Dogs may be “man’s best friend,” but they have also been known to turn on people in vicious attacks that can cause serious injuries and significant emotional trauma. A person who is attacked by a dog in Florida may be looking at hefty medical bills and empty paychecks during rest and recuperation. The good news is that a West Palm Beach dog bite attorney at Searcy Denney can help you fight back.

Our firm represents people and families injured in animal attacks and a wide range of other accidents. We are seasoned attorneys who combine decades of legal experience and boast a track record of helping our clients maximize their compensation.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you are not alone. Our attorneys will guide you through the legal process with experience and personal attention. We are skilled negotiators who have had success effectively resolving cases through settlement and aggressive litigators prepared to advance our clients’ rights in court when needed.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog attacks can and do happen in Florida and across the country. They often happen with little or no advance warning, giving those attacked little time to react or protect themselves.

An experienced West Palm Beach dog bite attorney will tell you that these attacks can cause a variety of injuries. They run the gamut from relatively minor cuts and bruises to life-threatening injuries.

Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:

• Gashes, cuts and bruises
• Broken bones and fractures
• Eye damage
• Face lacerations
• Rabies, tetanus
• Puncture wounds
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Head, neck and back injuries
• Nerve damage
• Amputation

That is not to mention the emotional and psychological trauma that can come with being attacked. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression are common in these situations.

Regardless of the type of injury, anyone attacked by a dog or other animal has the right to take legal action against those responsible. A West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer can help you explore your rights and options.

What Compensation is Available for a Dog Bite Injury?

A person who has been bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog or other animal in Florida has the right to seek compensation from the owner and other responsible parties.

The money damages available in these cases includes compensation for medical bills, missed wages and pain and suffering. For people with extensive injuries, you can also seek compensation for any long-term impact on your ability to work and earn an income.

The problem is that many people settle their claims for far less than they are worth. A West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer at our firm will fully assess your case, explain how much your claim is worth and work diligently to get you the full compensation available.

Dog Bites and Children

Of the some 4.5 million people bitten by dogs each year in the U.S., roughly half are children ages 12 and younger. About 20% of the attacks require medical attention.

Most of those bites involve everyday activity with familiar animals. Infants and toddlers are the most likely to be severely injured. As with adults, dog attacks on children often cause psychological trauma that can last for decades. 

Although Florida is a comparative negligence state – meaning that a person attacked by a dog may be considered partially responsible for the attack in certain circumstances – that is unlikely to apply to small children. Courts in the state have found that a child under the age of 6 cannot be found negligent.

If your child has been attacked by a dog or other animal, a West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation that your family deserves.

West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Representation for Other Animal Attacks

Dogs are not the only animals prone to attack. At Searcy Denney, we see a wide range of animal attacks, including:

• Cat bites
• Snake and other reptile bites
• Strangulation from snakes
• Pet wolf attacks

Injuries caused by these pet attacks are subject to the same strict liability standard as dog bites in Florida. Owners are largely liable for the attack, regardless of any steps that the person has taken in advance to prevent it, with some exceptions.

About Palm Beach County’s Leash Law

As many dog owners already know, Palm Beach County requires that dogs be on a leash when they are being walked outside.

The leash law applies to all kinds of dogs, including those that have been trained and are considered well-behaved. The law was specifically updated in 2015 to cover dogs that are obedient enough to follow owners’ commands.

The law requires dogs to be on a leash or in a cage anytime that they are out in public. That includes dogs that are out for a run or jog with their owners. It makes exceptions, however, for service animals, and in dog parks and other places designated for dogs to be off-leash.

First-time violations come with a $75 fine, which increases for multiple violations.

County law also provides that a dog or cat that has bitten, attacked or threatened others while off the owner’s property can be impounded. The animal can also be removed from the owner’s property and impounded unless it is confined in a secure building and prevented from coming into contact with other people.

Speak with a West Palm Beach Dog Bite Attorney to Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an animal attack, a West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer at Searcy Denney can help. 

Our personal injury attorneys help injured people and their families put the pieces back together following an accident. We are pleased to offer contingency fee arrangements, which means we do not get paid unless you win your case.

Our offices are conveniently located in West Palm Beach and Tallahassee. Call us at 800-780-8607 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a West Palm Beach dog bite attorney today.