Jacksonville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites are the most common form of animal attack in the United States. More than 4.7 million Americans are bitten by dogs every year. The impact of such injuries can be emotional as well as physical; if you have ever been bitten or even just threatened by a dog, you know what a frightening experience it is.

Jacksonville dog bite lawyer Donald Guthrie represents injured clients who have been hurt by a poorly supervised, poorly restrained, or inadequately trained dog.

Dog Bite Law and Liability

In Florida, pet owners are held liable for any damage caused by their animals. It does not matter if the animal has shown any aggressive behavior in the past. In our state, "I've never seen him act violent before" is not accepted as an excuse. When a pet dog attacks a person or another animal for the second time, its owner is guilty of a misdemeanor. The dog will be impounded for up to ten days, during which time the owner may request a hearing.

Even if the bitten person is found to be partially responsible for a dog bite, that does not relieve the owner of his or her legal responsibility. Instead, a judge will determine what percentage of the damage done was the plaintiff's fault. Any compensation awarded will be reduced by that percentage. Florida expects pet owners to be attentive and caring pet owners, and therefore is strict on anyone who allows their dog or other pet to cause injury or property damage.

Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can have very serious consequences, sometimes requiring stitches or even reconstructive surgery. The risk of infection adds to the danger of these injuries. They are especially dangerous for small children and infants. They are more likely than older people to be attacked (especially boys between the ages of five and nine) and more likely to be killed if attacked.

Sometimes the emotional and psychological scars left by a dog attack far outweigh the physical ones; a young child who experiences a traumatic animal attack may develop severe and life-changing phobias as a result.

Contact Us

If you have been injured by a dog or other animal, you may deserve compensation from the animal's owner. Contact Jacksonville dog bite attorney Donald Guthrie at 904-493-6455 for more information.