Dog Bite Injuries In South Florida And Your Rights In A Claim
While dogs are among our favorite pets and are welcome in public places throughout South Florida, dog bites pose serious risks. They can cause debilitating injuries and often leave victims suffering emotional trauma in the aftermath.
When dog bites in Fort Lauderdale happen, you have the right to hold the dog owner liable. Our Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorney explains more about these injuries, the laws surrounding them, and your rights to compensation.
Dog Bite Injuries in South Florida Can Cause Devastating Harm To Victims
Dogs have a reputation for being trusted companions, but they also pose risks. Even the most mild-mannered and well-behaved pup can turn aggressive in certain situations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports nearly 4.5 million dog bites happen throughout the U.S. each year. Children are among the most common victims, but they can happen to anyone at any age. Common injuries due to dog bites in Fort Lauderdale include:
- Deep lacerations and puncture wounds;
- Torn muscles or tendons and nerve damage;
- Facial injuries, causing permanent scarring and disfigurement;
- Loss of limbs;
- Dangerous infections due to bacteria in the dog’s saliva;
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), causing anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and other troubling symptoms for long after an attack.
Holding Dog Owners Liable For Dog Bite Injuries in Fort Lauderdale
Some states follow a ‘one free bite’ rule in terms of liability for dog bite injuries. This means the owner is not liable if their dog never showed signs of aggression in the past. Fortunately, this rule does not apply in the Sunshine State.
Under the Florida Statutes, dog owners are responsible for restraining their pet and posting warning signs on their property. Provided you were not trespassing and did not do anything to provoke an attack, you can hold them liable either through their property insurance (which generally covers dog bites) or by filing a lawsuit against them through the Broward County Civil Court. Compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries includes:
- Payment of all current and future medical costs stemming from the dog bite or attack;
- Payment for lost wages and future lost income if you suffer long-term disabilities;
- Payment for your pain, suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and lost enjoyment in life;
- Additional amount if the dog owner was grossly negligent, such as failing to restrain a pet with a history of aggressive behavior.
Protect Your Rights In An Injury Claim. Contact Our Experienced Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney.
Dog bite injuries in Fort Lauderdale can cause devastating harm to victims. You have the right to hold the dog owner liable for medical costs and other losses, either through their insurers or by filing a dog bite lawsuit against them through the Broward County Court.
To protect your rights to compensation in a South Florida injury claim, contact Boone & Davis. We take the actions needed to get you the maximum compensation. Request a consultation today with our experienced Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorney.
Source:
cdc.gov/healthy-pets/about/dogs.html
leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0767/Sections/0767.04.html
