Dog bites, whether minor or severe, are traumatic and can cause severe injuries with catastrophic consequences. The injuries also have a high potential for infection that could be fatal if not treated by a healthcare professional immediately.
While some dog bites are minor, and you can treat them at home, taking the proper steps is crucial when they are serious. A compassionate Clermont catastrophic dog bite lawyer understands how traumatic the events can be and could help you hold the liable party accountable. Let our dog bite attorneys guide you through the legal process.
Common Types of Catastrophic Injuries
Dogs have incredibly sharp teeth and strong jaws, and an attack leading to being bitten can leave a person with mild to severe injuries, such as:
- Serious infections, such as tetanus, which can lead to paralysis
- Facial injuries and permanent eye damage
- Crush injuries, which lead to internal bleeding, organ damage, and more
- Deep cuts, lacerations, and puncture wounds
- Traumatic amputations
- Severe nerve damage and shredded tendons, arteries, ligaments, and other tissues
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and distress
Some of the potential signs of severe injuries from attacks include uncontrollable bleeding, symptoms of infection, or damaged nerves and tendons. Sometimes, a person fails to understand immediately how serious the injuries are.
Therefore, seeking care from a healthcare professional is crucial. Not only will a physician ensure you treat your injuries as needed, but the medical records and bills will help you recover damages. A catastrophic dog bite attorney in Clermont could answer specific questions about the legal process and recoverable damages during the consultation.
Take Action Quickly
In the aftermath of an attack, taking action quickly is essential. That includes collecting the owner’s contact information and the pet’s name, speaking to witnesses, and taking pictures if possible.
State Strict Liability Rule
While many states follow a “one bite rule” after dog attacks, Florida follows a strict liability rule. Under the guidance of Florida Statute § 767.04, the pet owners are 100 percent responsible for the damages when dogs bite someone while lawfully on their property or in public.
The victim in dog bite cases has the legal right to pursue monetary damages, including medical bills and lost salary. When dogs are defending themselves or the family of the owner while on their property, an injured person is not eligible to seek a settlement. A Clermont attorney could help a person understand the laws that apply after a catastrophic dog bite.
Possible Recoverable Damages
An injured person could seek compensation for the following:
- The cost of healthcare related to the accident, including ongoing surgical procedures and treatment
- Prescriptions and medical equipment
- Lost pay, benefits, and earning potential
- Emotional trauma and distress
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
A catastrophic dog bite lawyer in Clermont understands your challenges and could help gather the crucial evidence needed to collect a fair award for damages.
Meet With an Experienced Catastrophic Dog Bite Attorney in Clermont
Catastrophic dog bite injuries can have long-term or permanent consequences on your life and future. When they occur because the animal owner is negligent, personal injury laws allow you to hold them legally and financially responsible.
You could be eligible for compensation if the carelessness of a dog owner caused you or a loved one to sustain severe bodily harm and losses. Call a knowledgeable Clermont catastrophic dog bite lawyer to schedule an appointment and learn more.
