In the United States, roughly 40% of all households own a dog, which equates to over 60 million dogs nationwide. In as much, almost 5 million people are dog bite victims each year, with approximately 800,000 of those injured requiring medical treatment. Unfortunately, a majority (60%) of dog bite victims are children. In order to prevent dog bites, it is important to understand some of the reasons for these harmful attacks. In most instances, dogs bite as a form of dominance, bite out of fear of people or bite to protect their territory or puppies. Dog owners are by and large responsible for the injuries caused by their animal’s dangerous behavior. In dog bite cases, owners are generally liable to the victims for negligence, such as violating leash laws, boarding a dog with a history of injuring others, failing to maintain a safe enclosure or fenced area, or creating a dangerous situation that puts others in harms way. While some dog bite injuries are minor, other injuries can be very severe, including lacerations, disfigurement and scarring, rabies, fractures and even death.

 

Under Florida law, dog owners are strictly liable for all of the injuries and damages that result from a dog bite. If you have been the victim of a dog bite, you may be able to collect compensation for your injuries, including past and future medical costs, pain and suffering, psychological damages, loss of wages and earning capacity, dog bite scars, and property damage. In most cases, the insurance companies of dog owners will cover a dog bite claim. At the Law Offices of Kanner & Pintaluga, our qualified attorneys will evaluate your claim and help determine the type of compensation you may be entitled to. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, please contact us for a free consultation and let us protect your legal rights today.