Dog Bite Injuries Lawsuit Claims Lawyer
Children love animals and are drawn to the furry coats and energy of dogs. In the right setting, dogs and children can have a wonderful relationship and have happy, healthy interactions. Unfortunately, children do not typically differentiate a strange dog from the ones they know and love. Children are the largest group of victims from dog bites, often sustaining physical and emotional scars.
How Do Dog Bites Impact Children?
Severe and fatal dog bite injuries are common in children. Not only are children less cautious around dogs, they are shorter and closer to the danger zone. A child may be the same size or smaller than a large dog. Children are at a higher risk for dog bite injuries because they are often more curious and active around animals, and they may not know how to read the warning signs that a dog is becoming aggressive or fearful.
If attacked, there is a high probability of facial, head and neck injuries that can cause extensive damage. Dog attacks can cause serious physical injuries, including:
- Deep lacerations
- Torn muscles and tendons
- Broken bones
- Disfiguring scarring, especially on the face and neck
- Emotional trauma
- Permanent disability
- Death
It can only take a moment for a dog attack to occur, leaving a child severely injured. Depending on the extent of the injuries, the victim may require hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy and long-term treatments to care for the physical damage.
Emotionally, a dog bite can be traumatic for a child, leading to anxiety, fear, and a lifelong fear of dogs. Children may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can result in nightmares, flashbacks, and other symptoms that can have a lasting impact on their mental health.
In addition to the physical and emotional effects, a dog bite can also result in medical expenses, lost time at school, and other costs that can have a significant financial impact on a family. Considering the substantial damage and loss that a dog bite can render for a child, it is important to have a qualified dog bite injury attorney by your side. Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law can help you navigate your dog bite claim and seek the compensation you deserve for your Tampa child or family member.
Legal Options for Dog Bites
Dog owners may be responsible for any injuries their dogs inflict on a child or person. Premises liability laws cover any injuries that occur on the dog owner’s property, including dog bites. In addition, a dog owner may be financially responsible if their dog bites a child when it is not on their property. Often, dog bite injuries are covered under homeowner’s insurance, helping cover the damages for property owners.
Most Dangerous Dog Breeds for Biting Children
It’s important to note that any dog can bite, regardless of breed. However, some breeds are known to be more prone to biting than others, and certain breeds may be more likely to cause serious injuries in the event of a bite. Additionally, a dog’s behavior is heavily influenced by its upbringing, socialization, and training.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the breeds most commonly involved in fatal dog bites in the United States over the past several decades are pit bulls, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, huskies, and mixed-breed dogs.
However, it’s important to remember that breed alone does not determine a dog’s behavior, and many dogs of these breeds are friendly and well-behaved. Rather than focusing solely on breed, it’s important to look at the individual dog’s behavior, history, and training.
At Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, we can represent families who have suffered injuries from a dog of any breed. Our skilled legal team will work tirelessly to represent your rights as an innocent victim in a Tampa dog attack lawsuit.
How Can a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer Help
A dog bite lawyer in Florida can provide legal assistance to a victim of a dog bite by:
- Investigating the incident: A dog bite lawyer can conduct an investigation to gather evidence and determine the circumstances surrounding the attack. They can also determine if the dog owner was negligent in their care of the dog, such as failing to keep the dog on a leash or failing to properly train the dog.
- Filing a claim: A dog bite lawyer can help file a claim against the dog owner’s insurance company or pursue legal action in court to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the dog bite.
- Negotiating a settlement: A dog bite lawyer can negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or the dog owner’s attorney on behalf of the victim to obtain a fair and just settlement.
- Representing the victim in court: If a settlement cannot be reached, a dog bite lawyer can represent the victim in court and present evidence to support their case.
- Providing guidance and support: A dog bite lawyer can provide guidance and support throughout the legal process, ensuring that the victim’s rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they deserve.
