Dog Bite Lawyer Florida
According to statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are approximately 4.7 million people bitten by dogs in the United States each year. This comes out to one in 70 people who become victims of dog bites each year. If you have suffered a dog bite or attack, contact a dog bite lawyer Florida families trust from Tuttle Law, P.A. to find out what legal recourse you may have for the losses your injuries have caused.
Although it is rare that dog bites result in the victim’s death, many of these attacks do result in serious to severe injuries. National statistics show that more than 800,000 dog bites result in the victim being hospitalized every year. Even though most dogs are lovable and friendly animals, a dog that is triggered or provoked can very quickly become a dangerous one. The following are some of the more serious injuries dog bite victims can suffer.
Injuries of the Victim’s Face
Dog bites to the face can be devastating for the victim because of the permanent damage and scarring these bites can leave. In addition, bite injuries to the victim’s mouth area can have a significant impact on their ability to speak or eat. If the dog bites or claws at the victim’s eyes, they can suffer blindness. Dog bites or mauling to the face often require extensive reconstructive surgery. The cost of these surgeries is often substantial and should be included in any dog bite lawsuit settlement or award the victim files.
Injuries to the Victim’s Limbs
Many dog bite injuries are to a victim’s arms or legs. Legs are especially vulnerable because an attacking dog has immediate access to the legs. Hands and arms are often bitten if the victim is attempting to pat the dog when the attack occurs. They may also be injured if the victim uses their hands or arms to protect themselves against the attack. Dog bite injuries to limbs can cause nerve damage which can end up being permanent. There is also a high risk of infections, including Pasteurella, MRSA, or rabies that can put the victim’s health at serious risk.
Injuries to the Victim’s Neck
Children are often the victims of dog attacks and because of their size, injuries and bites are usually to their head and neck area. Dog bites to the neck can be fatal because of the risk of he excessive trauma and hemorrhaging. Children who do survive these kinds of attacks often suffer significant and permanent nerve damage, including permanent damage to vocal cords, leaving the child unable to speak.
What Florida Law Says About Dog Bite Accidents
When bitten by a dog, Florida law states the victim may be entitled to compensation. This is true even if the victim was somehow negligent and contributed to the bite. However, their carelessness or negligence will lower the dog owner’s liability.
If a dog bite occurs on the owner’s property, the owner will generally be found liable unless the owner had an easily readable sign displayed in a prominent place that included the words, “Bad Dog.” However, there are exceptions to this. If the victim was under the age of six, or if a dog bites a victim of any age and the injury was caused by the dog owner’s negligence, having such a sign displayed will not shield the dog owner from liability for injuries their dog causes.
How Our Lawyers Can Help with Your Dog Bite Case
Hiring an attorney to represent you in a dog bite action means you have an advocate on your side, helping to make sure the dog’s owner is held accountable. The dog’s owner, or his or her insurance company, may offer you money as compensation after a dog bite injury. Have an attorney review your case before you accept such a settlement. An experienced personal injury attorney can provide an objective evaluation of the case and offered settlement amount, making sure you receive fair compensation.
Tuttle Law, P.A., Has the Knowledge And Experience You Need
Dog bites can cause serious injury to a person. If you or someone you love was injured because of a dog bite, it is important to understand that you have rights under Florida law. When you choose to work with Tuttle Law, P.A., you can have the confidence and peace of mind that comes from knowing your attorney is compassionate and fair but isn’t afraid to be aggressive about fighting for your rights. We work hard to help injured people get justice.
Each Florida dog bite lawyer at Tuttle Law, P.A., has successfully helped many victims of dog bite injuries recover the compensation they are owed. To learn more about dog bite cases, call us or contact us online today to schedule a free initial case evaluation in our Vero Beach office.