We spend so much time surrounded by pet dogs that it's easy to forget that they're not just "man's best friend" -- they're also natural predators with sharp teeth and claws. And "working dogs" specially bred for hunting, guard duty and other violent jobs may be even more prone to attacks. The result can be a sudden and brutal attack that causes death, massive blood and skin loss, nerve damage, broken bones or a serious infection.

Unfortunately, statistics show that dogs most frequently attack children. Children's small stature may trigger dogs' instinct to dominate, and young children don't realize their actions might provoke an attack. Unfortunately, children's smaller stature puts their vulnerable heads and necks close to the ground, allowing the dog to damage vital organs if it's not stopped. Victims may need years of reconstructive surgeries and come away with scars that can provoke teasing from other children and hostility from strangers. The youngest victims may also need psychiatric treatment to help overcome their trauma.

Experts don't agree on whether some types of dogs are more prone to violence than others, but they do agree that irresponsible dog ownership is a major factor leading to dog attacks. Not training a large dog, allowing dogs to run loose or abusing or neglecting a dog all raise the likelihood of a dog attack substantially. In Florida, owners of dogs with a history of violence must also post a "BAD DOG" sign on their property, or be held legally liable for any attacks.

In Florida, dog owners are strictly legally liable for injuries and damage caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never bitten or shown signs of aggression before. This applies to anyone who lawfully enters the dog owner's property (including for work), as well as to people who are attacked in public. The South Florida law firm of Cohn, Smith & Cohn represents clients throughout the state who have been injured or lost a loved one to an attack by a dangerous dog. If a dog has bitten you or your child, contact us for a free consultation where we can discuss the circumstances of the attack, as well as the legal remedies available to you.

contact us online or call us at 954-431-8100 or 305-624-9186 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your dog bite claim.