Dog bites are one of the primary causes of hospital emergency room visits. Although many of us love dogs, there is no question that an uncontrolled dog can inflict serious injuries.
If you or your child suffered harm from someone else’s dog, contact a Kissimmee dog bite lawyer at Colling Gilbert Wright. Our team of personal injury attorneys is well-known and respected for our vigorous advocacy and long history of securing substantial compensation for our clients.
Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Significant
A dog bite can cause significant injuries, sometimes leading to permanent damage. Immediate medical attention is necessary whenever a dog’s bite breaks skin. Even when a bite does not break skin, the pressure of the dog’s jaws can cause deep bruising, swelling, and damage to underlying tissues.
Children are especially susceptible to severe injuries to their hands and faces. Dog bites can lead to amputation of fingers, ears, and facial features. Bites can also leave permanently disfiguring scars.
The psychological trauma of a dog attack can be intense and may cause a permanent fear of dogs. Our Kissimmee attorneys could review medical records and consult with you to ascertain the full impact of the dog attack and help you pursue compensation that reflects the severity of your injuries.
How the Law Treats Dog Bites
Many people consider dogs part of the family. Others rely on working dogs to protect their business or livestock. Regardless of a dog’s role in a person’s life, the law requires dog owners to control their animals, making them strictly liable if the dog bites.
Florida Statutes § 767.04 makes dog owners responsible for any injuries someone suffers due to a bite. This law applies if you were on public property when the dog bit you, and even if you were lawfully on the property of the dog’s owner. The only people not protected by this law are those who enter the dog owner’s property illegally.
Our attorneys in Kissimmee could help you secure compensation by demonstrating that a specific dog bit you and identifying the person who owns that dog. There is no need to prove that the owner was aware the dog had aggressive tendencies before the bite occurred.
Provocation Is a Defense
A dog owner may not be liable for a bite if you or your child was provoking the dog prior to the attack. The dog’s owner has the burden of proving that provocation occurred. Be candid with your attorney about the circumstances leading up to the attack so that they are prepared to counter a dog owner’s defense.
Bad Dog Signs
Owners of dogs who have been aggressive in the past can limit their liability by confining the dog on their property and posting a “Bad Dog” sign. The sign must provide a clear warning to visitors to the property that the dog is potentially dangerous.
The sign protects the owner from liability if their dog bites an older child or adult who enters the property. However, the owner remains liable if the dog bite victim is a child under six years old.
Other Dog Attack Injuries
A dog does not need to bite to cause harm. Dogs can knock people over, causing concussions, broken bones, and other serious injuries. Scratches can become infected and lead to various health complications.
The strict liability law applies only to dog bites, but if a dog injures you in another way, there are still legal remedies available to you. Our Kissimmee lawyers could pursue compensation on the basis of negligence when a loose dog causes an injury.
Many local governments have leash laws and prohibit free-roaming dogs. Often, these ordinances also require owners to maintain control of their animals when off their property. When you or your child is harmed by a dog on public property, you could pursue compensation against the dog owner for negligently failing to control their animal.
Consult With a Kissimmee Attorney After Suffering From a Dog Bite
Animal attacks are severely traumatic events. When an irresponsible owner’s conduct leads to a dog bite or other injury, they owe you compensation. Get help pursuing a claim from a Kissimmee dog bite lawyer.
We take all cases on a contingency basis, so you can work with our attorneys at The Florida Firm at no risk. Reach out today to learn how we could help you hold an irresponsible dog owner accountable.