DOG BITE VICTIMS

Many Americans have dogs as pets. Dogs are friendly and make good companions to many Floridians, but any dog can hurt someone when they get scared or try to protect their owner, puppies, or food. Your dog may be gentle and welcoming 99% of the time, but the possibility of him or her biting another person is always there.

Over 330,000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year across the country after being attacked by a dog.

In Florida, the dog owner is the liable party in dog bite lawsuits. It does not matter if the owner did not know the dog would attack another person. The owner must pay for all of the medical bills and property damage imposed on the victim. In order to ensure a strong case, try to do the following four things as soon as possible after being attacked:

• Identify the dog and its owner and get the address and phone number of the owner.
• If another person witnessed the attack, get that person's contact information.
• Photograph the wounds and bloody clothes.
• Return to the scene of the attack and talk to nearby residents and businesses.

Victims of dog bites often suffer more than just the physical harm caused by the dog. Emotional damage is also a factor when dogs attack, and the compensation you get should reflect this. The right attorney can help you get the money you deserve on top of any medical bills or time off work.

Liability falls of the owner of the dog due to these three kinds of law:

• Dog-bite statute - the dog owner is automatically liable for any injury or property damage the dog causes without provocation.
• One-bite rule - the dog owner is responsible for an injury caused by a dog if the owner knew the dog was likely to cause that injury.
• Negligence - the dog owner is liable if the injury occurred because the dog owner was careless in controlling the dog.

There are exceptions to the owner's liability. For instance, the owner is not liable for injuries imposed on those people trespassing, committing a felony, provoking the dog, or injured by a police dog at the time of the incident. In any case, you case must be presented to prove the identity of the dog's owner and that the dog did in fact bite you without provocation. The right lawyer can prove the pain and suffering you endured as well as the emotional harm inflicted on you due to the attack.