Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyer
A vicious dog attack can leave you feeling traumatized for days, weeks, months, or even years afterwards. Statistics show that there were 42 fatal dog attacks in 2014, and 64 percent of those fatalities were caused by pit bulls. There are thousands more dog bites every year. If you or a loved one was attacked by dog or other animal, there are steps to take for compensation. You may be able to receive money in a settlement to cover medical costs, pain and suffering, and lost wages. Contact our Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyers with experience dealing in dog bites to learn more about your legal options.
Florida Has Strict Liability Laws When It Comes to Dog Bites & Other Animal Attacks
Under Florida law, the owner of the animal that caused the attack is responsible whenever it takes place in a public place. The owner is also held liable when the attack happens on their own property if the victim was there lawfully. In Florida, the owner will be held liable regardless of the dog’s history of viciousness.
Florida is a Pure Comparative Negligence State
While the state of Florida is tough on the owners of vicious dogs, it may also place blame on the injured party if they were partially to blame. This is because of Florida following a system of pure comparative negligence. As an example, if the person who sustained injuries did something on purpose to aggravate the dog, they may be held liable along with the dog’s owner. Negligence can also be thought of as a failure to exercise caution. If the dog’s owner is held 80 percent liable and the injured party who provoked the dog is held 20 percent liable, that affects how much they would be able to collect from the dog’s owner if it came to a lawsuit. Contact our Fort Lauderdale dog bite and animal attack lawyers for more information.
What to do if You Are Bitten by a Dog or Attacked by an Animal in Fort Lauderdale
Every year there are roughly 4.7 million dog bites resulting in 800,000 people seeking medical attention. Thousands more don’t seek treatment despite requiring it. Even worse, dog bites and fatalities are more likely to happen to children and the elderly. If you or a loved one is attacked by a dog, you need to get to a hospital as soon as you can. Dog saliva is packed with bacteria and an uncleaned wound will fester and become infected, increasing the risk of losing a body limb or death. Nearly one in five dog bites will become infected, according to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention.
Contact our Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyers Today
After receiving proper medical treatment, contact one of our experienced dog bite lawyers for legal advice. You may be owed medical bill coverage and pain and suffering compensation from the liable dog owner. Don’t hesitate to call us today, as we do not charge anything up front for consultation. The Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyers at the Pendas Law Firm are prepared to assist you today.
