Having a canine sink its teeth into your skin or that of your child is certainly not something you ever expect. However, you might be walking down a street, minding your own business, when an unknown mutt might attack you. A dog’s teeth can puncture the skin, compress the underlying tissue, and leave you with an open wound that can quickly become infected. Dog bites can lead to hospitalization and might require intravenous antibiotics. And if you are immunocompromised or have diabetes or other conditions, the danger is even greater. Additionally, a dog bite can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and other health issues.
If you or a loved one have suffered injuries in a dog attack in Pensacola, the dog’s owner might be held liable. Call a Pensacola personal injury lawyer at Fasig Brooks today to discuss your case and seek fair compensation. We can explain why it is important that you understand your legal resources in a strict liability state. We will also tell you how to recover damages from the dog’s owner as you pursue compensation through personal injury claims in Florida law.
Steps to Take After a Pensacola Dog Bite
There is nothing more important than your health. After a dog bite, taking care of yourself and treating your injuries should be your priority. Whether the dog bite injured you or your child, start by thoroughly cleaning the affected area using mild soap and water and rinsing the wound. Apply a clean cloth to the area where there is bleeding. If possible, apply antibiotic ointment to the injured area and wrap the wound with a sterile bandage. You should change the bandage frequently until a doctor can see you. It is important to get professional medical attention as soon as possible and watch for signs of infection at all times.
Other Actions you Should Take
Gather Information
Never leave the scene of the dog bite in Pensacola without getting the dog owner’s contact information. Note the address of the dog owner’s property if that is where the bite happened as well as the dog’s breed. Ask the owner about the dog’s vaccinations. Having this information is vital for the sake of your health and for when you pursue a dog bite claim since the owner may be held liable for the dog bite. If you have any doubts about what other information you need to obtain from dog owners, reach out to our Pensacola dog bite lawyer.
Interview Any Witnesses
If there are any witnesses to the dog attack, your Fasig Brooks Pensacola dog bite lawyer recommends you ask for their contact information. You may need to call them should you file a personal injury claim against the dog owners to cover your medical bills.
Document Your Injuries
Your dog bite attorney also wants you to keep a detailed record of your injuries caused by the Pensacola dog bite from the moment they happen. Take pictures from every angle and continue to document their progress as they heal. Organize a file to include your medical records, the treatments you have received, the medication you have been prescribed, and all your medical expenses. Keep a journal describing the way these injuries have impacted your life.
If you have been unable to work while recovering from your injuries, write down all information related to the wages you have lost, raises and bonuses you failed to receive, and a copy of your pay stubs.
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Consequences of a Pensacola, FL Dog Bite
At Fasig Brooks, our Pensacola dog bite attorney has been helping victims of Pensacola dog bites for years. Our attorney has witnessed first-hand how common these dog bite injuries are and how devastating they can be. Even when they are on private property, dogs can be dangerous animals that can carry diseases such as rabies that can be passed on to the person that was bitten. Besides the physical impact that a dog bite may have on the body, being bitten by a dog can also cause emotional trauma. Don’t delay getting medical attention as soon as possible after a dog bite and keep a watchful eye for any warning signs of infection at the site of the injury.
Other common consequences of being injured by a dog bite in Pensacola can be:
- You may suffer from scarring and disfigurement from your injury, which can permanently impact your self-esteem and sense of self-worth.
- You may develop a paralyzing fear of dogs that may require psychological therapy to overcome.
- You may develop a fear of going out, believing you might get bitten by a dog at any time, and suffer a new injury.
- You may develop PTSD which may interfere with the activities of your daily life.
- If your children were with you when you sustained the dog bites, they may suffer psychological trauma as well.
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Get Legal Help From a Pensacola Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Florida is a strict liability state, and when it comes to filing a claim against the dog owners, your Fasig Brooks attorneys will make sure you have the proper documentation. We will also have to prove that you had a right to be in the place where the attack happened if it occurred on private property. Our Pensacola personal injury attorneys will help you throughout the claims process. Give us a call and tell us about your case so we can help you fight for your rights.
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