5 Things to Do When a Dog Bites or Attacks Your Child

If your child is injured by a dog, you might feel worried and at the same time, angry. Indeed, it is a difficult and frustrating situation to go through. Fortunately, you can fight to get compensation for the injury and damage inflicted upon your child. For your claim to be successful, you need to learn a few things.

First, you must know that Florida’s dog bite laws have two main aspects: liability and negligence. Strict liability claims point to the owner as responsible for injuries inflicted by their dog whether in a public place or their own property. Meanwhile, a negligence claim states that the owner can be held responsible when the dog caused injuries while the owner’s duty of care has been neglected.

Furthermore, you should also keep in mind that Florida’s dog bite laws also follow the rules of comparative negligence. This means that if the injured was somehow responsible for the incident, compensation may be reduced. For instance, if the victim entered the dog owner’s property and accidentally stepped on the dog’s tail, prompting it to bite, then the victim becomes partly responsible. Fortunately, even if the victim is considered at fault, Florida laws still allow him or her to receive compensation.

Now, if your child is attacked or bitten by a dog in Florida, here are the important steps to take to minimize injury and get fair compensation.

Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Although this may seem quite obvious, some people may still neglect the importance of seeking medical attention. Many would try home remedies, particularly for seemingly minor injuries. Remember that this is your child’s health at stake, so don’t compromise. Go to the nearest emergency room as soon as possible to prevent infection and other issues, such as severe scarring or disfigurement.

Report the Dog Bite

To maintain accuracy and to be able to state what exactly happened during the incident, it is advisable to report the dog bite immediately. You may call the police or the county animal control department. Dog bite report requirements may vary among counties, so it’s best if you have the information they may need.

Furthermore, the reason why you should report a dog bite incident quickly is that you don’t want the other party to make a report ahead of you. Yes, even if you think the dog’s owner is a friend. There have been instances where the responsible dog owner made false claims, putting the blame on other dogs. Although a thorough investigation can eventually help determine who is at fault, it’s better if you won’t have to go through such issues in the first place.

Collect Evidence

Collect as much evidence as you can from the incident’s scene. Take photos and videos of the scene, as well as your child’s injuries. If possible, take security camera recordings. You should also ask the dog’s owner about their pet’s vaccination history and record. You also need to find out if the dog has attacked someone before.

If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information and request their coordination should an investigation happen later.

Do Not Transact With the Insurance Company

If the dog’s owner has insurance, then someone from their insurance provider will try getting in touch with you. The representative will try to collect information from you. Keep in mind that you are not obligated to talk to them. Remember, they work to protect the best interest of the insurance company, not your child’s.

Instead, Work With a Lawyer

The best way to deal with a dog bite incident and claim is to work with a trusted and experienced lawyer. When you have an injury lawyer at your side, you are highly likely to get the compensation that your child rightfully deserves.

All Injuries Law Firm offers over 30 years of experience handling injury cases, including dog attack incidents. Call us today for a consultation.