If you or a loved one have been the victim of a personal injury, we understand just how traumatic it can be, both emotionally and financially. Those unexpected bills can pile up quickly.
The number of dog bites in Orlando is growing. Just this month a 4 year old girl was mauled in Melbourne Florida. The woman who owned the dog was babysitting the child. She had to pry the dog’s mouth off the little girl, but by the time parametric arrived she was covered in bite marks. She was flown to Arnold Palmer Hospital. The police has since quarantined the pit bull mix and are still investigating the incident.
The latest statistics from DogsBite.org, show the staggering realities from an attack
Dog bites and other dog-related injuries accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2016, costing more than $600 million. Dog Bite Liability by Insurance Information Institute, 2017
Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Nearly 1 out of 5 bites becomes infected.
Preventing Dog Bites, The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, May 2015
The average cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay was $18,200, about 50% higher than the average injury-related hospital stay. Emergency Department Visits and Inpatient Stays Involving Dog Bites, 2008 by Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ), 2010
Dog bites occur every 75 seconds in the United States. Each day, over 1,000 citizens need emergency medical care to treat these injuries. Nonfatal Dog Bite-Related Injuries Treated in Hospital Emergency Departments – United States, 2001 by the CDC, 2003
Dog attack victims suffer over $1 billion in monetary losses annually. JAMA reports this estimate to be as high as $2 billion. Dog Bites Recognized as Public Health Problem by R. Voelker, JAMA, 1997
Here in Orange County, owners are required to have their dogs on a leash when not on the owner’s property. Pursuant to Chapter 5, Animals, Article II, Animal Service Section 5-33 of the Ordinances for Orange County, Florida.
The dog owner should be held responsible for the injuries caused by their dog biting a person. This goes beyond just the medical bills, but also for the pain and suffering endured by this terrifying act.
If you or a loved one has been injured from a dog bite or other type of personal injury, it is important to seek legal counsel. Contact Attorney James P. Kelley for a free consultation.