NORTH MIAMI DOG BITE LAWYER

Miami Dog Bite Lawyer

Bite injuries from anyone or anything leave scars, but an animal bite can also require medical attention for several reasons. Dogs have canines that can cause serious physical damage, and they sometimes carry diseases that can pass to humans through saliva.

If a dog bites you or a loved one in the North Miami Beach area, call the Law Office of Dean M. Gettis. We will pursue compensation for your physical and mental health and seek judgment against irresponsible pet owners. Our team will collect and review the facts of your case to give you a chance at an effective trial.

What You Need To Know About Dog Bites

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) record dog bites and their effects. As of 2021, the following statements ring true for these kinds of bites:

  • Dogs bite more than 4.5 million people yearly in the United States.
  • About one-fifth of all people bitten by dogs (900,000) need medical attention.
  • Of that 900,000, about 90% of them receive necessary assistance for dog bites.
  • Children constitute a majority of the bite wound victims.
  • Most child-victim dog bites happen from familiar dogs rather than feral ones.
  • 3% to 18% of all dog bite wounds become infected.

Even the friendliest family dog can feel the need to bite because of their personality, lack of training, or environment. Particular breeds, like American pit bulls and German shepherds, do not feel the need to bite more than others. However, because of their sizes and builds, even their warning bites can leave substantial scarring on people of all ages.

Receive medical attention as soon as possible if you notice these signs of infection around a dog bite:

  • Wound drainage
  • Difficulty moving the bitten body part
  • A warm feeling around the puncture wounds
  • Swelling and redness around the wound
  • Pain that lasts longer than 24 hours
  • Fevers
  • Shaking
  • Night sweats

Brief Guide to Florida’s Dog Bite Liability Laws

Florida maintains strict liability laws, holding dog owners responsible for their pets’ actions. A pet owner cannot get off the hook by saying they weren’t aware of their dog’s aggressive tendencies. Courts can find owners liable for injuries even if the victim was on public property or private property legally.

Victims who experienced a dog bite under these conditions may be able to seek compensation under the following claims:

  • One Bite Rule: Laws in Miami, FL state that owners must declare aggressive dogs as dangerous. With the declaration of their danger, owners must follow specific safety measures and strict rules for their pets. If their dog bites someone, courts may henceforth find them liable for the animal bite.
  • Negligence: Some dog owners fail to provide an injured person with the standard of care reasonable for the circumstance. For example, they may leave the scene without exchanging information or providing assistance. Florida courts may find them negligent and state that the victim requires compensation.
  • Negligence Per Se: Dog owners that do not observe safety regulations or statutes around pet ownership can foster an unsafe environment. For example, the courts may find a person whose dog bites while illegally off-leash in public liable for the dog’s actions.
  • Intentional Tort: Victims may pursue a battery claim if the owner intentionally had their dog attack them without reason. For example, an owner instructs the dog to bite an innocent person on public property. The courts may rule in the victim’s favor because the person didn’t harm the owner and was in a public space.

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How You Can Prevent a Dog Bite

In some cases, a dog may feel provoked to bite due to certain circumstances, like if they feel threatened or are in pain. For example, a dog may bite a child who was playing too roughly. Most animals give warning signs before biting, such as:

  • Growling
  • Intense staring
  • Ears that are straight up or pinned back 
  • Bared teeth
  • A low head position, where the dog’s neck is lower than shoulder level and stretched forward
  • Hair in the neck area standing up
  • Short, quick wagging

Remove the child from the area if they are playing with a dog exhibiting these warning signs. Adults can also look for those dog warning signs to avoid a bite.

Miami Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Contact the Law Office of Dean M. Gettis when you need legal assistance for dog bites. The language and laws surrounding bite cases can be complex and confusing. Our team works hard to find the details and assist you with your case. 

Let us care for you while you and your loved ones focus on recovering. Call 305-893-8931 today for a free consultation with a trusted North Miami Dog Bite Lawyer.