The consequences of being attacked by a dog can be significant. Dogs can cause life-threatening and permanent injuries, including both physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Lakeland, Florida, it is important to contact an attorney for advice as soon as possible. You may be eligible for financial compensation from the owner of the dog or another party. At Bailey & Glasser, LLP, we understand how devastating dog attacks can be. We are here for victims and their families.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog attacks, its teeth, and claws can cause catastrophic damage. In a matter of seconds, a vicious dog can inflict life-changing or fatal injuries on a victim. Children and the elderly are especially at risk of serious harm in a dog bite incident.
Examples of dog bite injuries include:
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Skin and soft-tissue injuries
- Degloving
- Facial injuries
- Eye injuries
- Bone fractures
- Scarring
- Significant disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections or disease
In addition to the physical harm caused by an aggressive dog, a victim often deals with emotional trauma, psychological damage, post-traumatic stress disorder, and a new phobia of dogs. Both the physical and emotional effects of a dog attack can stay with a victim for a long time.
Florida Dog Bite Law
Florida has what is known as a strict liability dog bite law. The owner of a dog that attacks or bites someone will be held liable, or financially responsible, for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of whether the owner knew or reasonably should have known of the vicious propensities of the dog. This is the law under Section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes. In a one-bite state, on the other hand, the victim must show evidence that the owner knew or should have known that the dog was vicious, such as evidence of a previous bite incident.
Steps to Take After Being Bitten by a Dog
Knowing what to do after a harmful dog attack can help you protect yourself in more ways than one. If you file a claim with a dog owner’s insurance company, it may try to take advantage of you to save itself money. Taking the correct steps can lay the foundation for a stronger dog bite injury case to receive fair compensation.
Here’s what to do after a dog attack in Lakeland:
- Get to a safe place and call 911 if your injuries constitute an emergency.
- Seek medical attention for your injuries immediately.
- Get the pet owner’s information, including information about the dog.
- Report the bite injury to your local animal control center.
- Follow your doctor’s orders for wound cleaning and follow-up appointments.
- Obtain copies of your medical records and incident reports.
- Photograph your injuries and keep an injury journal documenting how you feel.
- Contact the pet owner’s insurance company to file a claim.
- Consult with a dog bite injury attorney in Lakeland before accepting a settlement.
The sooner you contact a lawyer near you, the stronger your dog bite injury claim will be. A lawyer will have the knowledge, experience and resources to build a claim from the beginning and advocate for your rights along the way. A lawyer will also know how to navigate your local dog bite, animal control and leash laws.
Contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP for a Free Dog Bite Case Consultation
If you are dealing with serious injuries from a recent dog attack in Lakeland, Florida, or the surrounding areas, don’t hesitate to contact Bailey & Glasser, LLP. We can help you understand and protect your rights as a victim of a serious dog bite injury. We will bring the highest level of compassion and skill to your case. To schedule a free case consultation with an attorney, call (727) 894-6745 to reach our St. Petersburg law office location today.
Aside from dog bite cases, we also offer legal help for incidents such as truck accidents, medical malpractice, and wrongful death.