Jacksonville Dog Bite Attorney

Serving Jacksonville, Jacksonville Beach and Clients throughout Northeast Florida

A dog may be “man’s best friend” but they can also become a man’s worst enemy. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.7 million people are injured from dog bites each year in the United States.

In 2018, Florida had more than 1200 people injured by dog attacks and four people die due to injuries from a vicious dog attack.

While younger children are usually the victims of these accidents, elderly individuals are also at high risk for dog bite injuries.

If you or a loved one were injured from a dog bite, then you need an understanding and experienced Florida Dog Bite Lawyer.

Common Injuries from Dog Attack Cases

Dog bites can be extremely painful and debilitating. Depending on the breed of dog, the injuries could be extensive, if not fatal.

Just some of the common injuries associated with dog bites or attacks include:

• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Facial scars
• Scratches or deep cuts
• Dislocations
• Bruises
• Infections
• Rabies
• Emotional trauma

According to the CDC, most people suffer from deep punctures and lacerations, which occur because of the dog’s claws and teeth. While less than one percent of dog attacks are fatal, over 30 people died from dog attacks just last year.

Dog Breeds Most Likely to Attack

Some dog breeds increase the likelihood of an attack or bite. While there are cases where friendly breeds will also bite a person, the following breeds are considered the most dangerous:

• Pit Bulls
• Doberman Pinschers
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Chow Chows
• Akitas
• Presa Canarios
• Huskies
• Malamutes

Why Do Dogs Bite?

There are numerous reasons why a dog may bite a person. And, just because a dog bites someone does not automatically mean the owner or dog was at fault.

There are cases where a dog bite may be justified, such as someone attacking the dog and the animal defending itself, the animal defending its owner from a vicious attack, or someone has broken into the owner’s property.

There are also cases where dog bites are not justified and may qualify for a personal injury claim. These causes include:

• Training
• Poor socialization
• Fear
• Traveling in a pack with other dogs
• Maternal protection
• Provocation
• Abuse

Children are usually the victims of dog bites because they do not know how to interact with a dog properly.

Can Dog Bites be Prevented?

Most dog attacks are preventable and often the owner is more than aware that their dog is likely to bite another – and they fail to do anything about it. Florida is a “strict liability” state, which means an owner can be held liable for a dog bite regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

Some ways owners and victims can prevent future lawsuits and dog bite accidents include:

• Ensuring people do not bother their dog while it is eating, watching its puppies or sleeping
• Never approaching an unfamiliar dog
• Never running from a dog or screaming in one’s presence
• Remaining calm and still if an unknown dog does approach

Injured by a Dog Attack? Contact Our Team of Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one was injured by a dog attack or bite, you are going to have questions and certainly medical costs. From plastic surgery to fix scars to the emotional trauma, you deserve compensation for your pain and suffering.

The personal injury attorneys at Hardesty, Tyde, Green & Ashton, P. A. are here to help. We can get you compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Call us today for a free case evaluation and let us help you get justice against vicious dogs and their careless owners.