Although many species of animals have been domesticated for thousands of years, they are still capable of inflicting severe injuries on humans. This is true of household pets as well as barnyard animals. It is not uncommon for dog bites and other animal attacks to result in pain, disfigurement, and serious medical complications. In many cases, animal attack victims are entitled to financial compensation to help cover the cost of treatment.
If you or someone close to you received an injury from an aggressive animal, you could benefit from the services of a Florida dog bite / animal attack lawyer. The legal team of Winston Law Firm are well-versed in animal attack liability law, and we may be able to seek justice on your behalf. Contact us at (954) 475-9666 to tell us your story and schedule an initial consultation.
Consequences of Animal Attacks
The medical consequences of an animal attack are shaped by numerous variables. The health of the animal, its size and strength, and the extent of the injuries all play a role in determining the outcome of an attack. Victims of animal bites should quickly seek medical treatment to check for:
- Internal bleeding
- Communicable, animal-borne diseases
- Wounds requiring stitches or surgical reconstruction
Some animals, such as pit bulls, are known for their aggressive tendencies. Others, such as farm animals, may lash out seemingly at random. In either case, victims of animal attacks may have legal options at their disposal. Pursuing financial compensation can be an important part of the recovery process, particularly if you incur medical expenses as a result of your injuries.
If you are a parent, it can be a nightmare to have your child bitten and left with a permanent scar. Children ages 5 to 9 are at the highest risk for dog bite injuries, and can be left with both physical and emotional scars from bites by dangerous dogs. Florida law imposes strict liability on dog owners whose dogs injure a person, although some defenses may apply, most notably the posting of a “Bad Dog” sign, or provocation of the dog. It is also necessary to find insurance coverage for the injury if it exists.
What Costs So Much?
The costs that arise because of animal attacks can be widely varied, particularly regarding the severity of the injury that was inflicted. Typically, with dog attacks for example, a victim will sustain injuries that are significant enough to require advanced medical treatment. The costs of this treatment can be high, and may involve:
- Emergency treatment
- Use of medical equipment
- Subsequent medical treatments
- Dependency on prescriptions
- Physical therapy
- Emotional therapy
These costs can quickly add up, and if you cannot afford to pay for them yourself, you might be left unable to fully recover from your injuries. Fortunately, there are people who stand ready to defend your rights and get you the financial support you need.
State Farm reported that it paid more than $90 million in claims settlements for almost 3,500 dog bite claims nationwide in 2010, which works out to an average of $25,714 per claim. The average State Farm settlement in Florida is higher than the 2010 national average, at $38,356.
Contact Us
Over the years, the South Florida dog bite attorneys at Winston Law Firm, have successfully handled numerous dog bite claims and obtained significant recovery for our clients. If you or a family member has been injured by another’s dog, we have the expertise to represent you and to obtain the highest recovery we can for you.
Every Florida personal injury lawyer at Winston Law Firm is dedicated to standing with animal attack victims during their time of need. To discuss your case and find out if we can help, contact a Florida dog bite/animal attack attorney today at (954) 475-9666.
