St. Petersburg Dog Bite Lawyer
The great majority of dogs are friendly, loyal, and unintimidating creatures. Although dog bites are rare, they present a serious hazard for the physical and mental well-being of the victim. Dog bites often require stitches, intensive cleaning, and possibly antibiotics, as the bacteria in dog saliva creates infection within a wound. A prolonged dog attack can be a life-threatening situation. Aggressive dogs often attack the face or groin, causing serious bleeding and permanent scarring and disfigurement. Regardless of where the injuries were sustained and the extent of the physical damage, a dog bite or attack can wreak havoc on the victim’s emotional and psychological state. Extensive counseling and therapy may be necessary to recover from an horrific incident with a dog. If you were attacked or bitten by another party’s dog, contact the St. Petersburg dog bite lawyers of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian at 1-800-227-2275 today to talk with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers.
Signs of an Aggressive Dog do Not Always Show Up
Between 37 and 47 percent of U.S. homes have dogs, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. With so many dogs present in our homes and throughout society, attacks and bites are bound to happen, and they often happen completely unexpectedly. An angry growl, pulled back lips, or the lack of a wagging tail may be signs that a dog is not in the mood to be approached. However, many dogs never give a sign before attacking or their signs are misinterpreted as playful or friendly.
4.5 Million Dog Bites Annually
According to research published in the U.S. National Library of Medicine, 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog each year. Only 19 percent of those bites end up being severe enough for the victim to go to an emergency room (ER), however. Some dogs are territorial, fearful, or have been mistreated, all of which can lead to aggression, regardless of size or breed. However, the larger breeds can inflict more damage than smaller breeds. American pitbulls, for example, account for the vast majority of fatal dog attacks.
Comparative Negligence Law Applies to Dog Bites in Florida
If you were bitten by a dog, but it can somehow be proven that you provoked the dog into doing so, you may be held partially negligent or responsible for the dog bite. If it is determined that you were 20 percent at fault, you would only be able to collect 80 percent of the damage compensation available. This is called comparative negligence. However, Florida still has the highest average compensation amount in the country, at $38,400 per dog bite, according to the Florida Bar Journal.
We will help you recover the maximum amount of damages available to help your recovery process and to move on with your life. If you or a loved one were bitten or severely attacked by a dog that belonged to another, call the St. Petersburg dog bite lawyers of Barbas, Nuñez, Sanders, Butler & Hovsepian at 1-800-227-2275 today to discuss your options with one of our dog bite lawyers. We are dedicated to helping you throughout your personal injury case.
