Dog Bite Injury Attorney Near Me in Palm Beach County FL
Dogs are often regarded as man’s best friend, but unfortunately, dog bites are not uncommon. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), about 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, and about one in five of these bites require medical attention. In many cases, a dog bite can lead to serious injuries, scarring, and even permanent disability.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Even if the bite appears to be minor, it’s important to have it properly cleaned and treated to prevent infection. Once you have received medical attention, it’s important to consult with a personal injury lawyer who has experience in handling dog bite cases.
Signs of Aggression
While many dogs are friendly and well-behaved, some dogs can exhibit aggressive behavior. It’s important for pet owners and those who come into contact with dogs to be aware of the signs of aggression so they can stay safe. Here are some common signs that a dog may be aggressive: Growling or snarling, Baring teeth, Stiff body posture, Raised fur, Lunging or charging, Biting, Excessive barking
It’s important to note that not all aggressive dogs show these signs. Some dogs may exhibit more subtle signs of aggression, such as avoiding eye contact, backing away, or freezing in place. It’s also important to remember that a dog’s behavior can be influenced by many factors, including its breed, age, gender, and past experiences.If you encounter an aggressive dog, it’s important to stay calm and avoid making sudden movements. Do not run away from the dog, as this can trigger its prey drive and cause it to chase you. Instead, try to slowly back away from the dog while keeping it in your peripheral vision. If you feel threatened or in danger, call for help or seek assistance from a professional animal control officer.
Florida Dog Bite Statistics
According to the Florida Department of Health, there were a total of 9,676 reported dog bites in Florida in 2020. This represents a decrease from the previous year, where there were 10,223 reported dog bites in the state.
Here are some additional statistics related to dog bites in Florida:
- Children are at a higher risk of dog bites than adults. In 2020, children aged 5 to 9 had the highest rate of dog bite injuries in Florida, followed by children aged 0 to 4.
- Pit bulls were involved in the highest number of dog bite incidents in Florida in 2020, followed by mixed-breed dogs and German shepherds.
- The number of dog bites in Florida tends to be highest during the summer months, with July and August typically having the highest number of reported incidents.
- Miami-Dade County had the highest number of reported dog bites in Florida in 2020, followed by Hillsborough County and Orange County.
Types of Damages for a Dog Bite Injury
If you’re seeking compensation for a dog bite injury, a personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related costs. It is important to know that it is not the dog owner that will be sued but it is the insurer.
Our Firm
As a personal injury law firm with experience in handling dog bite cases, there are several reasons why a client should consider hiring us for representation in a dog bite injury case:
- Expertise: Our law firm has the knowledge and expertise necessary to handle dog bite cases. We understand the laws and regulations related to dog bites.
- Resources: We have the resources to investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog bite, including gathering evidence and witness statements, consulting with medical experts, and working with animal control officials.
- Advocacy: We are committed to advocating for our clients’ rights and interests. We understand the physical and emotional trauma that can result from a dog bite, and we work tirelessly to ensure that our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
- Compassion: We understand the emotional toll that a dog bite can take on a victim and their family. We approach every case with compassion and sensitivity, and we strive to provide our clients with the support they need to recover from their injuries.
- No upfront fees: We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that our clients do not pay any upfront fees or expenses. We only receive a fee if we recover compensation for our client.
Contact Us
If you have been bitten by a dog and are suffering an injury, whether it is minor or catastrophic, give our firm a call so we can help you through this time and work to get you the compensation you deserve.