PALM HARBOR DOG BITE ATTORNEY

The CDC reports that nearly 20% of all dog bites become infected. In other words, nearly one million people in the United States suffer infections as a result of canine attacks each year.  

If you have been bitten by a dog, it is critical to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Timely medical treatment is crucial in the case of a dog bite injury. 

Some of the most common infections following a dog bite include:

Rabies

This virus is relatively rare in dog bite victims. Still, if left untreated, rabies is fatal.

Capnocytophaga

This is a type of bacteria that lives within various types of domesticated animals, including cats and dogs. Most people are unaffected by Capnocytophaga.  

However, those with compromised immune systems can experience the following symptoms: 

• Blisters surrounding the site of the wound
• Swelling and redness 
• Fever
• Stomach pain and diarrhea
• Nausea and vomiting
• Joint pain and muscle tenderness
• Confusion and persistent headache 

If you have experienced any of these signs and symptoms following a dog bite, seek medical care as soon as possible. The knowledgeable personal injury attorneys at Morgan and Morgan know that dog bite victims deserve compensation for their resulting medical costs. We will fight to recover the money to which you are entitled.

Pasteurella Bacteria

This is the most common type of infection following a dog bite injury. This type of bacterial infection can result in several uncomfortable symptoms, including swelling, lasting pain around the wound, and redness.  

Victims with compromised immune systems may experience more severe symptoms and issues, including the following: 

• Decreased range of motion or difficulty moving
• Swelling in glands
• Swollen joints

If you believe that you may have sustained a Pasteurella bacterial infection following a dog bite, speak with a medical care provider. Dedicated dog bite attorneys in Palm Harbor, FL, will help you seek compensation for the medical treatments that you require.

Tetanus

Tetanus is a type of toxin that is produced by bacteria. If you have sustained a tetanus infection, it can lead to rigid paralysis if left untreated. When a dog bite results in a deep wound, this type of infection can be very serious. 

When you have been attacked by another person’s dog, you have the legal right to pursue financial recovery for the costs and losses that you experience. Victims often underestimate the financial and personal losses that result from a dog attack. 

Because of this, it is vital to have a knowledgeable tort attorney review the facts of your dog bite case. When you contact Morgan & Morgan, we will review your claim and help you calculate an appropriate settlement amount. 

You should never settle for a lowball offer. Doing so may leave you without the ability to cover the resulting financial obligations.  

Like most personal injury cases, dog bite claims often result in the victim receiving two types of financial payments. These two categories are known as “economic” and “non-economic” damages. 

Economic Damages

This type of legal payment allows dog bite victims to recover their direct monetary losses that resulted from the injury. Typically, these incidents result in more significant financial losses than people expect. 

Some of the common examples of economic damages in Palm Harbor dog bite cases include: 

• Current and past medical bills
• Anticipated future medical care costs
• Medical travel — such as ambulance rides
• Lost wages and income from missed work
• Decreased ability to earn income long-term
• Associated property repair or replacement

A skilled personal injury attorney will review the relevant documents to determine the economic damages that you are owed. These may include medical bills, receipts, invoices, and more.

Non-Economic Damages

Some of the most severe outcomes from dog bites are the intangible losses that victims experience. For instance, dog attacks can result in long-lasting physical and psychological harm.  

Even though these outcomes may not cost the victim money, they still deserve financial compensation from the at-fault party. Payments to cover this type of personal loss are known as “non-economic” damages. 

Some typical non-economic damages in Palm Harbor dog bite cases include compensation for: 

• Physical suffering and pain
• Mental anguish and distress
• Depression, anxiety, and panic attacks
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Loss of ability to engage in certain activities
• Decreased quality of life
• Partial or total disability
• Disfigurement
• Embarrassment
• Ostracization

Calculating this type of damage in a personal injury case is difficult. Because most victims have no experience determining appropriate non-economic damages, insurance providers will attempt to downplay and undervalue these losses. 

Do not let this happen to you. In instances of canine attacks, victims should contact skilled dog bite attorneys in Palm Harbor, FL. Specifically, injured people should reach out to the Palm Harbor dog bite lawyers at the firm of Morgan and Morgan.  

Our accomplished tort lawyers have years of experience successfully fighting for the rights of dog attack victims. When you need the best dog bite attorneys in Palm Harbor, FL, our legal team is a clear choice. Speaking with a knowledgeable attorney will help you pursue maximum financial compensation in your Palm Harbor dog bite injury claim.

All reputable tort law firms handle payments of attorneys’ fees through a contingency fee approach. In other words, clients’ fees are covered using the money that is secured through a settlement or successful court case. 

When you hire the team at our firm, you will not be responsible for any upfront costs. You will only pay after we secure financial recovery in your dog bite case. 

This ensures that all victims can pursue justice for the harm that they have experienced. You should never hire a lawyer who requires money before agreeing to take your case. At Morgan & Morgan, our lawyers only get paid if you get paid.

When you need the best legal representation in the state of Florida, make sure to reach out to America’s largest personal injury firm, Morgan & Morgan. Our legal professionals are thoroughly familiar with the laws and statutes relating to dog attacks in Florida. 

After reviewing your claim, we will fight tirelessly to help you receive maximum compensation in your case. To schedule a free consultation with a lawyer, complete the online contact form on the Morgan & Morgan website today.