A woman is recovering from significant injuries after a vicious dog attack in Brevard County, Florida. According to a Fox 35 Orlando news report, the victim was in the hospital for three days because she had suffered numerous bites all over her body.
Even as police investigate this horrific dog attack, the victim’s partner, who helped get the dog off her during the attack, has been speaking out to caution others about the unexpected danger of a dog attack.
Severe Injuries and Emotional Trauma
He said they were taking an evening walk on the beach when an unknown dog playing in the water rushed towards them suddenly. He said while the pit bull weighed 100 pounds and attacked for 10 seconds, it almost killed his partner.
His partner came out with a part of her arm gaping open where he could see the arteries and tendons. Her leg was slashed to pieces, said the man, who also told the media that he was still traumatized as a result of witnessing the attack. Our thoughts and prayers are with the severely injured victim and her partner. We wish the injured woman the very best for a speedy and complete recovery.
The Brevard County Sheriff’s Office said the dog has been quarantined, and the owner has been cited. Officials said dog bites are relatively common, while an attack of this severity is uncommon in the county. The victim, in this case, will need plastic surgery and is being monitored by medical staff for infections.
The Harbor Drive beach, where they were walking in Cape Canaveral, has signs that state that dogs are prohibited. The county also has leash laws, which state that dogs must always be leashed in public.
Why Leash Laws Are an Important Tool to Prevent Dog Attacks
Dog leash laws are critical to ensuring the safety of both pets and community members. As a dog owner, adhering to these laws is a fundamental responsibility that protects others and safeguards pets from harm. Leash laws typically require dogs to be restrained in public spaces unless they are in designated leash-free zones. Violating these laws can lead to dog attacks, injuries, and potential liability for dog owners.
One of the main reasons to follow leash laws is to prevent harm to others. An unleashed dog may act unpredictably, even if it has no history of aggression. Unexpected behaviors, such as chasing cyclists, attacking other animals, or frightening pedestrians, can lead to injuries and emotional distress. Under California law, dog owners are liable for any damage their pets cause.
Leash laws also protect dogs from dangerous situations. Off-leash dogs risk running into traffic, encountering aggressive animals, or ingesting harmful substances. A leash ensures the owner’s control, allowing them to guide their pet away from such threats.
Dog Owners’ Liability in the Event of an Attack in California
In California, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in most scenarios. According to California Civil Code Section 3342, if a dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is responsible for the damages, irrespective of the dog’s history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of prior dangerous behavior.
This strict liability rule underscores the importance of responsible dog ownership and the need for proper control and training.
Strict liability means that even if a dog has never shown signs of aggression, the owner can still be held accountable for a bite. This law aims to protect victims and encourage dog owners to take preventive measures, such as leashing their pets in public spaces and properly socializing them to avoid aggressive tendencies.
There are, however, exceptions. For example, the law may not typically apply to some situations where the victim was trespassing or engaged in unlawful activities.
Potential for Physical and Psychological Injuries
Dog attacks can result in significant physical and psychological harm affecting victims long after the incident. The severity of these injuries often depends on factors such as the dog’s size, breed, and level of aggression, as well as the circumstances of the attack.
Physically, dog attacks commonly cause lacerations, puncture wounds, fractures, and in severe cases, nerve or tissue damage. Facial injuries are especially traumatic, often requiring reconstructive surgery and leaving permanent scars. Infections, including rabies or bacterial infections, are additional risks if the wounds are not promptly and properly treated.
Some attacks may also lead to long-term disabilities or chronic pain, impacting the victim’s ability to work or perform daily activities.
The psychological impact of a dog attack can be equally devastating. Many victims develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) characterized by flashbacks, nightmares, and heightened anxiety. Fear of dogs is another common outcome, which can limit social interactions and affect a person’s quality of life.
Children who are frequent victims of dog attacks are particularly vulnerable to lasting psychological trauma, often requiring counseling or therapy to recover. The combination of physical and emotional injuries often leads to significant medical expenses, lost income, and decreased quality of life for the victim.
What Damages Can You Seek After a Dog Attack?
Victims of a dog attack can pursue various types of damages to recover the financial, physical, and emotional costs associated with the traumatic incident. These damages are typically categorized into economic, non-economic and in some cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages cover quantifiable expenses related to the attack. These include medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. If the victim misses work because of their injuries, they can also claim lost wages and any earning potential diminished by long-term effects.
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of life’s enjoyment. For example, victims who develop PTSD or permanent scarring may be awarded damages for their diminished quality of life. In extreme negligence or malicious intent by the dog owner, punitive damages may be awarded.
These aim to punish the owner and deter similar behavior in the future. An experienced California dog bite lawyer can help victims and their families seek and receive maximum compensation for their losses.
