While many dogs are incredibly loving and friendly, others can be aggressive, leading to attacks. Unfortunately, many dog bite victims are unaware of the fact they can recover compensation for the damages they’ve endured, meaning they may not take the necessary steps to protect themselves and their right to economic justice. If this reflects your circumstances, you’ll want to keep reading to learn what you must know about these matters and why it’s imperative to connect with a Broward County dog bite lawyer who can assist you during these challenging times.
What Should Dog Bite Victims Do Immediately After Injury?
When bitten by a dog, the first thing you should do is immediately wash the affected area with antibacterial soap and water. Leaving a wound unwashed can lead to infections, thus increasing the severity of your injuries. Once the wound is clean, you should speak with the owner to discuss whether or not the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, especially their rabies immunization. If you cannot locate the owner or have reason to believe the owner is lying, you should go to your local emergency department to request treatment for a potential rabies infection. You may also need a tetanus shot, depending on the date of your last immunization.
You should also follow up with your primary care provider who will give you a treatment plan to help you heal.
Can I Seek Compensation for the Injuries Sustained?
Seeking compensation for any injuries endured by a dog will depend on the circumstances of your situation. However, Florida is a strict liability state, which means you do not have to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous or aggressive before the attack. If you can show that you were attacked without provocation, you have a chance of recovering compensation for the injuries sustained.
However, if the dog owner can show that you were trespassing on the property or provoking the dog before the attack, you may not be able to recover compensation, as this can hurt the validity of your claim.
Because of a dog bite, you can face a litany of damages like medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring, and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among other issues. As such, it’s imperative to connect with an experienced attorney who can help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to during these challenging times. They can examine the circumstances of your case to help determine how much compensation you deserve and fight to ensure you receive justice for the losses you’ve sustained because of a negligent dog owner.
If you’ve been hurt, the Finizio Law Group can help. We understand how complicated these matters can be, which is why we are dedicated to fighting for you. Connect with our team today to discuss the circumstances of your case during a free consultation with a member of our competent and compassionate team.
