Failing To Vaccinate: Dog Bite Injuries And Lawsuits
Michael Babboni
Personal Injury
A dog attack can be a scary situation for everyone involved. However, this experience can prove to be even more traumatic if you find out that the dog that attacked you, a friend, or a family member has not been properly vaccinated. This means that the victim may be at serious risk of a dangerous infection as a result of the dog bite attack.Dog Bite Attack Facts
Unless you have experienced this kind of situation firsthand, you may not be entirely aware of the facts surrounding a dog bite attack.
• In the state of Florida, all dogs, cats, and ferrets that are four months or older must be vaccinated against rabies by a licensed veterinarian. Other dog vaccinations required in Florida include those for canine distemper, parvovirus, parainfluenza, and roundworms.
• Dogs must continue to be regularly vaccinated on time.
• The victim should see a medical professional immediately following the dog bite or scratch.
• After a dog bite, the victim should call animal control or the police. The reports for such incidents may vary from county to county, and some may require more detailed medical information than others.
• If a victim fails to report the dog bite, then they may never receive compensation for any of the damages that may be incurred due to the attack.
Florida: A Strict Liability State
Since Florida is a strict liability state, a Florida dog owner may be held liable if their dog bites someone. This stands true even if the owner had no prior knowledge or even a warning that their dog may bite someone. In addition, the victim doesn't have to prove that a lack of reasonable care led to the dog bite.
On the other hand, Florida law states that if the dog bites someone that is trespassing on the property, then the owner may not be liable for damages. Dog owners are also exempt if there is any provocation, teasing, or tormenting done that causes the dog to bite someone.
Vaccinations And Regulations
In addition to ensuring that a dog owner stays up to date on all vaccinations, certain regulations throughout Florida have to be followed. Dogs must be leashed in public, dogs four months and older should have a license and a tag, and dogs should not be chained or tethered in the home when the owner is away.
After The Dog Bite
When a dog bites someone, it needs to be quarantined for ten days. This includes all vaccinated and unvaccinated dogs. If the dog was infected with rabies at the time of the bite, then the signs of rabies typically follow pretty quickly and within those ten days. If the dog is found to be healthy at the end of the ten days, then there was no rabies exposure, and the dog bite victim will not have to receive a rabies vaccination.
There is also a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit after a dog bite attack injury. In Florida, a lawsuit must be filed within four years of the date on which the plaintiff sustained the dog bite injury. This same time frame applies to all personal injury cases in Florida.
If you or someone you know has recently been involved in a dog bite or attack and they are unsure of who is liable for their injuries, don’t hesitate to contact an experienced personal injury attorney. They will thoroughly review the case and see if you are entitled to compensation.