injury circumstances, our Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in The Villages can offer the legal support you need to recover financial compensation.

We can help with any of the following dog bite injuries or attacks:

• Child Injuries: Children are much more likely to be victims of dog bites and/or attacks because of their small stature. Sometimes, children run up to dogs without fully understanding that they can be aggressive/dangerous. A dog bite injury can affect a child for the rest of their life, and we can help hold the vicious dog’s owner accountable for their pet’s actions.
• Dog Attacks at Parks: Parks and specific dog parks allow pet owners to let their dogs socialize and play with others. However, if a dog is not monitored correctly, it can quickly attack other dogs or people on the property. If another vicious dog attacks your dog, then we may seek compensation for emergency care and all other vet bills.
• Off-Leash Dogs: If a dog escapes its home, roams the streets or neighborhood, and attacks someone, we can help identify the owner to pursue compensation for damages. Dog bites can result in scars and disfigurement that require cosmetic surgery and nerve damage, loss of sensation, and paralysis. It could take months to years for these injuries to heal fully.
• Non-Bite Injuries: Dog attack victims do not always suffer from bite injuries. Victims could suffer broken bones or had trauma from falls or other serious injuries from traffic accidents caused by a dog.
• Aggresive Dog Breeds: Pit bulls or Rottweilers are inherently more likely to be aggressive or dangerous than other dogs. Owners who fail to train these dogs properly can be considered negligent if they attack others.
• Wrongful Death: In the worst cases, dog attacks can result in death. We can help surviving family members pursue financial compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of income, loss of companionship, and all other damages that result.

If you need answers related to a dog bite injury in The Villages, contact Whittel & Melton today for a free initial evaluation of your case. We can assist with dog bite claims throughout Lake, Sumter and Marion Counties. Contact us online or call 352-369-5334.