Experienced Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney
Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney
Find out why we have some of the best Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorneys
Have You or a Loved One Been Bitten by a Dog in Fort Lauderdale?
Goldberg & Loren, a reputable dog bite attorney in Fort Lauderdale, is here to help you. With years of experience, our team knows the ins and outs of dog bite cases and will fight for your rights.
If you’ve been injured, you deserve justice and fair compensation for your pain and suffering. Our dedicated attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
Contact Goldberg & Loren today at (754) 399-1202 for a free consultation, and let us help you navigate the legal process.
Types of Dog Bites
When it comes to dog bites, there are several different types of injuries that can occur. Fort Lauderdale residents who have been bitten by a dog may find themselves facing medical bills, physical pain, and emotional trauma.
Puncture Wound
Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s teeth penetrate the skin, leaving small holes or punctures. Puncture wounds can be deceiving as they may not initially appear serious but can lead to complications such as nerve damage or infection if not properly treated.
Lacerations
These occur when a dog’s bite results in tearing or ripping of the skin. Lacerations can be deep and severe, requiring stitches or even reconstructive surgery.
Permanent Scarring or Disfiguration
In some cases, dog bites can result in permanent scarring or disfigurement. These injuries can have long-lasting physical and emotional effects on the victim.
Neck & Face
Dog bites can also cause injuries to the neck and face. These types of injuries can be particularly devastating, leading to extensive medical care, including plastic surgery or physical therapy, to regain full functioning.
Children between 1 and 9 years of age are at the highest risk for dog bites, with boys in this age group at a higher risk than girls. Children under 10 years of age are more likely to be bitten on the head or neck than other age groups. [1]
Check out our Dog Bite Statistics page for more statistics.
Emotional Trauma
In addition to physical injuries, dog bites can also result in significant emotional trauma. Victims may experience fear, and anxiety, and even develop a fear of dogs following a traumatic bite.
Whether the dog bite occurred on private or public property, Goldberg & Loren know how to navigate Fort Lauderdale and Broward County dog bite laws and insurance policies to seek a fair settlement.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can leave victims with various injuries, ranging from minor to severe. While some bites may only cause superficial wounds, others can lead to significant physical and emotional damage.
- Tissue and nerve damage: Dogs have strong jaws, and when they bite, they can cause damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves. In severe cases, this can lead to loss of mobility and function in the affected area.
- Fractures and broken bones: A powerful bite can cause fractures and breaks in bones, especially in the hands, arms, and legs, as people often try to protect themselves during an attack.
- Facial injuries: If a person is bitten on the face or head, it can result in disfiguring injuries, including lacerations, fractures, and damage to facial muscles or nerves.
- Infection: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infection. Common infections include cellulitis, abscesses, and even sepsis.
- Emotional and psychological trauma: Being attacked by a dog can result in significant emotional distress, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and a fear of dogs or other animals.
After experiencing a dog bite, it’s important to take immediate action to protect your health and rights. Here are the key steps to follow:
- Seek Medical Attention: The first and most critical step is to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Even if the dog bite seems minor, it's important to have a medical professional evaluate your injuries. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications, so it's important to receive appropriate treatment.
- Document the Incident: Gather as much information as possible about the dog bite incident. Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any visible signs of negligence or unsafe conditions. Obtain the contact information of any witnesses who saw the incident.
- Report the Incident: Contact local authorities or animal control to report the dog bite. This helps create an official record of the incident and may aid in resolving any legal or insurance matters later on.
- Identify the Dog's Owner: If possible, try to identify the owner of the dog that bit you. Obtain their contact information and gather any details about the dog's history, vaccination records, and previous aggressive behavior. This information may be useful in establishing liability for your injuries.
- Preserve Evidence: Keep any evidence related to the incident, including clothing or personal items that may have been damaged during the attack. This evidence can support your claim and help establish the extent of your damages.
- Consult with a Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney: Contact us at Goldberg & Loren, as we specialize in personal injury cases. We will provide you with guidance and support throughout the legal process and ensure that your rights are protected.
- Do Not Communicate with Insurance Companies: It's important to avoid communicating directly with insurance companies without legal representation. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay your injuries or offer you a low settlement. Let your attorney handle all communications and negotiations on your behalf in order to strengthen your case and focus on recovering from your injuries.
- Follow Your Doctor's Instructions: Follow your doctor's instructions for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and any required therapy sessions. This will not only aid in your recovery but also document the extent of your injuries, which is crucial for your personal injury claim.
Laws Governing Dog Bites in Florida
If you have been bitten by a dog in Fort Lauderdale, it’s important to understand the laws that govern dog bites in Florida. Here are some key points to keep in mind:
- Strict Liability: Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that the dog's owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether or not the dog has a history of aggression. This applies as long as the victim was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, such as public property or private property, with the owner's consent.
- Comparative Negligence: Florida follows a comparative negligence system. This means that if the victim's own actions contributed to the dog bite incident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their degree of fault. For example, if the victim provokes the dog or trespasses onto someone else's property, their compensation may be reduced.
- Compensation: Dog bite victims in Florida may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including medical expenses, future medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and more.
- Dangerous Dog Laws: Florida also has specific laws in place for dogs that have been deemed "dangerous" due to previous aggressive behavior. These laws require owners of dangerous dogs to take certain precautions, such as keeping the dog securely confined, obtaining liability insurance, and ensuring that the dog is properly identified.
Seeking Fair Compensation For a Dog Bite
One key aspect of seeking fair compensation is understanding the full extent of your damages. Dog bite injuries can range from simple puncture wounds to more severe injuries, such as nerve damage or the need for reconstructive surgery.
Victims may experience emotional trauma and require ongoing medical treatment, physical therapy, or even plastic surgery to address permanent scarring.
Navigating insurance policies and legal proceedings can be complicated, especially when dealing with insurance companies that may attempt to minimize your claim.
Having a dedicated legal team on your side can make all the difference in securing a fair settlement. Your personal injury attorney at Goldberg & Loren will work tirelessly to investigate the incident, gather evidence, and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Don’t hesitate to reach out to our Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorney at Goldberg & Loren, who will provide the legal representation and support you need during this challenging time.
Statute of Limitations For Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawsuits
In Florida, the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim is generally two years. This means that individuals who have been injured in a dog bite incident have up to two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
Seek legal advice at Goldberg & Loren personal injury law firm as soon as possible following a dog bite to ensure that you meet all necessary deadlines and have the best chance of building a strong case.
Have You or a Loved One Recently Been Bitten by a Dog?
If so, you need the expertise of the Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney Goldberg & Loren.
We understand the physical and emotional trauma that can result from a dog bite, and we are here to support you every step of the way. With our knowledge of dog bite laws and our aggressive approach to fighting for your rights, we will ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you are entitled to.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorneys at Goldberg & Loren. Don’t wait any longer; let us fight for you and hold the responsible party accountable for their actions.
Source
[1] Dog Bite Prevention | Florida Department of Health. (n.d.). Dog Bite Prevention | Florida Department of Health. https://www.floridahealth.gov/programs-and-services/prevention/dog-bite-prevention/index.html
Have you recently been the victim of a dog bite in Fort Lauderdale, Florida? If so, fill out a contact form today to get in touch with us and see if you have a case!
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