Animal Attack Attorneys in Gainesville

Were You Injured by a Loose Dog or Other Animal?

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.

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.

If you've been injured by a dog or other animal, contact us at (352) 261-6767.