Palm Beach Gardens Dog Bite Lawyer
Palm Beach Gardens is a very dog friendly city, but that does not mean that all dogs are friendly. Dogs are animals and sometimes, they are very unpredictable. They sometimes lash out and bite or attack without provocation and for seemingly no reason. Dog owners must take certain measures to ensure their pet does not cause anyone any harm or they can be held liable for any injuries sustained. Below, our Palm Beach Gardens dog bite lawyer explains the law in Florida and how to obtain the compensation you deserve.
The Law on Dog Bites in Florida
In Florida, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries their pet causes in private or public spaces, including the premises of the owner. Strict liability means that victims do not have to prove that the dog has bitten someone in the past, or that the owner was aware of the dog’s violent or aggressive tendencies. Victims must only prove that the dog bit or attacked them, and that they sustained injuries as a result. Landlords can also be held liable if they allowed a potentially dangerous breed or specific dog on the premises.
It is important to note that in some cases, victims may be partly to blame for their injuries. When a victim provokes the animal and becomes bitten or attacked, they can be held partly liable for the attack. Additionally, if the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s premises or ignored prominently displayed “bad dog” signs, victims can also be held partly accountable. In these cases, any damages the victim is awarded will be reduced by their same percentage of fault.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Anyone can suffer serious injuries after being bitten or attacked by a dog. However, children and senior citizens are most at risk. Children are prone to suffering serious injuries to the head and neck, due to their small size and the fact that they are often level with a dog. The elderly are in a much more fragile state than other adults, which places them at particular risk of suffering serious injuries. Some of the most common injuries sustained during a dog bite or attack include:
- Bruising
- Contusions
- Broken bones
- Dislocations
- Facial injuries
- Lacerations
- Concussions
- Permanent disfigurement and scarring
- Psychological injuries
The injuries sustained during a dog attack are different from other types of accidents in several ways. The psychological injuries are particularly pronounced and a victim may develop a lifelong fear of dogs, even when they loved the animals prior to the attack. Additionally, due to the fact that a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria, the risk of infection and other complications are even greater after a dog attack.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Palm Beach Gardens Can Help After an Attack
If you have been hurt, it is critical that you speak to our Palm Beach Gardens dog bite lawyers today. At Smith, Ball, Baez & Prather, our seasoned attorneys can prove the full nature and extent of your injuries so you obtain the fair settlement that is justly yours. Call or text us today at 561-500-HELP or reach out to us online to schedule a free review of your case.
