Dogs may be man’s best friend, but they can be vicious if they want to be, too. When it comes to being attacked by someone else’s dog, you need to be prepared.
What should you do after being bitten by a dog in Brandon, Florida?
There are several steps that you should take in order to protect yourself and get compensation for a dog bite injury. Here is what you need to know about being bitten by a dog in Florida.
Florida Law for Dog Bite Injury
In Florida, the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries caused by their dog. It is a “one-bite” state, meaning that they can be held liable even if this is the first time their dog has bitten someone. The owner will be held responsible for any medical bills that you sustain in relation to the bite.
Of course, the injuries may not all stem from the bite itself. The dog may knock you down in the process of attacking you, which can lead to serious head injuries or broken bones. The owner is responsible for compensating for any damages caused by their dog.
If you require cosmetic surgery in order to repair injuries caused by the dog, the dog owner is also responsible for that. They are also responsible for any mental or psychological damage caused by the attack.
Did you need to miss work after a dog attack and lost money in the process? If so, then the owner can be billed for that expense as well, as you lost the ability to work as a direct result of the dog attack.
What to Do if Injured By a Dog
If you are injured by someone else’s dog, there are some steps you should take right away in order to gather evidence and take care of yourself. Here are some tips to help you after being attacked.
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Your first step after being involved in a dog attack is to get to the hospital. The dog may be rabid, which will require immediate medical attention. The wound also has a good chance of getting infected without proper medical treatment.
The moment you are away from the dog, immediately drive to the nearest hospital or call 911 for an ambulance if you are unable to drive yourself. This will prevent unnecessary damage caused by the attack.
Get Insurance and Contact Information from the Dog’s Owner
Once you have had appropriate medical care, it’s time to contact the dog’s owner and start gathering their information. Collect their insurance information along with any contact information they have; this includes their first and last name, phone number, email, and any other information you can gather. You will need this in order to file a claim with your lawyer later on.
Create an Account of the Incident
You’ll want to create a detailed account of the incident while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include where you were before the attack took place, information about the dog responsible, how the attack played out, and any other information about the scene that you can recall. Try not to leave anything out; you never know what information might be useful to your lawyer!
If there were any witnesses at the time of the event, you’ll want to get a record of the events from their perspective as well. Gather their contact information and have them detail their own accounts. This includes the owner as well if they were present at the time of the attack.
Don’t forget to include how you were interacting with the dog before the attack happened. If you did anything to trigger the dog to attack you, then it’s important that you make that clear in your telling.
Photograph Your Injuries
Along with detailing the account in writing, you should take photographs of any and all injuries sustained during the attack. No matter how minor the injury may seem, make sure you include photos. You should also collect information from your doctor regarding any injuries that you can’t photograph, such as brain trauma and internal injuries.
Contact the Police
Once you have your evidence and information ready, it’s time to contact your local authorities. There may be cause to believe that the dog may try to attack someone else; it’s important that the authorities are aware of any potential threats to people in the area. Informing the police will also start a paper trail that you can use as evidence of the attack later on if necessary.
Contact a Lawyer
Finally, you’ll want to contact a personal injury lawyer to help you file a claim. They can help you compile your evidence neatly in case you need to bring your claim to court; they will also know how best to represent you and the incident to your insurance company for support.
If you want the highest possible sum for your injuries, then contacting a lawyer is your best possible option. They can help you get compensated for any and all injuries sustained in the attack.
Find Solace After Your Injury
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury and need to pay off your medical bills, don’t worry. You have a right to compensation for your injuries, which a lawyer can help you get! Make sure to gather as much information as possible about your case before taking it to an attorney.
Were you bitten by a dog in Brandon, Florida, and don’t know where to go?
We’re here to help. Contact us with any questions or concerns you have about filing a claim and continue reading our blog for more helpful information.
