Spring is here—the sun is shining, flowers are blooming, and everyone is spending more time outside. But with this shift into the outdoors comes a rise in one unfortunate occurrence: dog bites. While we often think of dogs as lovable companions, situations can arise where they become aggressive, leading to injuries that can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite incident, understanding your legal options is key. Here’s what you need to know about these common injuries and how a personal injury attorney can help.
Why Do Dog Bite Incidents Increase in Spring?
Spring encourages outdoor activity—not just for people but for dogs, too. Trips to the park, family barbecues, and leisurely walks are all opportunities for dogs to interact with strangers, including other dogs. While most of these encounters are harmless, certain factors can increase the risk of an aggressive reaction:
- Over-stimulation in busy spaces
- Lack of proper training or socialization
- Dogs protect what they perceive as their territory
- Dogs feeling frightened or provoked, even unintentionally
Sometimes, even the friendliest dog can lash out if stressed or startled. Unfortunately, this leads to injuries that can range from minor to severe.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in painful injuries. Here are some of the most common ones:
1. Puncture Wounds
A dog’s teeth are sharp and powerful, and their bite can cause deep puncture wounds. These wounds can easily become infected if not treated properly.
2. Lacerations
Often, a dog bite results in torn skin, which requires stitches and can leave scarring. Depending on the location of the bite, these injuries may even necessitate plastic surgery.
3. Broken Bones
Larger dogs, especially, can have a surprisingly strong bite that can crush or break bones in fingers, hands, wrists, or arms.
4. Nerve Damage
A bite that tears into muscle tissue may cause lasting nerve damage. This can result in chronic pain or reduced mobility.
5. Rabies and Other Infections
If the dog isn’t vaccinated, victims can be exposed to rabies, which is life-threatening and requires immediate treatment. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can also lead to other infections, such as tetanus.
6. Psychological Trauma
The pain from a dog bite isn’t always just physical. Many victims, particularly children, develop a fear of dogs or experience post-traumatic stress after an attack.
What to Do If A Dog bites you
If you find yourself the victim of a dog bite, take these steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention. Though it seems minor, dog bites can escalate into serious problems if not treated properly.
- Report the Incident. File a report with local animal control or law enforcement. This ensures the incident is documented and the dog’s vaccination history is checked.
- Gather Information. If possible, get the dog owner’s contact details and ask about the dog’s vaccination status. Take pictures of your injuries and the scene of the attack.
- Avoid Discussions With the Insurance Company. The owner’s insurance company may call you, but it’s best not to talk to them until you’ve discussed your case with an attorney.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Dog Bite
A personal injury attorney can be crucial in protecting your rights and securing the compensation you deserve. Here’s how they can help:
- Establish Liability. Proving the dog owner was negligent is essential. This could include showing the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner failed to properly secure it.
- Navigate Dog Bite Laws. Legal rules surrounding dog bites vary from state to state. Florida, for example, has strict liability laws, meaning the owner can be held responsible even if the dog has no prior history of aggression.
- Negotiate Compensation. Medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma—these are just a few of the costs victims face. An attorney will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
- Handle Insurance Companies. Insurers often try to minimize payouts or shift blame onto the victim. Your attorney can handle these negotiations and protect your interests.
Daytona Beach Dog Bite Attorney
If you or a loved one has been affected by a dog bite in Port Orange, FL, it's crucial to seek both medical and legal assistance to ensure a full recovery. The experienced attorneys at Politis & Matovina, P.A. are here to help you navigate the complexities of dog bite cases and secure the compensation you deserve. Don't hesitate to contact us today to schedule a consultation at (386) 333-6613 and take the first step towards healing and justice. Let us be your advocate in this challenging time, providing the support and expertise you need to move forward with confidence.