Most dogs make wonderful, loving pets, but even a friendly dog can bite or attack. Dog bites can cause serious injury, often resulting in high medical bills and psychological trauma. An attorney can help victims of dog bites seek compensation for damages and hold the dog’s owner liable. If you or someone you know has suffered from dog bite injuries, contact Daytona Beach, FL lawyer Joe Horrox to discuss your legal options.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can be very severe, requiring extensive medical attention and possibly plastic surgery to repair. The damage caused by dog bite injuries can go beyond physical scars to emotional trauma. A dog bite victim may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder for several months, especially without treatment, or may develop a fear of dogs. Some physical injuries caused by dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Abrasions
- Bone fractures
- Sprain injuries
- Tissue loss
- Avulsion
- Nerve damage
- Scars
- Infections including cellulitis and rabies
Preventing Dog Bites
It is a dog owner’s responsibility to prevent the pet from injuring or harming others. However, there are precautions you can take to reduce your risk of being bitten or attacked by a dog, such as:
- Stay away from unknown dogs
- Do not pet or play with a dog that is eating
- Do not try to play with a dog while she is feeding her puppies
- Do not provoke or taunt a dog
- Do not leave young children alone with a dog
- Approach dogs slowly and allow the dog to initiate contact
- Stay calm if a dog becomes aggressive, avoid eye contact and slowly move away
What to Do after a Dog Bite Injury
The first thing to do after a dog bite injury is to get to a safe place and provide first aid to the injury. Dog bites can be deep and lead to infection and should be treated by a medical professional. Once proper aid has been given, it is important to contact an attorney to discuss your legal options. If a dog’s owner knows the dog to be aggressive or has been negligent in keeping the dog restrained, an attorney can help hold the dog’s owner responsible for medical bills and pain and suffering. Seeking legal action against the owner of a dangerous dog may also help the dog’s owner to take proper precautions to prevent the dog from hurting others in the future.
Contact an Experienced Attorney
Dog bite injuries can cause long-term damage, both physically and emotionally. When a dog attack occurs as a result of the owner’s negligence, the dog’s owner may be held liable. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack, you or your loved one may be entitled to compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. Contact the law firm of Joe Horrox to find out more about your legal rights.