There are many dog lovers in the state of Florida, and they make excellent pets and companions. However, even those without a history of aggression may become anxious and feel the need to protect themselves or the people they live with when there is no threat.
Dog and other animal bites are typical, and you can treat many at home without suffering lasting consequences. When a pet causes severe harm without provocation, the civil court could entitle you to collect a settlement from the liable party. Schedule to meet a Tavares dog bite lawyer if you have questions or need help with a case. A personal injury attorney could secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
The injuries from an animal bite or attack can be mild to severe. When an individual sustains serious harm, it requires immediate treatment from a healthcare professional.
There is also a high potential for infection, so cleaning the area and monitoring it closely for inflammation is crucial. Some of the common dog bite injuries include the following:
- Broken or punctured skin leading to severe infections
- Severe face or eye injuries
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Head and skull injuries causing a traumatic brain injury
- Permanent nerve or tissue damage
- Severe emotional trauma
A dog bite attorney in Tavares could help collect the evidence to prove damages and recover an adequate settlement from the at-fault party.
Animal Attacks Involving Children
While an animal attack can be severe for everyone, it can be especially damaging for children. Their height makes them more vulnerable to face and head damage and more likely to sustain severe psychological and emotional harm. The event will likely leave them with severe trauma, requiring ongoing treatment.
Aggressive dogs are also more likely to attack younger kids, leaving them with life-threatening or fatal injuries. Children are more vulnerable for various reasons, including rough play and their inability to protect themselves during an attack.
The Dog Owner’s Liability for Damages
While many states have a one bite rule concerning liability for animal attacks, Florida is a strict liability state. Recovering damages in a civil lawsuit does not require the plaintiff to prove the dog owner was negligent. According to Florida Statutes § 767.04, the pet owner is liable for damages and losses when a person sustains injuries from a dog bite or attack in public or after lawfully entering a private premise.
The defendant is responsible for covering financial damages, whether or not the dog has a history of viciousness. If local authorities declare the dog dangerous, there are additional precautions the owner must take. Failing to do so can lead to higher civil and criminal penalties. A lawyer in Tavares understands the state’s statutes and how to apply them to dog bite claims.
Call a Seasoned Tavares Dog Bite Attorney Today
Injury law is complex, requiring extensive legal knowledge and skilled litigation and negotiations. An experienced Tavares dog bite lawyer could help you navigate the civil court process and collect the award you deserve to cover your injuries and losses.
While it is a common misconception that certain breeds are dangerous and others are not, all dogs can be aggressive if they feel threatened. More aggressive guard dogs may attack if they think the owner is at risk of harm. Call today to schedule an appointment if you need help with a claim to recover damages after an animal attack.
