Finizio & Finizio Associate Elizabeth W. Finizio, Esq. recovered a $300,000 settlement for a Citrus County, Florida client after a brutal Pit Bull attack which severely injured the 19 year old man during a visit to a friend’s residence. The attack occurred after the man was invited into his neighbor’s yard by the homeowner when suddenly and without warning the dog attacked and viciously bit the visitor as well as the dog’s owner. Our client sustained multiple bites and had the back of his calf muscle ripped away from his leg requiring hospitalization, skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. The dog owners’ homeowners’ policy covered the attack, once again demonstrating the importance of having the proper insurance coverage to protect our homes and the incidents which may occur there.
A recent survey determined there were 4.7 million dog bite victims annually in the USA. A more recent study showed that 1,000 Americans per day are treated in emergency rooms as a result of dog bites, and in 2010 alone there were 34 fatal dog attacks across the country. Most of the victims who receive medical attention for dog bites are children, half of whom are bitten in the face. Dog bite losses exceed $1 billion per year, with over $300 million paid by homeowners’ insurance. Make sure your homeowners’ insurance policy covers you properly in the event of an incident at your house.
In recent years, the dogs responsible for the bulk of attacks are Pit Bulls and Rottweilers. In all fairness, it must be noted that:
§ Any dog, treated harshly or trained to attack, may bite a person. Any dog can be turned into a dangerous dog. The owner or handler most often is responsible for making a dog into something dangerous.
§ An irresponsible owner or dog handler might create a situation that places another person in danger by a dog, without the dog itself being dangerous.
§ Any individual dog may be a good, loving pet, even though its breed is considered to be potentially dangerous. A responsible owner can win the love and respect of a dog, no matter its breed. One cannot look at an individual dog, recognize its breed, and then state whether or not it is going to attack.
Studies also have shown that dog bites result in approximately 44,000 facial injuries in US hospitals each year. This represents between 0.5% and 1.5% of all emergency room visits. The face is the most frequent target, with 77% of all dog bite injures, and the central target area being the lips, nose, and cheeks. Mail carriers are an exception where 97% involve the lower extremities.
If you, a friend or a loved one has been attacked by a dog or any other domestic animal, seek medical attention immediately. The risk of infection, disease and even death can result from untreated animal bites. Take photos of the injured area as well as photos of the dog or animal which caused the injuries as well as the scene or location. Report the incident to the local authorities and animal control. Call us here at Finizio & Finizio to speak with an intake specialist.
There is always a case to be made if an owner violates pet confinement laws or knowingly harbors a dangerous animal. Contact us at Finizio & Finizio, P.A. and let us determine how we can help you and your family.