In Florida, there are specific laws governing dog bites, and a dog bite lawyer will be familiar with these laws and how they apply to a victim’s case. Consulting with a dog bite lawyer in Florida can help ensure that a victim’s legal rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Tampa
At Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law, we have a keen understanding of the laws surrounding dog bites and dog bite injuries in children. In Tampa, Florida, the laws governing dog bites are established by both state and local ordinances. Here are some of the key laws that apply to dog bites in Tampa:
- Strict Liability: Florida follows the strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are responsible for any injuries their dogs cause, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.
- Leash Laws: In Tampa, dogs must be kept on a leash at all times when they are in public places, unless they are in a designated off-leash dog park. If a dog is off-leash and causes an injury, the owner may be held liable for damages.
- Quarantine Requirements: If a dog bites someone in Tampa, the owner is required to report the incident to the local animal control agency. The dog may be quarantined for a period of time to ensure that it does not have rabies or other infectious diseases.
- Dangerous Dogs: In Tampa, if a dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has previously bitten someone, it may be considered a “dangerous dog” under state law. Owners of dangerous dogs are subject to additional requirements, such as registering the dog with local authorities, providing proof of liability insurance, and taking steps to ensure that the dog is securely confined and muzzled in public.
If you have been bitten by a dog in Tampa, it’s important to seek medical attention right away and report the incident to the local animal control agency. It is important to also contact Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law to consult with one of our dog bite lawyer who specializes in children injury cases to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Do You Have a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you may have a legal claim against the dog owner for damages. Here are some factors to consider when determining whether you have a legal claim:
- Severity of the injury: If your injury is severe and requires medical treatment, such as stitches, surgery, or hospitalization, you may have a stronger claim for damages than if your injury was minor.
- Liability of the dog owner: If the dog owner was negligent in their care of the dog, such as failing to leash the dog or failing to properly train the dog, you may have a stronger claim for damages. Additionally, if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior, this may also strengthen your claim.
- Time elapsed since the incident: In Florida, there is a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. This means that you must file your claim within a certain time period after the incident occurred. It is best to consult with a lawyer to determine the applicable statute of limitations for your case.
- Economic damages: If you have incurred medical bills, lost wages, or other financial losses as a result of the dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for these economic damages.
- Non-economic damages: In addition to economic damages, you may also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering or emotional distress.
If you are unsure whether you have a legal claim for your dog bite injury, schedule a consultation with a dog bite attorney at our Tampa law office. Our personal injury lawyers are experienced in dog bite lawsuits that involve children and can evaluate the specific facts of your case and advise you on your legal options.
What to Do If Your Child Suffers a Dog Bite Injury in Public?
If you have been bitten by a dog in a public space, such as a park or sidewalk, you may have a legal claim against the dog owner for damages. Here are some steps you should take if you have been bitten by a dog in a public space:
- Seek medical attention: It’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible after a dog bite, even if the injury seems minor. A healthcare professional can evaluate your injury and provide appropriate treatment.
- Identify the dog owner: Try to identify the owner of the dog that bit you. If the owner is present, ask for their name and contact information. If the owner is not present, try to get the name and contact information of any witnesses who may have seen the incident.
- Report the incident: Report the dog bite to the local animal control agency. They can investigate the incident, locate the dog owner, and determine if the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
- Document the incident: Take photos of your injuries and any damage to your clothing or personal property. Keep a record of any medical treatment you receive and any expenses you incur as a result of the incident.
- Consult with a dog bite lawyer at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law: If you have been bitten by a dog in a public space, it’s important to consult with one of our Tampa personal injury lawyers who specialize in dog bite cases. As your personal injury lawyer, we can help you understand your legal rights, advise you on your legal options, and work to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
In Florida, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause in public spaces, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities. If you have been bitten by a dog in a public space, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Consult an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Tampa
If your child suffers a dog bite, you may be facing extensive medical costs and other damages to your child’s well-being. Even if the dog owner is a friend or family member, you need to consider your options for liability. You may be able to make a claim through the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance but need someone to fight for your right to compensation. Contact our team at Ligori & Ligori Attorneys at Law to discuss your options to ensure your child gets the care they need.