How Are Dog Bite Cases Resolved?

Dog Bite Lawyer

For a person who is victimized by a critical dog bite injury, the physical pain is matched only from the psychological trauma. The terrifying sight of an attacking dog can cause deep, long-term psychological issues that require professional treatment.

Virtually 32,000 of the victims of dog bites needed reconstructive surgery.  The most likely victims are kids between the ages of 5-9.

It should come as no surprise that dog bites occur most frequently in families with a dog and that dogs regularly will attack another member of the household. Many are under the misconception that only so-called "competitive" strains, like the Pit Bull or Rottweiler, are prone to attack people. The fact is that even the most loving, mild-mannered family pet can abruptly become agitated enough to attack a family member, which, unfortunately, is frequently a defenseless child. The truth is, 79% of dog attacks happen to a member of the family, in the family home.

Dog Bite Accidents - Reducing Your Risk

Several tips are provided by the CDC for avoiding becoming killed or injured with a dog attack:

• If approached by an unknown dog, remain still
• Never bother a dog that is eating, sleeping, or is caring for its pups
• Avoid direct eye contact with a dog

However, a dog can attack under many conditions. A neighborhood dog can break a leash, jump a fence or otherwise get free, and assault a passerby or landlord.  A negligent dog owner may neglect to properly secure a dog. No matter the scenario, there is really little known as to precisely why a dog unexpectedly attacks. You can find cases of dog bite fatalities - again, most involving kids - in which everyone involved says precisely the same thing in the deposition; the dog was a long-time family pet that never bit anyone in the past.

Florida is a strict liability state, meaning dog owners could be held responsible for a dog assault even when the dog has no history of aggression. Common negligence and negligence per se are just two legal grounds offering the resources to create a fiscal recovery to a victim. Negligence per se deals with a violation of a law, like an area leash ordinance, that results in a dog attack. Florida law does provide for a reduction in a victim's capability to regain damages in cases where he/she is decided to be somewhat at fault. Nonetheless, children under the age of 6 have already been established to be legally incapable of contributory negligence and cannot be deemed at fault in a dog attack.

Should you or someone you love be injured or killed in a dog attack, the personal injury lawyers at The Injury Firm are ready to help. We understand that a dog assault frequently involves a treasured family pet or the pet of a neighbor or family member. In such instances, we are able to assist you and the owner in as amicable a fashion as you can to submit a claim from the homeowner's insurance. Nevertheless, it is important to file a claim when you can in the wake of a dog bite attack. Medical complications, including infection and scarring, are common and emotional difficulties, particularly in elderly adults or young children, often lead to long-term expenses for treatment and care.

How Are Florida Dog Bite Cases Resolved?

Though dogs are supposedly a man’s best friend, and they become family members within days, there are still a surprising number of dog bite cases every year in Florida and across the United States. The CDC (Centers for Disease Control) says that 4.5 million attacks take place every year. Sadly, half of all cases involve children.

While some dog attacks are small and don’t require medical attention, around 20% are considered serious. If you have been injured by a dog while in public, you may be entitled to compensation. With this in mind, don’t be afraid to reach out to the caring personal injury attorneys at The Injury Firm.

Resolution of Dog Bite Cases

Unfortunately, one of the biggest problems with dog bite cases is that the laws in Florida are complex and often confusing. What’s more, each case is unique in terms of circumstances, the extent of injuries, and other details.

Generally, however, the process starts with a case against the dog owner. In Florida, all dog owners have a responsibility to understand the temperament and character of their dog. If their canine friend is known to get aggressive with strangers, it’s wise to keep them on a lead while out in public (especially when children are nearby). If the dog owner is negligent and failed to control their dog, you can bring a case against them.

You don’t need to have dealt with insurance companies to know that they cause all sorts of headaches and stress. Don’t worry, you have The Injury Firm on your side. We have plenty of experience with insurance companies and the tactics that they use to avoid paying any compensation. If you’re injured through no fault of your own, we think that you deserve compensation (we won’t stop until you have it).

As dog bite attorneys, we understand the laws and how to build a successful case. While you focus on recovering from injuries, we’ll build a case. What does this entail? Speaking to eyewitnesses, talking with expert testimonies, gathering paperwork, negotiating with insurance companies, and reconstructing the accident. You don’t need the pressure of a lawsuit at the best of times, let alone while you’re trying to recover from a dog bite.

Contact The Injury Firm

The reason a dog bite attorney is so important is that these incidents drain victims physically, financially, and emotionally. If the incident was not your fault, you shouldn’t have to deal with the consequences. The Injury Firm has the expertise you need to not only follow the correct procedures but also avoid common mistakes. For example, you cannot admit blame to any party. As soon as you do, this can limit the compensation opportunities.

How are Florida dog bite cases resolved? A dog bite attorney will assess your case, push for a settlement (or file a lawsuit), and protect your legal rights while pushing for compensation!