Dog bites and attacks can be terrifying and range from causing small injuries to significant ones. If it happens to you, it’s important to remember that you have legal rights when bitten by a dog in Florida. Here’s what you should know — and what to do if it happens to you.
Seek medical attention.
Any time you’re attacked, whether bitten or scratched by a dog, you should seek immediate medical attention. Sometimes after a dog attack, just like in a car accident, adrenaline can trick us into thinking we feel better than we actually do. It’s always a smart idea to have a doctor check you out as soon as possible.
If you’re worried about the cost of medical attention after a dog bite, don’t worry. Your medical care and any other damages could be covered.
Get the contact information for the pet owner.
Just like exchanging insurance in a car accident, when you’re bitten by a dog, you should get the basic information of the pet owner. An easy way to do this, especially when you’re in a hurry due to an injury, is to ask them on the spot to text or email you a photo of their driver’s license.
Know your legal rights.
Medical care can be extremely costly. If you’re bitten by a dog in Florida and need medical attention, you should know that your medical care could be covered by the pet owner. It doesn’t matter whether or not the dog was on a leash or had a previous history of aggressive behavior; the owner of the pet is responsible, not you. As long as you’re not trespassing on someone’s property, you have the right to hold the pet owner responsible for the damages incurred.
In some dog bite cases, damages could even include lost wages or emotional trauma, depending on the severity of the dog attack. Once you’ve been seen by a medical professional, it’s a good next step to speak with a lawyer who specializes in dog bites.
Contact a personal injury lawyer.
Once you’ve seen a doctor after suffering from a dog bite, it’s always a smart idea to reach out to a local personal injury lawyer. Here at Porcaro Law Group, one of our specialties is handling cases just like these for Florida residents. Call or email us today to start a conversation. We’ll do everything we can to get the best outcome for you and everyone involved. Peter Porcaro will be here for you every step of the way.