How to File a Dog Bite Report in Fort Lauderdale

After being bitten by a dog, you may be left wondering what to do. The first step is seeking medical attention for your injuries. The next step is filing a report of the incident. Our Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer can help.

Being attacked and bitten by a dog can be a terrifying incident. You could be left with a severe injury and lasting trauma. No matter how minor it may seem, a dog bite is serious, and you should deal with it immediately. Do not wait to get the injury treated and to report the incident.

Reporting Your Dog Bite in Fort Lauderdale Is Important for You and Your Community

You can report a dog bite incident in Fort Lauderdale by contacting Broward County Animal Care and Adoption. You will be asked for the dog’s owner’s name, address, and when the owner will likely be home. An Animal Care Specialist will then investigate and may issue a citation. If the dog’s owner appeals, you will be required to appear in court as a witness.

Making a report of your dog bite accident is critical. This allows the authorities to keep track of dangerous dogs in the area. Dogs can critically injure and even kill people in an attack. What starts as a bite could escalate dramatically. Tracking dogs that have previously bitten people or other animals is essential for the community’s safety.

Additionally, a report of the incident will create a paper trail. This can be useful should the dog bite warrant a lawsuit or other action. You will have proof of the incident and critical details that can be lost over time. You may soon forget exactly what happened at the time of the incident. A report keeps those details safe to use later if needed.

Any medical facility you visit for treatment will likely have to report the bite to the county health department. 

Dog Bites Must Be Taken Seriously

It is imperative for your health that you take any dog bite seriously. Even if you know the dog that bit you, you may still need medical attention. A dog you have known and loved for years can still have bacteria in its mouth that could lead to infection, and a dog you do not know could carry rabies. 

Beyond getting the injury treated, you will need to determine who is liable for the dog bite and how much you are owed in damages. And, of course, any dog bite incident in Fort Lauderdale should be reported to Broward County Animal Care. 

How a Dog Bite Is Treated

Dogs can carry germs that are harmful to humans. Even the most well-cared-for dog can carry bacteria that can cause an infection. Several things can be done to treat dog bites:

• The area must be washed thoroughly to remove dirt and other debris from the skin.
• Wound dressings must be applied to keep the area safe from further contamination.
• A course of antibiotics may be warranted to prevent or treat an infection.
• Stitches could be needed if the wound is particularly deep.
• It is important to determine if the dog has had a rabies vaccine. If their rabies vaccine status is unknown or the dog tests positive, you will need a rabies vaccine.
• If you haven’t had a tetanus shot in the last five years or if the wound is especially dirty or deep, you may need one.
• In extreme cases, you may need plastic surgery to mend a disfiguration.

These are all treatments for which you can be compensated. With a strong case, you could recover the costs for these damages and more. 

You May Be Entitled to Compensation After Suffering a Dog Bite

You may be entitled to various types of compensation after suffering a dog bite in Fort Lauderdale. Here are some key points outlining the potential compensation:

• Medical Bills: This covers the cost of emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing medical expenses and treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time off work while recovering from the injury.
• Pain and Suffering: Financial compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the dog bite.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation reconstructive surgery to treat permanent scarring or disfigurement resulting from the attack.
• Rehabilitation Costs: Covers the expenses of physical therapy and other rehabilitation services needed for recovery.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for any personal property damaged during the incident.
• Loss of Earning Capacity: Compensation for the impact on future earning potential if the injury leads to long-term or permanent disability.

You Have Two Years to File a Lawsuit for Your Dog Bite Case in Fort Lauderdale

Everyone who suffers a personal injury has a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit for the incident. That is known as the statute of limitations. In Florida, that time limit is two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(a). That means if you wait longer than two years beyond the dog bite, you may have no recourse. 

The sooner you start your case after the dog bite, the more options you have. Do not let the statute of limitations run out, or you could be left with no way to recover your damages. Our Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers can help.

Contact Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers Today for Help with Your Dog Bite Injury Case

The aftermath of a dog bite can be frightening and confusing, but you do not have to deal with it alone. A Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer can help you navigate this incident. Call the legal team at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers now to get started on your dog bite case. 

We have experience with dog bites in Fort Lauderdale and can help you determine the best legal options to recover the compensation you are entitled to.