Dog Bite Injuries

The Datny Law Firm in Boca Raton, Florida and Personal Injury Attorney David B. Datny represent victims of dog bites and other animal attacks, which happen more frequently than you would expect. In fact, dog bite accidents continue to be a public health problem affecting 1.5% of the US population annually according to the National Center for Biotechnology Information. As per the most recent published data maintained by the Centers for Disease Control (“CDC”), there are approximately 4.7 million dog bites each year in the United States. Approximately 799,700 of these dog bites required medical treatment, which often leaves its victims with serious, permanent and often disfiguring injuries as well as large out of pocket medical bills, future medical bills not to mention the pain and suffering or emotional distress associated with the frightening encounter. Personal Injury Lawyer and Dog Bite Attorney David B. Datny help victims hold dog owners responsible for bites or attacks committed by their pet.

The Datny Law Firm has handled numerous cases on behalf of dog bite victims in Boca Raton and elsewhere in Florida. We will help you get the medical treatment you need for the financial settlement you deserve. If you or a loved one has been attacked by an animal or bitten by a dog, give Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney David B. Datny a call at 561-221-7474. Consultations are FREE and we will travel to you if necessary.

Claims Against Dog Owners for Bites
Florida Statutes Sections 767.01 and 767.04 impose strict liability on owners for injury or damage caused to victims of dog bites. Unlike in other states, where a “one bite” rule protects dog owners from liability when a dog bites a victim for the first time, in Florida the dog owner is liable regardless of the animal’s past behavior if the victim was in a public place when the attack occurred or lawfully on the private property when bitten.

While the law seems to impose strict liability on dog owners, the Florida Legislature neutered its effectiveness by enacting several albeit limited defenses for dog owners. For instance, Florida Statute Section 767.04 also provides that “any negligence on the part of the person bitten that is a proximate cause of the biting incident reduces the liability of the owner of the dog by the percentage that the bitten person’s negligence contributed to the biting incident.” In other words, if the owner can show the dog bite victim was comparatively negligent or somehow contributed to the attack, the owner’s fault will be proportionally reduced. A Boca Raton Dog Bite Attorney can help you prevent the insurance company or a defense lawyer from successfully asserting such a defense.

Another apparent defense to the so called strict liability portions of Florida Statute Section 767.04 is a “Bad Dog” Sign. Specifically, the statute provides that “the owner is not liable, except as to a person under the age of 6, or unless the damages are proximately caused by a negligent act or omission of the owner, if at the time of any such injury the owner had displayed in a prominent place on his or her premises a sign easily readable including the words ‘Bad Dog.’”

As you can see, the dog bite laws are not as clear cut as they should be despite being characterized as strict liability statutes. They are complicated and confusing to lay persons as well as to attorneys who lack experience representing dog bite victims. That is why it is extremely important for you to consult The Datny Law Firm and David B. Datny, an experienced Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney and Dog Bite Lawyer. We know how to navigate the dog bite laws and have successfully represented dog bite victims in Boca Raton and throughout Florida.

Claims Against Non-Owners for Dog Bites
Many South Florida residents live in apartment complexes or developments that allow residents to have dogs and sometimes even provide amenities for dog owners such as dog parks. Likewise, many hotels and resorts permit vacationers and tourists to bring their dogs onto their premises. Unfortunately, sometimes these dogs bite other guests, staff or workers causing serious injury. In these situations, non-owners of dogs including landlords, hotels and resorts may be liable in addition to the owner for injuries sustained from dog bites that occur on their premises when a dog is known to be vicious and the non-owner assumed control of the premises to protect residents, tenants or guests from harm including dog bites. In such cases, a landlord, hotel or resort may have a duty to take reasonable measures in order to protect residents, tenants or guests from dangerous dogs on their properties. When a landlord, hotel or resort breaches that duty, they should be held liable for the harm caused to the victim.

Identifying the appropriate parties responsible for a dog bite accident may not always be apparent. At The Datny Law Firm, Boca Raton Personal Injury Attorney and Dog Bite Lawyer, David B. Datny is dedicated to making sure that each client including families of dog bite victims know their rights and that they are properly asserted and protected throughout the legal process.

Injuries and Diseases Arising from Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bites and animal attacks are serious matters that can result in significant injuries or diseases. According to the Center for Disease Control, in addition to physical injuries sustained in a dog bite attack such as bone fractures, contusions, disc herniations/bulges, lacerations and wounds, dog bites can also spread harmful germs. Up to 18% of dog bites become infected with bacteria. Dog bites can cause the following diseases including: (1) Rabies; (2) Capnocytophaga Bacteria; (3) Pasteurella; (4) MRSA (staff infection); (5) Tetanus.

Considering the realm of potential infections and diseases mentioned above that are associated with dog bites, it is extremely important after a bite to seek prompt medical attention from Urgent Care or at the Hospital. Testing and antibiotics will likely be necessary to ensure you have not been exposed or your wounds do not get infected. These diseases and infections can become fatal if not treated appropriately. Additionally, you may need treatment for your other injuries including surgery for broken bones, therapy for disc injuries or contusions, diagnostic imaging to rule out disc injuries, fractures or ligament tears or pain management. Getting the necessary treatment can become costly especially if you are out of work following the attack. At The Datny Law Firm, we will seek damages and compensation for your lost earnings, out of pocket past/future medical expenses and pain and suffering. The at fault party should be held responsible for your damages, not you.

Hire a Boca Raton Personal Injury Lawyer to Assert Your Legal Rights
The physical and emotional impact of a scary and frightening dog bite attack is hard to deal with alone, but exponentially more difficult to handle when you have to fight with skilled adversaries (insurance adjusters and defense lawyers) trying to deny or minimize your claim. Let The Datny Law Firm help you get the justice you deserve after your dog bite attack. We will fight for you and your family to hold the responsible party accountable for your injuries and damages.

The Datny Law Firm and Boca Raton Dog Bite Attorney David B. Datny can be reached 24/7 at 561-221-7474. Give us a call to discuss your legal options for your dog bite injuries. All Consultations are FREE and there is no fee unless we win your case. If you are unable to travel, please note we will gladly talk with you over the phone, video conference of come to you.