Dogs have been domesticated animals and pets for thousands of years, so it’s easy to forget that they are also predators. Unfortunately, hundreds of Americans are reminded of that fact every year when an uncontrolled, vicious dog attacks them or their loved ones. The federal Department of Health and Human Services reports that attacks by dangerous dogs kill an average of 17 people annually and hospitalize 6,000 more. Dogs’ sharp teeth and claws can do serious damage, especially to children -- who are the majority of dog bite victims. When dogs attack, they can literally tear away skin and flesh, leaving victims with blood and skin loss, nerve or organ damage, broken bones or infections. For the very youngest victims, this can lead to death or permanent disability or disfigurement.

Dog attacks may seem to come out of the blue, but canine experts can often find warning signs in the dog’s behavior or background. Dogs allowed to roam loose in groups may believe the entire neighborhood is their territory, and attack anyone who happens by. Certain kinds of dogs bred for hunting or guard dog work may have naturally aggressive instincts that their owners must train out of them. Dogs that have been abused or used in dog fighting are also more likely to attack. And any dog may attack if it believes its home is being invaded, or when dealing with very young children who don’t understand the dangers. That’s one reason why the majority of adults who sustain dog bites are home delivery workers, such as postal workers. However, the majority of fatal dog bites are unfortunately sustained by children, whose small size makes their heads and necks easier to reach and may trigger dogs’ dominance instincts.

Here in Florida, state law holds dog owners responsible for any attacks by their dogs, even if the dogs have never bitten before. That means victims of vicious dog attacks and their families may sue the owners of the dangerous dogs for compensation for their injuries. The case is only stronger if the owner has failed to follow state and local laws on controlling the dog. As a rule, dog bite claims are covered by the homeowner’s insurance carried by the dog’s owner, or sometimes the renter’s insurance or the landlord’s insurance in rental cases. That means that victims may make a claim even if they do not believe the owner has the money to cover it. Our Fort Lauderdale dog attack attorneys can help victims throughout this process, from negotiating aggressively with the insurance company to any trial and verdict necessary.

Particularly in cases involving children, dog attacks can be deeply physically and emotionally damaging. In addition to the severe physical injuries a dog can cause, the emotional trauma of a dog attack can leave young children afraid of dogs, or sometimes afraid to leave the house. Victims may need several surgeries, dermatology visits and psychological counseling to recover. Balliro represents victims of dog attacks, and their families, who are seeking compensation for these and other necessary treatments through a legal claim. Our Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyers understand that dog attacks often happen at the home of a relative or close friend, making clients uncomfortable with the idea of suing. We will work hard to make sure clients get the money they need to treat a dog attack injury without intruding more than necessary on the underlying relationship.

If your family has been affected by a dangerous dog, you need an experienced Miami dog attack lawyer from Balliro. To tell us your story and learn more about your legal options, you can call us toll-free from anywhere in Florida at 1-866-INJURED or send a message through our Web site.