Have you experienced being bitten by a dog? Are you afraid of what would happen to you after being bitten? Being afraid is normal and these incidents happen all the time when walking on the streets, in the park, or even at your own home.
Dog bites are widespread, but they should not be underestimated because they may cause a disaster at times, if not all the time. There are undomesticated dogs that transmit rabies, which can be fatal if not treated quickly. But it’s not just rabies you should be wary of as there are some breeds of dogs that can maul you to death or in best case scenarios you can lose a few limbs or you can have permanent injuries.
WHAT IS RABIES?
Rabies is a viral disease that is dangerous because it attacks the central nervous system and can cause severe brain disease and death if left untreated:
Fatal: Rabies is almost always fatal to both humans and animals once symptoms develop.
Brain inflammation: Rabies causes progressive and fatal inflammation of the brain and spinal cord.
Nervous system: Rabies attacks the nerves and brain, leading to severe brain disease.
Symptoms: Symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, agitation, anxiety, confusion, hyperactivity, difficulty swallowing, excessive salivation, and hallucinations.
Transmission: Rabies is spread to people and pets through the bites and scratches of an infected animal.
Prevention: Rabies can be prevented if the bitten person gets treatment quickly.
Diagnosis: Rabies is diagnosed by testing saliva, blood samples, spinal fluid, and skin samples.
Rabies is a frightening viral disease but thankfully there are treatments available to the public and this can be treated quickly by having anti-rabies vaccine shots. This viral disease is also not just carried by dogs also other animals such as cats, rats, raccoons and etc.
DOG BITE CASE IN FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA
Fort Lauderdale is one of the cities in Florida with a high rate of dog bites, ranking fourth in the state in 2023:
Dog bite rate in Florida
Florida has a per capita dog bite rate of 25.2 out of every 100,000 people, which is higher than the national average of 18.9.
Dog bite claims in Florida
In 2023, there were over 1,500 dog bite-related insurance claims in Florida, up from 1,475 claims in 2022.
Dog bite costs in Florida
In one year in Florida, 1,268 dog bite claims resulted in an average cost per claim of more than $53,000.
Some other facts about dog bites include:
About one out of every five dog bite incidents in the U.S. will cause an injury severe enough to require medical attention.
Children less than 6 years old and boys from 6–14 years of age are at the greatest risk of being bitten by a dog.
All dog breeds can inflict a bite, but pit bull-type and Rottweilers are most frequently identified breeds in cases of severe bites.
If you’ve been attacked by a dog in Fort Lauderdale, you can consult a dog bite attorney to learn more about your rights and the viability of a claim for damages.
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO SEEK MEDICAL CARE IMMEDIATELY?
It’s important to seek professional help for dog bites because:
Infection: Dog bites can easily become infected, and a medical professional can clean the wound and prescribe antibiotics. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, warmth, and pus.
Underlying damage: Even minor bites can cause underlying damage to muscles, tendons, or nerves that require further treatment.
Rabies: If you’re bitten by a stray dog and you don’t know its rabies vaccination status, you should seek urgent medical assistance. The rabies virus can cause a deadly disease.
Tetanus: If you haven’t had a tetanus vaccine in the last 5 years, you may need one to reduce the risk of tetanus.
Stitches: Deeper wounds may require stitches.
Surgery: Bad bites may require surgery to repair the damage.
You should seek medical attention within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin. You should also seek medical attention if:
The bite is deep
- You can’t stop the bleeding
- There are any signs of infection
- You notice swelling, fever, increasing pain, or redness
SHOULD YOU HIRE A LAWYER IN A DOG BITE INCIDENT?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you should consider getting a lawyer, especially if your injuries are serious, the bite occurred on your face or neck, or if you have significant medical expenses; a lawyer can help navigate complex legal issues regarding dog bite liability and ensure you receive proper compensation for your damages.
Reasons to get a lawyer for a dog bite:
Understanding state laws:
Each state has different laws regarding dog bite liability, and a lawyer can interpret these laws to determine if you have a valid claim.
Insurance complexities:
Dog bites are often covered by homeowners’ insurance, and a lawyer can handle communication with the insurance company to negotiate a fair settlement.
Assessing the severity of your injuries:
A lawyer can evaluate the extent of your injuries and determine the potential value of your claim.
Negotiating with the dog owner:
If the dog owner is not cooperative, a lawyer can advocate on your behalf to reach a satisfactory resolution.
When you might not need a lawyer:
Minor injuries: If your bite is minor with minimal medical treatment, you might be able to handle the situation directly with the dog owner.
Clear liability: If the dog owner readily admits responsibility and is willing to cover your medical expenses, you may not need legal representation.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are plenty of dogs in this world and a lot of them are undomesticated. There are people who thinks of dogs as a man’s best friend but there are also who fear them because of the disaster they can bring. But these disasters can be avoided by being responsible as an owner and as a citizen of the state.