Dog Bite Lawyer
Dogs are Americans’ favorite pet. In fact, statistics showthat about 602 million Americans have a dog. But while dogs may be cuddly, cute, and man’s best friend, they can also be aggressive, especially if they feel threatened. In fact, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
A dog bite can be both seriously scary and seriously injurious. If you have been bitten by a dog, our dog bite lawyer can assist you in understanding your rights and options.
Injuries from a Dog Attack
If a dog attacks, the injuries may be serious. This is true whether the dog merely knocks a person down, takes a bite, or viciously bites multiple times. Potential injuries from a dog bite include:
- Bone fractures;
- Scarring;
- Disfigurement;
- Psychological harm, including post-traumatic stress disorder;
- Infection;
- Bleeding;
- Internal injuries; and
- Traumatic brain injuries (if a person hit their head while falling).
Sometimes, a dog bite can cause long-term scarring or disability. In the most severe of cases, a dog attack can even be fatal.
Liability for a Dog Bite in Florida
Florida statute is clear about a dog owner’s liability for harm caused to another person, with Section 767.04 of the 2018 Florida Statutes reading that the owner of any dog who bites another is liable for all damages suffered by the bitten person, regardless of whether or not the owner of the dog knew the dog to be dangerous if:
- The person was in a public place; or
- Was lawfully on private property.
The statute also reads that any negligence on the part of the dog bite victim can reduce the liability of the dog owner. For example, if you were teasing the dog at the time you were attacked, you may be found to be 40 percent negligent, and therefore your damages award would be reduced in proportion to your degree of negligence.
What to Do after a Dog Bite
If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take certain steps as soon as possible both for the sake of your health and to preserve your right to file a claim. We recommend:
- Getting medical treatment as soon as possible;
- Getting the dog owner’s information;
- Writing down the details of the dog bite event;
- Reporting the dog bite to the police or your local county health department; and
- Calling a Jacksonville dog bite lawyer.
Reach Out to Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today
At the law office of Douglas & Douglas, our dog bite lawyers know how traumatic being attacked by a dog can be. If you’re managing medical expenses and injuries after a dog bite, call our lawyers today to learn more about how we can help you bring forth a claim for damages against the dog’s owner. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, and consultations are always offered free of charge. We are an experienced group of lawyers with a reputation you can trust.