When a dog bite occurs in Florida, it is important to take the right steps to ensure that the animal is handled properly and that the victim receives the necessary medical attention. Animal control has the legal right to euthanize dogs in its custody, but they cannot do so without probable cause. If you are at the scene of the attack, you may be able to stop animal control from taking your pet. Doctors must report dog bites to the state health department or animal control agency after a detailed report and treatment.
To recover damages, the plaintiff must prove that the dog owner's negligence caused the injury. Florida is a “strict liability” state, meaning that an owner can be held liable for a dog bite, even if they did not previously know of the aggressive nature of the animal. It is important for dog owners to be proactive and follow all local laws to keep their pet out of animal control's custody. If you are at the scene of a dog attack, get the owner's name, address, phone number, insurance company, and any other relevant contact information.
If human life is in immediate danger, police or animal control teams can kill a dog on the spot or reassure it. Injured victims may have to pay for outpatient care and hospitalization, surgery or various surgeries (including plastic surgery or amputation), stitches, medications, prosthetics, physical therapy and rehabilitation, doctor visits, specialized care, imaging tests such as x-rays and more. Many homeowners and renters insurance policies in Fort Lauderdale and elsewhere in Florida do cover dog bite injuries. For more guidance on how to avoid dog bites and national and local dog bite prevention campaigns, see the links below in the More Information section.
If you suffered a dog bite injury in Florida, here are some steps you can take to make it more likely that you can recover the full amount of damages you deserve: - Get medical attention immediately - Document all medical expenses - Take pictures of your injuries - Contact an experienced personal injury attorney - File a claim with your insurance company - File a lawsuit if necessary By following these steps after a dog bite, victims can ensure that they receive proper medical attention and are able to recover damages for their injuries.
