Thursday, August 28, 2008

How To Handle Dog Bite Accidents In Florida

People of the United States are famous for loving animals. Most of the homes in U.S. have domestic pets. Cats are the most favorite pets in the United States pushing dogs to the second position. According to the Pet Owners Survey conducted by the American Pet Products Manufacturers, there are 88.3 millions domestic cats and 74.8 million domestic dogs in U.S. People consider these furry friends as parts of their family.

With increasing popularity of pets, chances of personal injury due to animal attack are also rising. Animal attacks may lead to serious injuries and even death. It has been reported that children are attacked by domestic animals more often than adults.

Lots of animal attack cases and dog bite personal injury compensation claims are filed in the Florida court of law every year. Below is a list of reasons behind animal attack accident.

Common reasons behind animal attack personal injury cases:

1. Irritating dogs or the animals

2. Letting children play with pets without proper precautions taken

3. Dogs escaping the boundaries

4. Unwanted entries inside private places

5. Improper pet care

Animal attacks and dog bites may cause severe injuries. Whether it is victim’s fault or the owner’s, animal bite victims can sue the pet owner or the pet handler on a lot of clauses as mentioned in Florida animal laws.

What to do when it is victim’s own fault?

As said before, victims can still file charges against the pet owner or the handler. If the pet handler fails to confine the dog within the boundaries and the dog attacks somebody in a public place, the victims can file charges against the pet handler even when it is victim’s own fault. The pet handler or the pet owner is held responsible for the damages caused to the victim.

Hence, the reason of animal attack should be properly investigated before presenting it to the court. Victims should consult expert personal injury lawyers who are specialized in dog bite cases so that the case is judged in their favor.

It is better to consult a local lawyer because animal laws vary by states. If the event of animal attack happens in Florida, consult Florida personal injury lawyers. An efficient lawyer will prepare the plan of action appropriately and help the victims receive right compensation.

How Florida personal injury lawyers help to win dog bite cases?

Personal injury lawyers perform the following tasks in the right manner as required by law:

1. Collect evidences and other essential documents that help to understand how the attack happened

2. Collect medical report and statement from the physician who attended the victim first

3. Obtain statements from witnesses who were present at the spot

4. Instruct the animal attack victims on how to answer to the questions asked by defense counsel and judge in court

Who can be held responsible for animal attacks in Florida?

1. Pet owners

2. Pet handler

3. Owner of the premise

4.Landlords

5. Parents of the minors in case the owner is minor

The above mentioned entities can be held responsible for the accident. However, in Florida, the liability strictly goes to the pet owner. To identify the merits of the case, the victims should immediately consult Florida lawyers so that legal proceedings can be started soon.

About the Author
Guaranteed Do Not Pay Until You Win with leading Ft Lauderdale Personal Injury Lawyer Boone and Davis. Find out more top Florida Lawyers and get latest legal advice

Thursday, August 21, 2008

Behavior to Prevent a Bite

measures for preventing dog bites are given in Table 5.2 Dogs have a tendency to chase a moving object. Therefore, children need to learn to avoid running and screaming in the presence of a dog. Dogs should not be greeted by presenting an outstretched hand. Do not pet a dog without letting it sniff you first. Hugging and "kissing" a dog express a sense of submission to the animal, which is confusing because the animal is used to viewing humans as being in charge.4 This confusion may lead to more aggressive behavior by the animal.
Educate children and adults to remain calm when threatened by a dog. Direct eye contact should be avoided because the dog may interpret that as aggression. Standing still ("like a tree") with feet together, fists folded under the neck, and arms placed against the chest is recommended. If knocked to the ground by a dog, recommendations include lying face down and becoming still "like a log," with legs together and fists behind the neck with forearms covering the ears. If a dog perceives no movement, it will lose interest and go away.
The Author
R. JOHN PRESUTTI, D.O.,is a consultant and associate program director in the Department of Family Medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, Jacksonville, Fla. Dr. Presutti is also an assistant professor of Family Medicine at Mayo Medical School, Rochester, Minn. Dr. Presutti received his osteopathic medical degree from Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and completed a residency in family medicine at Mayo Clinic Jacksonville. He is a diplomate in family medicine and osteopathic family medicine.
Address correspondence to R. John Presutti, D.O., Mayo Clinic Jacksonville, 4500 San Pablo Rd., Jacksonville, FL 32224.