Plantation Dog Bite Injury Attorney

Quick Answer

After a dog bite in Plantation, you generally have two years to file an injury claim in Florida (Florida Statutes § 95.11), after the 2023 change that shortened the old four-year deadline. Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites, so the owner is responsible even without any prior sign the dog was dangerous (Florida Statutes § 767.04). Homeowner or renter insurance often covers these claims. A case review with Goldberg & Loren is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

At Goldberg & Loren, our Plantation dog bite injury lawyers are here to help you seek the compensation you deserve. Contact Goldberg & Loren today at (954) 758-4553 for a free consultation. We are ready to advocate for your rights and provide you with the support you need during this difficult time.

Our dog attack attorneys understand the physical and emotional trauma that can result from a dog attack, and we have the experience needed to navigate through the legal process on your behalf.

Our goal is to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve for your pain, suffering, medical expenses, and any other damages caused by the dog bite. We will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible party accountable and help you rebuild your life.

Don't wait, take action now, and let us help you fight for justice.

What is a Dog Bite Injury?

A dog bite injury refers to any harm or damage caused by a dog's bite. Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe and may include various forms of harm inflicted by a dog's teeth and jaws. [1]

Causes of Dog Bites in Plantation

There are several main causes of dog bites, with aggression, fear, and territorial behavior being prominent factors.

Fear or Anxiety: Dogs may resort to biting when they feel threatened or anxious. Situations such as unfamiliar environments, loud noises, or sudden movements can trigger fear responses in dogs, prompting defensive actions, including biting.
Protecting Territory: Dogs, being territorial animals, may bite to safeguard their home, food, toys, or their owners. Breeds with strong guarding instincts are particularly prone to exhibiting protective behavior.
Pain or Discomfort: Dogs in pain or discomfort may resort to biting as a means of expressing their distress.
Maternal Instinct: Female dogs, especially those with puppies, may display protective behaviors driven by maternal instincts. Owners should exercise caution when approaching a mother and her offspring to avoid triggering defensive responses.
Possessiveness: Dogs may exhibit possessive behavior over resources such as food, toys, or resting spots. This behavior can be mitigated through proper training and socialization, teaching dogs to share and tolerate the presence of people and other animals around their belongings.
Lack of Socialization: Dogs lacking socialization may feel anxious or threatened in unfamiliar situations, leading to defensive behaviors, including biting. Early and consistent exposure to various environments, people, and animals during the critical socialization period is key for fostering a well-adjusted and non-aggressive demeanor.
Aggression Due to Breeding: Certain dog breeds may have genetic predispositions to aggression. However, responsible ownership, proper training, and positive socialization experiences can help temper breed-specific traits and promote a balanced and well-behaved canine companion.
Lack of Training: Inadequate training may result in dogs displaying undesirable behaviors, including aggression or biting. Training helps establish clear communication between the owner and the dog, setting expectations and boundaries that contribute to a well-behaved and non-aggressive pet.
Provocation or Teasing: Dogs may react aggressively if provoked, teased, or cornered.
Illness or Medical Conditions: Dogs suffering from medical conditions or illnesses may experience heightened irritability, leading to potential biting incidents.
Redirected Aggression: Dogs may redirect aggression when unable to target the source of their frustration. For instance, a dog frustrated by a passerby may redirect aggression toward a person or animal nearby. Identifying and addressing the root cause of frustration is essential to prevent redirected aggression.
Lack of Supervision: Leaving dogs unsupervised in situations where they may feel threatened or encounter unfamiliar people or animals increases the risk of bites.

