Riverview Dog Bite Lawyer
Many people in Riverview own dogs and for the most part, they are loyal companions. Even the most docile dog, though, can become aggressive and bite someone. When this happens, victims often suffer serious injuries that require a great deal of medical treatment. In some cases, a dog bite can be fatal. If you or someone you love has been hurt by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Riverview dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the process so you obtain the fair settlement you deserve.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog’s jaw is very powerful and can inflict injuries that are extremely serious. Broken bones, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and emotional trauma are just a few of these. Unfortunately, many of the most severe injuries are not a direct result of the actual bite but infections that develop afterward. In fact, one in five dog bites become infected, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Some of these infections, such as rabies, can be fatal if they are not treated right away.
It is crucial that dog bite victims seek medical attention right away. This ensures that the injuries do not become worse. And while infections are not entirely preventable, a doctor can monitor your condition and ensure you receive the necessary treatment.
Liability for Dog Bites in Riverview
In most cases, dog owners in Riverview are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pet. This means you do not have to prove that the dog owner was aware of their pet’s aggressive tendencies, or that the owner was negligent. You must only show that you were lawfully on public or private property, even if the property was the home of the dog. You must also show that the dog bit you and you suffered injuries as a result.
While strict liability can make things easier for dog bite victims, there are factors that can limit a dog owner’s liability. For example, if an accident victim taunted or provoked the animal before being bitten, they may not be entitled to damages. Or, if a victim was trespassing on the owner’s property and was bitten, that can also exclude them from damages because they were not lawfully on the property.
Lastly, dog owners can post a ‘Bad Dog’ or ‘Beware of Dog’ sign on their premises to limit their liability. These signs are meant to warn visitors that an aggressive dog is on the premises. The sign must also be prominently displayed so all visitors can see it before they enter the property. The defense of a ‘Bad Dog’ sign does not apply if a dog bite victim is a child under the age of six.
Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Riverview Can Help with Your Case
The legal concept of strict liability can make it easier for you to claim compensation but dog bite cases can also become very complex. At Anderson & Anderson, our Riverview dog bite lawyer can provide the legal advice you need to claim the maximum settlement that is rightfully yours. Call us now at 813-251-0072 or contact us online to schedule a consultation and to get more information.
