If You Have Sustained A Dog Bite Or Been Attacked By A Dog, We Can Help. You Deserve Compensation.
This year, in the United States alone, over 800,000 people will need medical attention following a dog bite. Even more shocking is the fact that about half of these attacks will happen to children. No matter how well-trained a dog is, it still has the potential to become aggressive particularly if it feels scared or threatened. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a dog, you should get medical help right away, and then contact an experienced Miami Dog Bite Attorney for assistance in getting the compensation you deserve.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
When someone is bitten by a dog, the injuries can range from a scratch to a broken bone, or even a serious infection or torn flesh. Infection is one of the most pressing risks since a dog’s mouth can contain over 400 kinds of bacteria. So even a minor cut or scrape from a dog bite should be carefully treated.
Here are a few of the most common injuries sustained from a dog bite:
Abrasion
A scratch or cut that is only skin deep. There will likely be minimal bleeding, but scarring or infection is still possible without proper treatment.
Laceration
A tear or deep cut that goes through the skin and into the muscle or other tissue. Significant scarring, loss of blood, and infection are all possible with a laceration.
Puncture
When a dog’s teeth (or claws) pierce through the skin. Usually, a puncture wound is not as severe as a laceration but can still have long-lasting implications.
Infection
If an infection occurs from a dog bite, it is commonly due to the bacteria that is present in the dog’s mouth. Infections can also be caused by bacteria that was present on the victim’s skin or on a surface in the area that came in contact with the open wound.
Rabies
The most worrying infection you might get from a dog bite. Many pet owners responsibly make sure their animals are current on their vaccinations, but not all. If a dog has not had it’s rabies shots, or if you do not know the dog/owner you need to seek emergency medical attention for rabies treatment.
Tetanus
It may not be as common as rabies, but tetanus is still a concern with dog bites. This is generally due to something contaminated in the location where the attack occured, and not due to the dog’s mouth itself.
Crushing Injury
Depending on the breed, the force of a dog’s bite can reach well over 500 pounds per square inch. This is more than enough force to crush bones, tissue, and organs – particularly in small children.
Avulsion
When flesh is ripped or torn away from the body. If a dog bit causes an avulsion, it will likely require reconstructive surgery, and could potentially cause someone to bleed out if a major artery is impacted.
Have you or a loved one been the victim of a dog bite? It’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential for compensation. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact Neufeld & Kleinberg, PA today!
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Liability for Dog Bites in Florida
When it comes to dog ownership, Florida is a strict liability state. Strict liability means that a dog’s owner is completely responsible for the actions of their pet, even if they are unaware that the dog might have aggressive tendencies. If someone was attacked by a dog in Miami, Florida, they do not need to prove negligence on the part of the owner in order to be awarded compensation.
What steps should I take if I was attacked by a dog?
If you were attacked by a dog, or if you are a witness to a dog attack, your number one priority should be the health and safety of everyone at the scene. Following a dog bite, there are a few important steps to take.
1. Take Stock of the Injuries
The first thing you should do after a dog bite is to take a good look at the damage. If the victim is losing a lot of blood, if the wound appears particularly deep, or if an organ or bone has potentially been impacted, emergency medical attention should be sought IMMEDIATELY. If the injuries are minor, clean the wound thoroughly and make sure to stop the bleeding. If possible, take pictures of the injuries as well as the scene of the incident.
2. Collect Information About the Dog and Owner
Regardless if you know the dog owner personally or not, you need to collect information from them as soon as possible. Be sure to document the owner’s name and contact information as well as all of the information they can give you about the health of the dog. Most importantly find out if they are up to date on their vaccines, if they have any medical conditions, and if they have a history of violent tendencies. If the dog appears to be a stray, take a picture if possible, and take note of the size, coloring, potential breed, and exact location where the incident occurred.
3. Prioritize Medical Attention
Professional medical attention should be sought for every dog bite injury no matter how small due to the very high risk of infection. When talking to the medical professionals, ensure you provide them with full details of the attack. Most importantly, include the circumstances of the attack, the exact location, and any medical information you may know pertaining to the dog.
4. Reach Out to a Miami Dog Bite Attorney
A dog attack and the injuries resulting from a dog bite can leave a person to deal with mounting medical expenses, scarring, severe pain, mental health challenges, and loss of wages or earning potential. If you were attacked by someone’s dog, you may deserve compensation. A dog bite attorney can help.
