Animal attacks and dog bites can result in serious injury to victims. Sharp teeth, a strong jaw, or some pointy claws can cause severe damage, especially for defenseless children. Injuries can consist of pain, disfigurement, and extensive tissue damage that are prone to becoming infected due to increased bacteria in the wound. There is also a great deal of long-lasting psychological trauma that’s common after these attacks. Having an experienced Miami animal attack lawyer on your side will help you get the compensation you need for your recovery.
An animal’s owner is 100% responsible for the safety of anyone who may come in contact with their animal. If you are injured in an animal attack, the animal’s owner can be held liable for any damages or injuries. Unfortunately, owners are quick to defend their animals — They may try to minimize any injuries sustained, and attempt to blame the victim for the attack.
Victims can easily become overwhelmed when pursuing compensation for an animal attack injury. Handling insurance companies, courts, and the animal’s owner, while trying to recover, is exhausting. We understand victims can be left with lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and long-lasting pain. Neufeld Law Firm is here to help you get BACK TO NORMAL as soon as possible while getting you the compensation you are entitled to — If you’ve been involved in an animal attack, premises liability accident, or any other type of personal injury, choose a team of lawyers that know how to WIN.
Common types of animal attack injuries
Animal attacks can result in injuries ranging from cuts and broken bones, to infection, and even death. The majority of animal attack injuries are caused by animal bites — Every year in the US, there are as many as 2 million dog bites, 400,000 cat bites, 45,000 snake bites, and more from smaller animals. Injury can also occur from sharp claws and beaks, or bacteria left behind in a wound.
- Bites To Extremities – The most common place for a bite injury is the right arm or dominant arm in a defensive reaction to the attack. Otherwise, all extremities are very likely bite areas, about 75% of injuries occur in arms or legs.
- Attacks With Children Involved – Even some well behaved, domestic animals can become aggressive around children if they are not used to being around them. Nearly 2 thirds of bite injuries are child-related. A child’s inability to properly defend themselves or create distance between themselves and the animal can result in serious injury and fatality.
- Cuts, Breaks, & Bruises – lacerations, bleeding and broken bones are very common after an animal attack. This could lead to scarring, deep tissue damage, and even prolonged nerve damage depending on the severity.
- Infection – Even if animal attack injuries are minor, seek medical attention immediately. Animal mouths carry bacteria and diseases that can very quickly lead to infection in the open wound of a human.
- Psychological – Animal attacks can be extremely traumatic for some victims. Some victims live in fear of coming into contact with dogs, they may struggle with nightmares, even PTSD symptoms.
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Who is responsible for an animal attack injury?
In the state of Florida, animal owners are 100% responsible for the training of their animals. Whether it’s on private or public property, the owner can be held liable for any injuries or damages sustained from the attack. Florida law does not require that an animal has a violent history, therefore owners are held liable on the first offense.
In the event of a victim trespassing, or ignoring warning signs of an animal’s behavior, the victim can be found at least partly liable for the attack. Even if found partly liable, you may still be entitled to some compensation for your injuries. If the victim is under the age of 6, regardless of the situation, the dog owner is completely responsible.
Regardless of which party may be at fault, get the compensation you need for your injuries. Contact a knowledgeable Miami animal attack lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation, while you focus on your recovery.
What are the next steps when someone is injured in an animal attack accident?
After the scene of an animal attack accident has been brought under control, victims can be left feeling very traumatized – You’ve been attacked, injured by another person’s animal, now you need to treat your injuries while trying to communicate with the owner to obtain information. If you’ve been injured in a Miami animal attack accident, follow the steps below for guidance:
1. Seek Medical Attention
If you are injured in an accident, always focus on your injuries first. If you require medical attention call the local authorities or make arrangements to be taken to a doctor. Before treating any injuries, if you can, take photos to better illustrate the severity of the attack. Animal bites can leave behind rabies or other bacteria in an open wound, even if injuries do not seem severe, plan to visit a doctor as soon as possible to help prevent infection from occurring.
2. Speak With The Owner
If your injuries do not prevent you from doing so, speak with the owner to take down some important information. You will need their contact information to pursue any compensation for your injuries. You can also request vaccination records for the animal to assist with your medical treatment.
3. Document The Scene
It is not uncommon for animal owners to become defensive over their pet’s behavior, and blame the victim for provoking the animal. In these situations, it pays to have thorough documentation of the scene. If there are any witnesses around, record their information, witness statements can help describe the attack. Take photos of the animal, your injuries, any property damage, and anything else that may be relevant to the accident.
4. Contact A Miami Animal Attack Lawyer
Handling these cases can be very stressful, especially when dealing with a frustrated animal owner, and recovering from injury. Contact an experienced Miami animal attack lawyer to strongly represent you so that you can focus on your recovery and your family. Choose the lawyers who have helped hundreds of clients win claims for auto accidents, premises liability, wrongful deaths, and personal injuries in Florida.
