14-year-old hospitalized after Palm Beach dog attack
The 14-year-old Palm Beach Lakes High School student was on her way to school when the attack happened. Out of nowhere, it seemed, two pit bulls lunged – one at her neck, one at the legs. She screamed. Screamed loud enough to draw attention of a neighbor who grabbed a stick and scared the dogs away, the Sun-Sentinel reports.
The dogs took off up Caribbean Boulevard eventually entering a Gramercy Park home where they terrified a mother and daughter. A family member drove the dogs off with a golf club. The pair of dogs were later shot after charging deputies, sustaining injuries so severe that both had to be euthanized.
Charges are pending against the dogs’ owners. Neighbors say the dogs had a history of aggressive behavior and record of escaping their fenced enclosure. Neither dog had been vaccinated for rabies. Our West Palm Beach dog bite attorneys know that Florida law aims to protect innocent victims from dangerous dogs, particularly when an attack is due to the failure of the owner to confine, train or control their pets. Not only is the dog’s owner liable for any emotional and physical injury a wayward pet may cause, but also a repeat offender can be euthanized if it is determined to pose a threat to the welfare of the community.
The teenage victim told WPTV-5 she has experienced flashbacks since the attack and has had some trouble sleeping. The girl spent four days in the hospital and will spend another two weeks recovering at home before returning to school. She has staples in her scalp and stitches along her neck and leg. Her mother told reporters that hospital staff said her daughter was lucky to be alive.
Dog attacks are a startlingly common occurrence in this country. Each year, about 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog. About 1 million will require emergency medical attention and 31,000 will undergo reconstructive surgery, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Children ages 5 to 9 are most at risk.
Click here for tips on preventing dog bites and tips for children.
The West Palm Beach personal injury lawyers at Freeman & Mallard understand that for someone who has been victimized by a serious dog bite injury, the physical pain is matched only by the emotional trauma. The terrifying sight of an attacking dog can cause deep, long-term psychological issues that require professional treatment. Through our service to clients in Ft. Lauderdale, West Palm Beach, Port St. Lucie/Ft. Pierce and the surrounding communities, we take great care in fighting for the rights of each family we represent. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation appointment to discuss your case at 1-800-529-2368.
