Dog Attacks Injure and Kill
Loose dogs continue to terrorize neighborhoods throughout Florida, wreaking fear and pain to unsuspecting people who are out and about. Why are vicious animals unleashed and harming innocents? And what recourse do people have following an attack that causes injuries or death?
Recent Attacks
- A 93-year-old Modesto woman was attacked by two dogs while in her own front yard. The Cane Corsos had a reputation for aggressive behavior dating back to their puppyhood and belonged to the victim’s next-door-neighbor. Tragically, the victim died as a result of her injuries.
- A Miami-Dade woman was bitten in the hip by a dog who escaped from their yard angrily attacking the woman, her two leashed dogs, and her male companion. The man with her shot and killed the attacking dog.
- A seven-year-old girl was airlifted to the hospital after being attacked by a dog whose owner was attempting to get her pet used to children. The attack occurred in Miami-Dade.
- A Pasco County toddler was attacked by a loose dog that fractured the youngster’s skull, requiring a portion of his brain to be removed.
- A man who was in a wheelchair was attacked by two loose dogs in Florida City and required multiple surgeries to his arm. The dogs had a history of aggression and had jumped the fence in their yard.
Liability
Dog owners hold strict liability for any costs associated with injuries when their dog bites someone. All that it takes is proof that the dog did, indeed bite. Even if there is no history of aggression by the dog, and even if the owner was not negligent, the owner is completely responsible for the outcome.
And what happens to the dog? It is labeled as dangerous following an attack on another animal or a person, which means the owner must take preventative steps to mitigate further attacks:
- The must place a “bad dog” sign on the property;
- The yard must be fenced;
- The dog must be leashed at all times when in public.
Should the owner fail to take these steps, they could face charges of negligence, which might result in greater financial losses as they pay out victims at higher levels.
Dog Owners’ Defense
Owners could fight charges with a few key defense strategies:
- Someone trespassed and brought the injuries on themselves;
- The animal was provoked or teased, causing it to become aggressive;
- The dog was defending its someone from harm.
Holding Owners Responsible
Far too often, innocent children and adults are the victims of dog attacks due to no fault of their own. That’s when the experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Salazar & Kelly Law Group can help. To discuss your situation, schedule a confidential consultation in our Kissimmee office today.
Source:
cbsnews.com/miami/news/93yo-modesto-woman-dies-from-dog-attack-in-own-front-yard-video-shows-moments-before/
