Dog Attack-Kills 2 Children
A dog attack has tragically claimed the life of a 5-month-old baby and a 2-year-old girl and seriously injured their mother. The attack happened in Memphis Tennessee earlier this month when two family dogs attacked the children. Kristie Bennard the children’s mother tried to save her children laying over the children. Both dogs continued to attack leaving the mother in critical condition with bite marks covering her body including her face. The family’s dogs, Cheech and Mia have been a part of their family for over 8 years. According to a family friend, the dogs have never caused any violent incidents. The mauling took place outside the family’s home. The incident is being investigated by the local Sheriff’s Office. According to the Center for Disease Control Children are the most common victims of serious dog bit injuries.
4.5 million Dog Bites Every Year
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States every year. Florida was in the top 10 states for dog bite injuries in 2021.
Dog Bite Attorneys- Barnes & Cohen
The Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys at Barnes & Cohen have seen first-hand the damage unrestrained dogs can do to a child’s face, an elderly adult and even a strong young man can be brought down by a large dog. In most instances the dog bite cases we have handled the dog’s owner was negligent. The average Dog Bite claim is over $49,000. Claims for a major Dog Bite Injury, disfigurement or a death caused by a Dog Attack bring claims in the millions.
The recent death of a Florida postal worker was the result of a fence in need of repair that did not restrain the 2 large aggressive dogs that mauled her to death. The dogs had escaped before and were known to be aggressive and violent. The negligent dog owner could have prevented this attack.
Vicious Dogs Attack and Kill
Dog Bite Prevention Begins with Responsible Dog Ownership
Responsible dog ownership reduces the risk of dog bite attacks.
- Choose the right type of dog for your family. If you are looking at a pure breed the American Kennel Association has information on all registered breeds. They also have links to many of the rescue sites for registered breeds. Consider one of the local shelters. Rescue dogs are often wonderful loving pets.
- Be willing to invest time training your dog for your protection and the protection of others. Train your dog to walk on a leash and obey simple commands.
- Socialize your dog. Socializing your dog helps your pet feel comfortable in different situations.
- Neuter or spay your dog.
- Make sure your dog gets regular exercise. Make sure that the area where your dog is kept most often is large enough for them to exercise. Dogs kept in small cages are likely to become aggressive.
- Keep your dog healthy and vaccinated.
- If you have a fenced yard, make sure the gates and fence is secure and strong enough to restrain your pet.
- Know your dog. Know when your dog becomes stressed, agitated, possessive or insecure. Don’t test their limits with others. Some dogs are afraid or agitated by small children. Wheelchairs, walkers or canes may look like a weapon to your dog.
- Always supervise small children and infants around dogs. Never leave an infant unattended around a dog. Dogs are territorial they may feel like that new baby is taking over their house.
Children are the Most Common Victims of Dog Bite Injuries
A two-year-old Atlanta, Georgia boy was killed by his family dog. The mother left the child unattended briefly while she ran to the restroom. The dog had been with the family for 8 years. This same sad story has been repeated. Children are far more likely to be bitten by a dog and their injuries are more likely to be serious. Dog Owners often see their pet in a favorable light. They fail to realize dogs are territorial and they will sometimes protect what they believe to be their territory aggressively.
Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Understand the Laws Designed to Protect Victims of Dog Bite Attacks.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a vicious dog bite attack you need an experienced, local Dog Bite Injury Attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, reconstructive surgery, lost wages, disfigurement, pain & suffering, future medical expenses, rehabilitation, emotional pain, and other expenses related to your Dog Bite Injury. We know from experience that when a serious dog bite injury occurs, the owner many times knew their dog had exhibited aggressive behavior or even bitten others before the attack.
Dog Bite Injury Liability Law is Different in Florida and Georgia
Barnes & Cohen Understand the Differences Between Florida & Georgia Dog Bite Laws
You may not be aware of this, but liability law regarding dog bites and dog attacks is different in Georgia and Florida. Florida has strict liability laws regarding dog bites; however, those laws apply only to the owner of the dog. Georgia law effectively gives dog owners “one free bite” if the owner did not know that the dog posed a danger to others. The owner can claim ignorance the first time around. However, there are ways to hold a Georgia dog owner responsible despite the statutory protection.
Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorney Will Look at Every Angle to Get You the Money You need to Move Forward with Your life
- Was the dog Owner violating a local ordinance, such as a leash requirement
- Was the dog in violation of a lease agreement or a homeowners insurance policy by being on the premises
- Did the dog exhibit violent behavior before the incident
- Has the dog escaped the fence area before the incident.
If you are a Florida resident who was bitten by a dog in Georgia, you need an attorney who understands the laws in both states. At Barnes & Cohen Personal Injury Law Firm we have a long track record of success in trial cases across North Florida and South Georgia.
Serving Jacksonville, St Augustine, Fernandina Beach, and Yulee areas in Florida as well as Southeast Georgia including Kingsland, St Marys, Camden County, Folkston, Waycross and Brunswick
CALL BARNES & COHEN TODAY TO PURSUE COMPENSATION TO HELP YOU RECOVER