Injuries Associated With Plantation Dog Bites

Puncture Wounds: One of the most common injuries resulting from dog bites is puncture wounds. A dog's teeth can cause deep, penetrating wounds that may lead to infection if not promptly and properly treated. Puncture wounds can vary in severity, from minor injuries to more extensive damage requiring medical attention.
Tissue and Nerve Damage: Dog bites can cause significant damage to surrounding tissues and nerves. Deep bites may result in lacerations, tearing, or bruising of muscles, tendons, and nerves. In severe cases, this damage can lead to long-term impairment or disability, requiring surgical intervention and rehabilitation.
Infections: The risk of infection is inherent in dog bites due to the bacteria present in a dog's mouth. Infections can lead to complications such as cellulitis or, in more severe cases, systemic infections like sepsis. Timely cleaning and proper wound care, including antibiotic treatment, are essential to prevent infection.
Rabies Exposure: Although rare, dog bites pose a risk of rabies transmission. If the dog's rabies vaccination status is unknown or if the animal shows signs of rabies, immediate medical attention, including post-exposure prophylaxis, is important to prevent the onset of this fatal viral disease.
Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially if the bite occurs on the face or other visible areas. Surgical procedures may be necessary to address cosmetic concerns, and the emotional impact of scarring can be long-lasting.
Fractures and Broken Bones: Powerful bites or attacks, particularly in large or strong dog breeds, can cause fractures and broken bones. The force of the bite may lead to bone injuries, especially in vulnerable areas such as the hands, arms, or legs. Fractures may require surgical intervention and prolonged rehabilitation.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Plantation Dog Bite Cases?

In dog bite cases, there are several liable parties, or entities that can be held responsible for the incident.

Dog Owner: The primary responsible party is typically the dog owner. The owner has a legal obligation to ensure the dog does not cause harm or injury to others. If a dog bites someone, the owner can be held liable for the damages resulting from the bite.
Dog keepers or handlers: If someone other than the owner is responsible for the care or control of the dog at the time of the bite, they may also be held liable.
Landlords or property owners: In situations where a dog bite occurs on a rental property or someone else's property, the owner or landlord might be held responsible if they were aware of the dog's viciousness.

Who Can Be Held Responsible in Plantation Dog Bite Cases?

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Florida

In Plantation, the Statute of Limitations that applies to dog bite cases states that a lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of the incident. This means that animal bite injury victims have two years to take legal recourse and seek compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, and other damages and financial losses resulting from the dog bite.

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The Benefits of Working with a Plantation Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

If you have been a victim of a dog bite in Plantation, Florida, our team of skilled attorneys is committed to advocating for your rights and obtaining the fair compensation you deserve.

Investigation: We will gather evidence, such as medical records, eyewitness testimonies, and any available surveillance footage, to build a strong case on your behalf. By conducting a detailed investigation, we can establish liability and prove the extent of your injuries, ensuring you are properly compensated for your pain and suffering.
Damage Estimation: We understand the various factors that contribute to the financial impact of a dog bite injury, including medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, and emotional distress. Our thorough approach ensures that all relevant damages are considered, preventing you from being unfairly compensated.
Negotiation: Our team will handle all necessary paperwork, including filing insurance claims and legal documents, relieving you of the stress and confusion of navigating the complex legal system. We are skilled negotiators and will work tirelessly to achieve a fair settlement with the responsible party or their insurance company.
Legal Representation: If a settlement cannot be reached, our experienced attorneys will represent you in court. We will use our expertise and advocacy skills to vigorously fight for your rights and strive to secure the maximum compensation available for your Plantation dog bite injury case.

The Benefits of Working with a Plantation Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Plantation Infographic

Local Plantation Hospitals

HCA Florida Plantation Emergency
Phone: (954) 587-5010
Address: 401 NW 42nd Ave, Plantation, FL 33317

Baptist Health - Urgent Care - Plantation
Phone: (954) 837-1410
Address: 1228 S Pine Island Rd, Plantation, FL 33324

UHealth Plantation – Emergency Care
Phone: (305) 325-5511
Address: 8100 SW 10th St, Plantation, FL 33324

Source:

[1] Faaem, B. W. M. F. (2023, July 5). Dog Bite: Treatment, Infection & Antibiotics. MedicineNet. https://www.medicinenet.com/dog_bite_treatment/article.htm