What should you do if you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite or attack in Florida?

An estimated 4,700,000 dog bites occur in the U.S. each year according to a study conducted by the National Canine Research Foundation. According to the Centers for Disease Control an estimated 800,000 individuals require medical care as a result of a dog bite injury. The insurance industry pays in excess of $1 billion in dog bite related claims each year. In response to these alarming statistics many local governments have enacted breed specific legislation that prohibits ownership of certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and others known for having dangerous propensities. Research conducted by the National Canine Research Foundation and American Humane Association shows breed specific legislation does little to protect the community from dog bite incidents because any breed of dog can attack.

Attorneys Dell and Schaefer’s Top 10 List of Important Steps to Take After Being the Victim of a Dog Bite or Dog Attack:

1.Pursue immediate medical treatment.
2.Contact an experienced dog bite attorney for guidance.
3.Make a police report and get a copy of the report as soon as possible.
4.Contact Animal Control and put them on notice of the dog bite.
5.Retain copies of all medical records ranging from prescription records to emergency reports.
6.Document any and all medications prescribed and treatments received.
7.Keep copies of all communications relating to the dog bit in a safe location.
8.Do not speak with any insurance company representative without first consulting with your attorney.
9.Document and calculate all lost income as a result of the dog bite.
10.Document and calculate all expenses incurred as a result of the dog bite.

In addition to cases against dog owners, our Florida dog bite attorneys have represented clients that sustained injuries from a horse, goat, cat, and pig. Visit our Resolved Case Examples on this page to read about some examples of animal related cases that our Florida Dog Bite and Animal injury attorneys have resolved. To learn more about Florida dog bites and other animal injury claims, contact one of Dell and Schaefer’s experienced Dog Bite or Animal injury attorneys. Call Attorneys Dell and Schaefer today at 800-383-7853. We always offer a free consultation to review your case.