If you, your child, or someone else that you love was recently attacked by a dog in Jacksonville, Florida, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Holding a pet owner responsible for a dog attack may require assistance from an attorney. Bailey & Glasser, LLP’s personal injury lawyers have been trusted with clients’ claims for many years. We have what it takes to help you with your dog bite injury claim. Contact us to start with a free case consultation.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
When dogs attack, they can inflict major damage on their victims. Their teeth and claws can cause multiple wounds in a short amount of time. If the victim is a child or senior citizen, the injuries suffered in a dog attack are even more likely to be critical or fatal.
Examples of injuries caused by dogs include:
- Bacterial infections
- Broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Internal bleeding
- Lacerations
- Neck injuries
- Nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies and other diseases
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Soft-tissue injuries
- Tissue damage
Dog bite injuries send numerous victims to hospitals in Florida each year. Many victims suffer complications and long-lasting harm, including substantial disfigurement, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Florida?
Liability, or legal and financial responsibility, for a dog bite injury in Florida, will typically go to the owner or controller of the animal. Florida’s dog bite injury law (Florida Statutes Section 767.04) states that a pet owner will be held liable for injuries or damage caused by his or her pet, regardless of the prior viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. This means, in most cases, a dog bite injury victim can recover financial compensation from the owner of the dog without having to prove negligence.
If the strict liability rule does not apply to your case, you may be able to hold the dog owner liable on the grounds of negligence, instead. This may be possible if the pet owner violated Jacksonville’s leash laws and allowed his or her dog to run at large, for example. In some cases, victims can hold parties besides the pet owner responsible, such as a property owner or landlord. Discuss the specifics of your case with an attorney to learn more about your rights.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack in Jacksonville
After being bitten by a dog in Jacksonville, seek medical attention for your injuries immediately. Professional medical care can help prevent infections and other serious health complications from a dog bite. Before you leave the scene of the attack, exchange information with the owner of the dog. Notify Jacksonville’s Animal Control Center of the bite. They will need to document the incident for their records and may quarantine the dog to check for rabies.
Take photographs of your injuries as they heal. You may also wish to start an injury journal where you document how you feel each day. Finally, before beginning the insurance claims process, consult with an attorney to fully understand your rights and legal options. An attorney can help you negotiate with an insurer for maximum financial compensation for a serious or life-changing dog bite injury.
Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP Today
If you are a recent victim of a dog attack in Jacksonville, Florida, or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact us for legal advice. Our law firm can investigate the incident, help you file an insurance claim, negotiate for a fair settlement and take your dog bite injury claim to trial, if necessary. We are a compassionate team of attorneys who are committed to helping victims of violent and traumatic dog attacks rebuild their lives. Call (727) 894-6745 to request a free case consultation today.
At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, our legal expertise extends beyond dog bite incidents. We’re also highly experienced in representing victims of medical malpractice, a tragic and prevalent form of personal injury that happens when healthcare professionals fail in their duty of care. Moreover, we guide families through the complex process of wrongful death claims, seeking justice for loved ones lost due to someone else’s negligence. Regardless of your personal injury circumstance, our team is committed to fighting for your rights and securing the compensation you deserve.