Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, P.A.
202 Del Prado Boulevard S.
Cape Coral, Florida 33990
(800) 283-7442
(239) 574-7442
Dog Bite What to Do First and Next
If you have been bitten by a dog in Florida, you should:
- Seek medical attention
- Report the incident to animal control and/or police
- Consider contacting a dog bite attorney
If you have suffered a significant injury associated with a dog bite in or around Fort Myers, Florida, the lawyers of Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, PA may be able to help. Please call (239) 574-7442 or email us today for a free consultation.
Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention for your dog bite. First aid may be sufficient in the short term for minor injuries, but even if you do not believe you will need medical attention, it's still important to talk to your doctor. Dogs can carry infectious diseases, and seeing a doctor sooner can ensure you avoid them by getting the proper preventative measures like wound cleaning, antibiotics, or vaccinations.
Every year, nearly a million people require medical attention in the United States for dog bite injuries. Statistics are not exact for injuries, but Florida has the third-highest number of fatal dog bites in the United States (after California and Texas), according to the Centers for Disease Control, and it is likely that serious injuries are also common in Florida. Read more dog bite statistics.
Report the Incident to Animal Control and/or Police
You can reach the Lee County Animal Services at 239-533-7387, or on their website at www.leelostpets.com.
There are many reasons to report a dog bite, even if you do not believe it is serious. Many dogs that bite are mistreated and will be better provided for if they are removed from their abusive or neglectful owners. A dog that is loose may be lost, scared, or hurt. Finally, some dogs are dangerous and aggressive, and may need to be taken into custody to prevent someone from experiencing serious injury.
Consider Contacting a Dog Bite Attorney
If you experienced significant injury as a result of a dog bite, you should consider seeking compensation for your injuries. This may include compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Disability and lost earning potential
- Disfigurement, pain, suffering, and trauma
In addition, a dog bite lawsuit may convince a neglectful or otherwise poor dog owner to do something about the dog that may be an ongoing danger.
If you are considering a dog bite lawsuit in Fort Myers, Florida, please contact Lusk, Drasites & Tolisano, PA today for a free case evaluation.