Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

While a dog is well known to be man's best friend, anyone who has been seriously bitten or mauled by a dog knows that a dog attack can be a very traumatic and devastating experience. According to the United States Centers for Disease and Control Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. Young children are often the victims of dog bite attacks, with the CDC reporting the rate of dog bite-related injuries being highest for children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old.

What to Do When You Are Attacked

If you, your spouse or your child are attacked by a dog, the first thing you need to do is to seek medical attention. Your doctor can provide you with the medical care you need to treat the dog bite injury and prevent infection. Additionally, visiting a doctor will give you the medical documentation you will need should you decide to file a lawsuit.

If possible, you should also take photos of your injuries as well as the scene of the attack. Additionally, if your clothing has been bloodied or torn, you should keep it because it may be important evidence in your case. In the event you are not familiar with the dog's owner, you need to write down his or her name, address and phone number and do the same for any witnesses to the attack.

After you have properly attended to your injuries, it is very important to seek the advice of qualified lawyer. A dog bite lawyer at The Podor Law Firm can explain your legal rights and help you get the relief you are legally entitled to. When you work with our firm, we will carefully evaluate your situation to determine all available avenues of recovery and get to work to ensure you get the treatment and compensation you deserve.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can cause a range of serious injuries that may require extensive medical treatment:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Broken bones from falls during attacks
• Nerve damage
• Infection (including dangerous infections like rabies, MRSA, and tetanus)
• Scarring and permanent disfigurement
• Emotional trauma and PTSD
• In severe cases, death (especially for children)

Dog Bite Liability Laws

Dog bite liability laws vary by state, but both Ohio and Florida have specific statutes that can benefit victims:

Ohio's Dog Bite Laws:

Ohio follows a "strict liability" rule for dog bites. This means that the dog owner is liable for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive tendencies or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible even for the first bite, making it easier for victims to recover compensation.

Florida's Dog Bite Laws:

Florida also has a strict liability statute for dog bites. Under Florida law, dog owners are liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. However, Florida has a "comparative negligence" provision where liability may be reduced if the victim's negligence contributed to the injury.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

If you've been injured by a dog, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation:

• Medical expenses (including future medical care)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological trauma
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs
• In fatal cases, wrongful death damages

Special Considerations for Child Victims

Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks, and cases involving child victims require special handling:

• Children may suffer more severe emotional trauma following a dog attack
• Future medical procedures may be necessary as the child grows
• Scarring and disfigurement can have long-term psychological impacts
• The statute of limitations may be extended for minors
• Cases often require expert testimony to project future impacts and costs

Why You Need an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney

While dog bite cases may seem straightforward, they can quickly become complex:

• Insurance companies often try to minimize the severity of injuries
• Dog owners may claim the victim provoked the dog
• Multiple parties may share liability (owners, property owners, caretakers)
• Determining the full extent of damages requires medical and psychological expertise
• State and local laws regarding dog bites can be nuanced

At Podor Law, our experienced dog bite attorneys understand these complexities and will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation possible for your injuries.