Whether you consider your dog part of your family or you’re more of a cat person, one thing is true – dogs are truly man’s best friend. However, while the large majority of these furry friends are loyal and friendly, not all dogs are. Unfortunately, if you’ve been bitten by one, you may know this to be true. It’s necessary to understand that dog bites can cause serious issues, so understanding how to take legal action against the negligent owner is critical. The following blog explores these matters in further detail, including the importance of discussing your circumstances with a Broward County dog bite lawyer.

What Complications Can Arise from Dog Bites?

Unfortunately, dog bites can be incredibly severe, as several serious complications can arise from these wounds. When you are bitten by a dog, you’ll likely experience pain, swelling, and bruising around the area of the bite. However, the risk of infection is incredibly high. When a dog’s teeth puncture your skin, their saliva can enter the wound, and the germs and bacteria can result in an infection. In addition, you may endure the following complications as a result:

  • Nerve damage
  • Crush injuries
  • Soft tissue damage
  • Scarring
  • Avulsions
  • PTSD

If you are bitten by a dog, it’s critical to seek immediate medical attention, especially if the dog has an unknown vaccination history. You will likely need to receive a tetanus shot as well as a rabies vaccination.

Who Can Face Liability in These Matters?

It’s important to understand that liability for dog bites will vary from state to state. In some states, the law essentially allows a “free bite.” Essentially, if the owner can show they had no idea the dog was violent because they showed no prior history of aggression, they will not be held liable for the damages caused by their dog.

However, Florida, like the majority of states, imposes a strict liability law. This holds owners responsible for the actions of their pets, regardless of whether or not they have a history of aggressive behavior. As such, you’ll find that if you are bitten by a dog, the owner can face liability for the damages you’ve endured as a result of their negligence.

You should note, however, that if you were trespassing on their property at the time of the incident or you were provoking or abusing the dog, you will be unable to seek compensation for the damages incurred.

As you can see, dog bites can be incredibly complicated to navigate. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you deserve when you are injured by a negligent dog owner is critical. At the Finizio Law Group, our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.