Woman and Child Suffer Personal Injuries in Dog Attack

On Thursday, January 5, 2012, a woman and her nine-year-old daughter suffered personal injuries in a dog attack in Lauderhill. According to the Sun Sentinel, a woman, her daughter, and two-month-old infant were walking along the 1100 block of Northwest 41st Terrace, when they were attacked by a dog. All three were taken to the Plantation General Hospital, but only the woman and her nine-year-old daughter were treated for injuries. The owner of the dog was cited for failing to keep the dog on a leash.

Moreover, based upon the CDC statistics, there were 4.5 million dog bite victims per year in the United States during 2001 - 2003. Further, the CDC reports that one in five dog bites results in injuries which require medical attention, and children who range in ages 5 to 9 are more likely than adults to have to obtain medical treatment due to a dog bite. Additionally, the CDC recommends the following to prevent a dog bite:

Spend time with a dog before buying or adopting it.
Be sensitive to cues that a child is fearful or apprehensive about a dog.
Do not play aggressive games with a dog.
Properly socialize and train any dog entering your home.
Teach dog’s submissive behavior.
Immediately seek professional advice if the dog becomes aggressive or demonstrates undesirable behaviors.
Teach children to not to approach an unfamiliar dog.
Teach children to not run from a dog or scream.
Teach children to not play with dogs without being supervised by an adult.

There are many Fort Lauderdale dog bite preventable measures the CDC recommends in order to prevent being attacked by a dog. However, if you have been bitten by a dog, you should seek immediate medical attention. Also, currently in Florida, there is a dog bite statue that imposes strict liability upon the dog owner when their dog causes another person injury.

If you are unsure whether or not the injury you received as a result of a dog bite is a basis for a lawsuit, you should contact a Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorney. Although the state imposes a strict liability upon the owner, there may be some exceptions to this general rule. For example, the courts could determine that your act was a significant factor in causing the accident to occur. If the court determines that you are partially liable, the amount of damages, if awarded, could be reduced.

However, a Fort Lauderdale dog injury attorney will help you with defending any type of comparative fault or negligence issues which may arise. Florida law recognizes that dog owners are responsible for their dogs and the injuries they inflict upon a person. When a person sustains personal injuries as a result, the law entitles them to compensation for the damages they incur. Dog bites are serious injuries, and can be the cause of death in some circumstances. Therefore, if you or your child has been attacked, you should not delay medical treatment, whether or not you think the injury is minor. Also, to learn more about your legal options contact an attorney today to discuss your case.

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