Florida Dog Bite Attorneys
According to the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 4.7 million dog bites occur every year across the country. While the majority are minor and do not require medical attention, hundreds of thousands of people are sent to the hospital each year as a result of more severe attacks. Dogs can be wonderful and compassionate companions, as well as dutiful protectors. Still, dog owners must ensure that they take appropriate precautions to keep other people safe from attack in public as well as when they are guests in the home.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or otherwise injured in an animal attack in Naples, Fort Myers, Orlando, or anywhere in the state, the Florida dog bite attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., are ready to help you get the monetary recovery you deserve. You should not be left to cover your medical bills and other expenses after suffering an attack from a dangerous dog.
Dangerous Dog Breeds
Researchers have compiled statistics on the breeds of dogs most likely to attack people without provocation. Contrary to popular opinion, smaller breeds of dogs, such as poodles and chihuahuas, actually pose the most immediate danger to people on Florida streets and in the home. While these smaller dogs are less likely to overpower a stranger in an attack, their bites can still cause severe laceration and scarring, and even the loss of an extremity such as a finger or toe in an extreme case. Losing a body part is a serious injury, no matter the circumstance.
The most deadly breed of dog is a different matter. According to the Canine Journal, which is a periodical that analyzes dog attack statistics across the U.S., pit bulls remain the dog breed most likely to cause a fatal death. From 2005 through 2017, pit bulls were involved in over 65 percent of dog bite deaths across the country. In second place were rottweilers, accounting for 10 percent of fatal attacks. German shepherds were responsible for 4.6 percent of dog bite deaths.
Dog owners who possess a dangerous breed of dog should be extra cautious in public and with guests in their homes. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed by a dangerous dog in Florida, you have the right to hold the owner accountable for the harm you and your family have suffered. The Florida dog bite attorneys at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., will help you investigate and pursue your claims.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Whether you were bitten by a small dog or tackled and mauled by a larger dog breed, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. Even small dogs can leave scars or other permanent damage. Some of the injuries our Florida dog bite lawyers commonly encounter after an animal attack in Florida include:
- Broken bones – Attacks by larger dogs can easily lead to broken arms, fractured legs, cracked skulls, or other impact injuries.
- Abrasions – Bruises, grazes, and scrapes may appear minor, but they can still lead to permanent scarring.
- Skin punctures – Punctures occur when a dog’s teeth punch through the skin. Although small, skin punctures are more likely to lead to infection.
- Amputation – In severe cases, an animal attack can lead to the complete loss of an arm or leg.
- Lacerations – A dog bite can cause a deep cut or tear of the skin, sometimes reaching past the epidermis and into the bones, muscles, and nerves. Severe nerve or muscle damage resulting from a deep laceration can lead to chronic pain, limitations on functionality, and disability.
- Infections – One of the most significant risks of animal attacks is infection. Around 10 to 15 percent of dog bites result in infection. Despite the ancient adage, dog mouths are not clean; they carry bacteria as well as the potential for diseases such as rabies. If you were bitten, it is important to get a blood test to check for infection as soon as you can.
Trusted Advice and Representation By Your Florida Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or otherwise suffered from an animal attack in Naples, Orlando, Fort Myers, or throughout Collier and Orange Counties, contact a seasoned Florida dog bite attorney for help. The knowledgeable and dedicated Florida dog bite injury legal team at The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A., is prepared to take your call. Reach out to our law office today at 239-649-8050 for a free consultation and learn whether you may be entitled to compensation after your Florida animal attack.
