Dog Bite Injuries

Dog Bite Accident Lawyer

Advising Dog Bite Victims with Dedication and Compassion

Dog Bite Accidents:

There are approximately 4.5 million incidents of dog bites in the US every year. One out of every five of those bites ends up infected. Dog bites can be particularly traumatizing. Especially for young children. And they can do a lot of damage. In 2018 alone almost 27,000 people received reconstructive surgery due to an injury from a dog bite or attack.

When a dog bite occurs it’s imperative to follow the correct course of action in dealing with your case. The attacking dog must be identified, and the name and information on the dog’s owner as well. You also want to collect information such as names and phone numbers from any witnesses to the incident. Make sure to take pictures of the scene where it occurred as well as your injuries. When you work with Retamar & Millian, P.A. we will send an investigator to the scene of your attack and make sure to ask your doctor to record all evidence of the injuries that you sustained. 

If you are injured by a dog bite, contact Retamar & Millian, P.A. for a free consultation. 

Florida Dog Bite Law

Approximately 885,000 people in the U.S. are injured by dog bites each year. Proper investigation of the scene is imperative. The state of Florida has a liability dog bite statue that strictly states that a dog owner is liable for any and all damages sustained due to their dog biting someone whether in a public place or the dog owner’s property. Fla. Stat. 767.04. Even if the dog has no history of aggressive behavior or gave the owner no indication it would be aggressive or violent the owner is still liable. In Florida dogs do not get “one free bite.” 

Basically, the dog’s owner is the insurer of the dog. Unfortunately if you are bit by a stray dog there is little you can pursue as a claim must be made against a dog owner. A municipality cannot be held responsible for a dog bite, even if the animal warden has been informed of the stray. 

Dog Bite Prevention

The best way to handle a dog bite is to prevent it in the first place. Over half the individuals seeking medical care due to dog bites are under the age of 12. Children that do not exercise good judgement and are not informed of proper behavior around a dog increases that likelihood. Injuries are often more severe in children due to their small size and inability to properly fend off an attack. Parents or guardians must closely supervise children when they come in contact with dogs and educate them on basic safety.

• Do not approach an unfamiliar dog.
• Do not run from a dog.
• Stay still if approached and roll into a ball if knocked over.
• Never disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies.
• Do not play with a dog if not supervised by an adult.
• Never pet a dog without letting it see and sniff you.
• Adults should never leave a child or infant alone with a dog.
• Do not teach your dog aggressive games like wrestling. 
• Spay or neuter your dog to reduce aggression.

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