Animal Attack Attorneys in Gainesville

Fighting For Those Who Have Been Injured by a Loose Dog or Other Animal in Florida

Being attacked by an animal can be a frightening and traumatic experience. If you or a loved one were the victim of a dog bite, you should seek immediate medical care and report the attack to your county's animal services or sheriff's department. In order to protect your legal rights, time is of the essence. Florida has a strict liability dog bite statute, but identifying the animal that attacked you is an important first step.

If you believe the animal was a stray, you should provide law enforcement officials with a detailed description of the animal and the exact location of the attack.

Call Schackow & Mercadante today at (352) 261-6767 or contact us online to schedule a consultation with our animal attack lawyer in Gainesville.

Why Choose Us?

At Schackow & Mercadante, our legal team will conduct an immediate investigation to:

• Secure and preserve evidence
• Track down and interview witnesses
• Establish the dog's ownership
• Identify other responsible parties
• Report the incident to animal control
• Obtain medical evaluation of injuries

Common Causes of Animal Attacks

An animal attack refers to any incident where a person is injured by an animal. This can happen in various settings, including encounters with domestic pets, wildlife, or animals kept in captivity, like those in zoos or animal sanctuaries.

Common reasons for animal attacks include:

• Provocation: Animals may attack if they feel threatened or provoked. This could be due to someone getting too close, making sudden movements, or engaging in behaviors that the animal perceives as aggressive.
• Protection of Territory or Offspring: Some animals, particularly those in the wild, may attack to defend their territory or offspring. Encountering a mother animal with her young can be particularly risky as she may perceive humans as a threat.
• Fear or Surprise: Animals may attack if they feel scared or surprised. This can happen if a person accidentally approaches too closely or startles the animal.
• Hunger or Predatory Instincts: In some cases, animals may attack humans if they are hungry or if they perceive humans as prey. This is more common in wildlife encounters, especially in areas where human development has encroached upon natural habitats.
• Disease or Injury: Sick or injured animals may behave unpredictably and may be more likely to attack out of confusion, fear, or pain.
• Training or Enclosure Issues: In cases involving domestic animals or animals kept in captivity, attacks may occur due to inadequate training, mistreatment, or poorly maintained enclosures.
• Unpredictable Behavior: While some animals are generally docile, any animal has the potential to attack under certain circumstances. Factors such as age, breed, and individual temperament can influence an animal's behavior.

Understanding Gainesville Dog Ownership Ordinances

Gainesville has specific ordinances in place to manage dog ownership and responsibilities to prevent incidents of dog bites. Local laws require pet owners to maintain control over their animals at all times and mandate that dogs be leashed in public areas. Failure to adhere to these guidelines can result in fines and increased accountability if a dog bite occurs. Owners must also ensure their pets are vaccinated against rabies, as Alachua County Animal Services requires. This regulatory framework aims to minimize risks to the community while promoting responsible pet ownership.

Accidents and bites still occur despite these precautions, making legal representation crucial. If you are involved in a dog bite incident, understanding your rights under these local ordinances can substantially influence the outcome of any personal injury proceedings. Engaging a knowledgeable attorney familiar with the local nuances can help steer the case through legal channels while ensuring compliance with Gainesville's specific laws.

Immediate Actions Post-Dog Bite Incident

In the aftermath of a dog bite incident, immediate steps can significantly affect legal outcomes and health recovery. First and foremost, seek immediate medical attention to address any potential rabies exposure, infections, or significant injuries. Documenting all injuries and medical treatments provides crucial evidence during legal assessments. It is equally important to report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement to initiate a formal record, which can be pivotal during legal proceedings.

After initial emergency actions, gathering details about the offending animal and its owner is essential. Try to record any witness accounts and take photographs of the incident scene and the injuries sustained. This information helps to build a stronger case when seeking reparations and ensures compliance with local regulations. Consulting a dog bite attorney promptly will guide you through any potential hurdles and assist in negotiating settlements or pursuing litigation as necessary.