Personal Injury Law

Two Broward County Dog Bite Incidents Place Pressure on Deerfield Beach and Other Communities

By Flaxman & Lopez

In October, two dog bite incidents have shone the spotlight on Broward County personal injuries resulting from animal attacks. In the latest incident, Nicholas Garvey, an eight-year-old, was attacked by what the media are describing as a pit bull-type canine ? the same type of dog which attacked a child in the region earlier in October. Pit bull type dogs can be a mix of breeds or can be purebred American Staffordshire terriers.

The latest dog bites have renewed the debate about what causes Deerfield Beach dog bites and animal attacks across Florida. Some people believe that certain dog breeds are more prone to biting. In fact, Miami-Dade County has a ban against pit bull type dogs, a ban Garvey?s mother would like to see enforced in Broward County. Those who support such bans believe that aggression in bred into certain dog breeds and that dog bites are inevitable when such dogs are allowed to interact with children.

Indeed, statistics suggest that children are more likely to be affected by dog bites than adults. Part of the problem is that children may have fewer skills to deal with an aggressive dog. Children may also be naturally attracted to a dog and may approach a strange animal or even tease it, increasing the risk of an attack. Unfortunately, children are also more likely to suffer serious injuries as a result of dog bites. Since children are smaller, dogs can more easily reach the neck and head area, inflicting serious injuries. Some Deerfield Beach head injuries result from dog attacks, and these injuries can result in permanent medical issues for the victim. As well, experts note that children are less able than adults to defend themselves from an aggressive dog.

At issue in dog bite situations is also whether the dog itself or the owner is at fault. Under Florida law, pet owners are held liable if their pets attack others. Some experts also believe that owners can do a great deal to reduce the risk of dog bites. Socializing a dog correctly, taking a pet to obedience classes, properly restraining the dog at home and in public, and regular vet visits can all reduce the risk of attacks. Since there is so much that pet owners can do to make a dog less dangerous, some people believe that it is dog owners who are responsible when a dog bites. Incorrect training and poor care can make any animal more aggressive. Individuals also argue that dog owners know when their dog is dangerous and should take steps to keep others safe while seeking vet advice or obedience lessons to reduce the risks.

Unfortunately, Deerfield Beach dog bites and dog attacks across the state are unlikely to disappear overnight. These attacks, which usually have child victims, can result in permanent scarring, broken bones, and even permanent brain injury. In some cases, child victims of dog attacks do not survive the attack.

Full post as published by Florida Injury Lawyer Blog on November 03, 2011 (boomark / email).