Miami Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dogs are often loved and respected by people. Many people don’t realize the dangers of dog bites. Dog bite injuries can be worse than car accidents. Knowing how to prevent dog bites and what to do in the event of a bite is essential.
The Miami personal injury attorneys at Vaval Law know that dog bite injuries can be anything from minor bites that require stitches and physical therapy to more severe injuries such as loss of limbs, fingers, or even death. Because of the psychological and physical effects, dog bites can have on clients, our attorneys treat all dog bite injury cases as the most serious. We are sensitive to the potential long-term consequences of pet bites and dog bites on your family. Contact us today to find out how we can assist you and what steps you should take following a dog bite.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog attack or bite can cause various injuries, as we have already mentioned. These are some of the injuries that require medical attention from our Miami personal injury attorneys.
- Physical injuries – Dog bites can lead to a host of physical injuries. These include broken bones, lacerations, and puncture wounds. Some injuries from dog bites may require more attention than others. However, if the dog bite appears to be severed, it is a sign that there is a risk of infection.
- Infections – These are the most serious complications of dog bites. They can be even more severe than the actual injuries. Dog bites can transmit bacteria to other dogs, so it is not true that dogs’ mouths are clean. Dog bite wounds can be challenging to clean. A puncture wound, for example, may be deeper than you realize and may not have been cleaned to its root. The damage may close as it heals and trap bacteria in the puncture wound. This could lead to a severe or life-threatening infection. The risk of disease after a dog bite is very high. You should have your injuries treated and cleaned by a professional. You may need to stay in hospital for several months if you have an infection from a dog bite.
- Permanent disfigurement is another risk from a dog attack. A small child may suffer permanent scarring if they are bitten on the face by a dog. If a dog attacks a person violently, it can easily maim them. Dogs are robust and have strong jaws. Dog bites can also cause some people to lose fingers, toes, or limbs. This can lead to psychological and physical problems as well as disfigurement. Sometimes, reconstructive surgery may be required to correct disfigurement.
- Psychological injuries – One of the most severe yet often overlooked effects of dog biting victims is the range of psychological consequences that they can experience. Dog attacks can be very traumatic and sudden. Victims can be rendered helpless or terrified in an attack. This can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Many symptoms can accompany PTSD, regardless of whether there have been any physical injuries.
These symptoms may include:
- Violent nightmares, flashbacks, and attacks
- Avoidance of triggers
- Anger and irritability
- Fears that are not rational
- Anxiety and depression
Many people with PTSD need medication and intensive psychological treatment to return to everyday lives. Victims might need to be absent from work and other activities as they heal. Some PTSD sufferers cannot leave their homes for a time without suffering from panic attacks.
Dog bites can cause fearful reactions in dogs. It is common for dog bite victims to avoid the homes of their family and friends or to stay indoors due to the sheer number of dogs roaming the streets of Miami. These injuries can lead to severe complications and lasting impact on someone’s life.
You may be entitled to compensation from the dog owner for any dog bite injuries, whether psychological or physical. An attorney familiar with Florida’s dog bite laws should be able to discuss your legal rights. Contact Vaval Law today.
Florida Dog Bite Law
Each state has laws concerning liability for dog owners who are bitten or attacked. Florida law holds dog owners strictly responsible for any medical costs incurred by a victim of an attack or bites from their dog. You don’t have to prove the dog owner was negligent to obtain compensation for medical expenses. All that is required is that they were responsible at the time of the attack.
Dog bite victims often suffer from severe injuries that go beyond the cost of medical bills. These include lost income, permanent disfigurement, and physical and mental pain. To seek compensation, you will need to prove the following:
- The owner allowed the dog to run free from the leash without control.
- The dog’s owner was aware of its propensity to violence.
There are many ways to handle dog bite cases. Some homeowner’s policies will cover dog bite injuries that occurred on the dog owner’s property. You can also file a civil lawsuit against the Florida civil court if your insurance claims are insufficient to resolve the matter.
However, filing a suit does not guarantee that your case will be heard at trial. There are several stages to dog bite litigation, including multiple rounds of settlement negotiations. Our lawyers are skilled negotiators with the insurance companies and the parties to a case. We will fight to get you the maximum amount for dog bite-related injuries and take care of every aspect of your case.
