3 Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Tampa
America is a country full of people who love their pets, and none quite so much as dogs, in particular. This is extremely apparent as there are roughly 85 million dogs residing in the homes of Americans. As a state, Florida is quite dog-friendly. While dogs may be man’s best friend, there are certainly many instances where they attack people, such as strangers and children, especially if the animal is a more aggressive breed, trained to defend their owner/territory, or feels provoked.
If you were attacked by a dog in the state of Florida, there are certain actions you should take to protect yourself. Depending on how the dog attack happened, Florida’s strict liability rule could mean that the dog’s owner will be responsible for paying for your damages.
The Tampa dog bite attorneys at Fulgencio Law explain more about what you should do if you are bitten by another person’s dog.
What Actions to Take after a Dog Bite in Florida
It may go without saying that being attacked by a dog can be incredibly terrifying. A dog’s powerful jaws and sharp teeth can do a lot of damage to the body. Additionally, when a dog bites and tears into the skin, bacteria from their mouths can seep in and potentially turn into an infection if not treated quickly.
Individuals who are attacked by a dog should focus on doing these three things:
- Find the owner of the dog. Once you have identified who the dog belongs to, obtain their contact information and also ask for their insurance information after informing them that their dog bit you.
- Gather documentation before leaving the scene. Take pictures of your injuries, of the dog, and your surroundings, and see if any witnesses would provide a statement and their contact information.
- See a doctor to have your injuries examined and treated. You do not want to wait to see a medical professional even if the dog only inflicted minor wounds. An infection can develop and spread quickly, making the physical bodily harm worse.
In addition to these three steps to take after a dog bite incident, you could also call animal control and inform them of what happened to you. In many cases, they may do an investigation.
Last, you might be entitled to compensation for the harm you suffered. Connecting with an attorney is another critical step to take to learn more about your legal options.
Call an Attorney at Fulgencio Law Today
It is hard to know when a dog will attack because dogs can be triggered for several reasons. A dog attack could be shocking and unexpected, leaving you with significant physical bodily harm like skin lacerations, muscle damage, nerve damage, and more. It is important that you are fully compensated for all of the losses you had to endure.
The experienced Tampa dog bite lawyers at Fulgencio Law know how to handle dog bite injury claims and can help you seek the compensation you need for all of your damages. Call today to schedule a free consultation at (813) 463-0123.
