What Fort Pierce Residents Should Know About Dog Attacks
According to the Center for Disease Control, over 36% of households in the United States own a dog. The Fort Pierce, Saint Lucie, and Treasure Coast is no different, as there are many dog lovers in our area. While dogs go by the name of man’s best friend, dogs are not so friendly when they attack and leave victims with personal injuries.
Studies show that 1 in 5 people are bitten by dogs. An article in the Guardian reveals that people who are anxious and men are more likely to be bitten by dogs. Also, children at a high risk for dog bites. Because dog attacks can happen, even when safety measures are followed, below is some basic information you should know about dog attacks.
Florida Law on Dog Attacks
Dog owners have an obligation to keep their dogs secure and under control at all times in order to prevent harm to those in Fort Pierce, Saint Lucie, and other areas of the Treasure Coast. Florida law states that dog owners are liable for the damages their dog causes people, other animals or livestock.
All dogs are capable of attacking and biting people. Some dogs are more aggressive or dangerous than others. For this reason, Florida counties have even enacted their own rules, as adopted by Florida Statute 767.11, when it comes to dangerous dogs.
For instance, Martin County Ordinance Code Section 9.1 states, in part, that a dangerous dog is one that has aggressively bitten, attacked, or caused severe injury on a person. Dogs associated with aggressive behavior in Florida include:
- Pit bulls
- Rottweilers
- Huskies
- Boxers
If you are a victim of a dog attack in Fort Pierce our Treasure Coast personal injury lawyer is available to discuss your claim.
Dog Bites or Attacks Are Costly
CNBC reports that in 2017, the average dog-related personal injury claim was $37,051. Florida ranked number 2 for the amount of dog bite claims in 2017 with 1,345 claims at an average cost of $44,700.
Certain dogs are difficult to insure due to black listed breeds. Because a dog is dangerous or risky, it’s possible for an insurer to deny the owner’s insurance application.
And, if an owner is able to obtain a Florida homeowners insurance policy to cover the dog, the premiums may be higher than normal. According to an article in Forbes, risky dogs include:
- Pit Bulls
- Doberman Pinschers
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Chows
- Siberian Huskies
Dog Attacks Can Be Fatal
Earlier this year, WPTV News reported that a woman died as a result of a dog attack at the Humane Society of St. Lucie County. The woman was a volunteer at the shelter. According to Fort Pierce police, the dog was a pit bull mix.
Are you a victim of a dog attack or dog bite in Fort Pierce? Call Sholtes Law, the Treasure Coast Personal Injury Attorney.
If you or someone you know is the victim of a dog attack or dog bite, contact Andrew Sholtes, a Fort Pierce personal injury attorney serving St. Lucie & Martin County. Attorney Sholtes takes dog bites seriously, as this is a traumatic experience for a victim that is deserving of the maximum compensation. Call 855-534-2509 for a complimentary case analysis today.
Resources:
wptv.com/news/region-st-lucie-county/fort-pierce/graphic-new-details-released-about-deadly-dog-bite-at-humane-society-of-st-lucie-county
cnbc.com/2018/04/12/pet-owners-may-find-insurance-limits-dog-bite-coverage.html
theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/02/men-and-anxious-people-more-likely-to-have-been-bitten-by-dogs-survey-shows
forbes.com/sites/cateyhill/2012/05/30/11-riskiest-dog-breeds-for-homeowners-and-renters/#1ba367e836d9
https://www.saintlucielawyer.com/what-you-should-know-about-negligent-security/
