Dogs are one of the most beloved animals in the world, and not without reason–they’re fun, generally obedient, and most importantly, they return the love we give them. Unfortunately, some dogs were born nasty or were taught to be nasty, either directly or indirectly. When people do not train their dogs properly, or even sometimes downright abuse their dogs, their dog will most likely become a public safety threat.
If you are someone who was bitten by a dog, you may have sustained some very serious injuries that require financial compensation to help cover the cost of your medical bills, in-home care, lost wages, and more. If you find yourself in this situation, here are some of the questions you may have regarding your legal options going forward:
How are people injured in dog attacks?
Some of the most common injuries we see relating to dog attacks are as follows:
- Broken bones
- Gnaw gashes that require stitches
- Permanent scarring
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
Are dog owners responsible for their dog if it bites someone?
In most cases, dog owners are responsible for acts of violence or aggression on their dog’s part. Those who can prove that they were bitten by a dog either on public property or while lawfully on private property are generally eligible for financial compensation. However, there are certain exceptions that you should bear in mind. For example, if you were bitten by a dog because you were trespassing, teasing, or otherwise provoking an act of aggression, you may not have a valid personal injury claim.
Additionally, most people who are bitten because they stepped on private property with “beware of dog” and other warning signs or barriers present and were bitten may not have a valid claim, as the defendant would argue they should have known better. However, if this happens to a child under the age of six, there may still be grounds for a lawsuit.
What should I do after being attacked by a dog?
When you are attacked, you must first call 911. The local authorities will diffuse the situation and take you to get medical treatment. From here, you should gather all witness contact information if you plan on filing a claim. You should then hire an experienced attorney who is ready to fight for the compensation you deserve. Florida PI is here to help.
Contact our experienced Florida firm
Our firm understands the potential repercussions of a serious accident. If you are injured due to another party’s negligence, you should not have to fight the uphill battle for financial compensation on your own. When you hire one of our attorneys, you are hiring a devoted, caring, and aggressive attorney who will tenaciously fight for your rights. If you or someone you know was injured in an accident and wishes to schedule a consultation, please do not hesitate to contact the Florida Personal Injury Law Team today.
