Animal Bite Attorney
Animal Bite Attorney Information
Animal Bite Attorney
Given the wonderful, year-round weather we enjoy in Florida, pets as well as people are taking advantage and heading outside. Unfortunately, summer is a peak time for dog and other animal bites. With children spending more time at home and outdoors during the summer, they are more likely to encounter dogs. Dogs are likely to be placed outdoors by owners. Warmer weather can make dogs irritable and more likely to bite. Dog bites may cause serious injuries, especially to young children. Bites cause facial scarring, broken bones, and even brain and eye injuries.
Here are some things parents can do to help prevent bites:
1) Teach children about pet safety. Advise your children not to approach strange dogs or any pets that are sleeping or eating. Discuss what animals and pets look like when they are scared. Teach your children to avoid running away from dogs. Show your children how to slowly back away from an aggressive animal and how to seek help.
2) Supervise children when they’re outdoors. There are laws to ensure that pet owners do not allow their dogs to roam freely through parks or communities. Not all pet owners abide by these laws, and sometimes dogs escape confinement, get loose and roam. Supervising your children, even if they are only in the yard playing, is a good way to prevent many types of personal injuries, including dog bites.
3) Be wary about letting children wander. Some pet owners allow their dogs to roam in parks, even when the dogs are supposed to be on a leash. Children sometimes openly greet dogs, even if they are walking on a leash. This can frighten an animal and cause it to bite. Knowing where your children are and what they’re doing lessens the chance an injury of this sort will occur.
4) Keep the family pet well-trained and in good physical condition. If you own a dog, take it to obedience school and get regular check-ups to ensure the dog is not ill. Dogs may become aggressive if ill or in pain. A well-trained dog is much less likely to bite a child. Interaction between children and well-trained pets can teach children animal skills that can help them avoid bites and other dangers.
5) Consider having your child spend supervised time with a well-behaved dog. If you know someone with a healthy, affectionate dog, time together can help your child overcome any fears and can teach them how to pet and safely interact with an animal.
An animal bite can result in a break or tear in the skin, a bruise, or a puncture wound. Bites that result in puncture wounds are more likely to become infected. You might have a puncture wound if an animal’s tooth went through your skin during the bite. An animal bite is also more likely to become infected in those who have a weakened immune system due to medicines or disease, diabetes, or peripheral artery disease.
Animals can be infected with bacteria that cause rabies. Bats may spread this disease. Rabies is rare, but it can be deadly. If someone get a rabies shot after being bitten, they can rapidly develop immunity to the disease and avoid illness. Antibiotics are used to treat many animal bites, especially if the bite happened on hands or fingers. Victims of animal bites may need antibiotics even if they do not need stitches or a rabies shot.
If you have been injured by an animal bite caused by the negligence or carelessness of another, contact Michael Todd Rebuck, P.A. today. We will provide you with a free evaluation and consultation.