#florida dog bite lawyer

[rosenberglawfirm]

While car accident attorneys typically wouldn’t be directly involved with enforcing booster seat laws, there are situations where their experience might be relevant in Coral Springs, FL. For more information contact our Personal Injury Attorneys and call us today at 954-231-2808.

[adolphelawgroup]

Florida Dog Bites Lawyers

If you're looking for information on Florida dog bites lawyers, the Adolphe Law Group is a reputable option. They specialize in personal injury cases, including dog bites. Their experienced team can help you navigate the legal process, ensure you receive proper medical attention, and work toward securing compensation for any injuries sustained due to a dog bite incident.

[sffgtrhyjhmnzdt]

Navigating Cross-Border Dog Bite Injury Cases: A Comprehensive Guide

Dog bites can be traumatic and complex enough on their own, but when they occur across borders, the legal challenges multiply. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog while traveling or living abroad, understanding your rights and the legal processes involved is crucial. This article aims to shed light on the key aspects of cross-border dog bite injury cases and how specialized lawyers can help.

Understanding Cross-Border Dog Bite Injuries

Cross border dog bite claim attorneys in New york can lead to severe physical and emotional trauma. When such incidents occur in a foreign country, victims often face additional hurdles such as language barriers, unfamiliar legal systems, and differing laws regarding liability and compensation.

Cross-Border Dog Bite Cases:

Jurisdictional Issues: Determining which country’s courts have jurisdiction can be complicated. Generally, the location where the incident occurred dictates jurisdiction, but there can be exceptions.

Differing Laws: Each country has its own set of laws regarding animal attacks. For instance, some countries may hold pet owners strictly liable, while others require proof of negligence.

Insurance Complications: Dealing with insurance claims can be tricky, especially if the responsible party’s insurance is based in another country.

Why You Need a Cross-Border Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Hiring a lawyer who specializes in cross-border dog bite cases is essential for navigating these 

complexities. Here’s how they can assist:

Expertise in International Law: These lawyers have a deep understanding of the legal systems in different countries and can effectively handle cases that span multiple jurisdictions.

Negotiation Skills: They can negotiate with foreign insurance companies and legal representatives, ensuring that you receive fair compensation.

Litigation Experience: If a settlement cannot be reached, these lawyers are prepared to represent you in court, whether it’s in your home country or abroad.

Steps to Take After a Cross-Border Dog Bite Incident

Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the priority. Get immediate medical care and document all treatments.

Report the Incident: Report the bite to local authorities and obtain a copy of the report.

Gather Evidence: Take photos of the injuries, the scene, and the dog. Collect contact information of witnesses.

Contact a Lawyer: Reach out to a cross-border dog bite injury lawyer as soon as possible. They can guide you through the next steps and help protect your rights.

Case Study: A Successful Cross border dog bite claim Attorneys in Florida

Consider the case of Jane, a tourist bitten by a dog while vacationing in Europe. Jane faced medical expenses and emotional distress, but the dog owner’s insurance company was based in another country. By hiring a cross-border dog bite injury lawyer, Jane navigated the complex legal landscape, and her lawyer negotiated a fair settlement that covered her medical bills, travel expenses, and compensation for pain and suffering.

Dealing with a dog bite injury is challenging, especially when it happens away from home. 

Cross border dog bite injury lawyers in Washington play a vital role in ensuring that victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve. If you find yourself in such a situation, don’t hesitate to seek specialized legal assistance. Your lawyer can guide you through the intricacies of international law and help you achieve the best possible outcome.

[ausetkmt]

Police dogs are often portrayed as harmless, loveable members of the local police. But many departments across the country use dogs as weapons, training the animals to bite thousands of people every year, causing serious and even fatal injuries.

A new investigation from The Marshall Project, AL.com, IndyStar and the Invisible Institute exposes the widespread use—and abuse—of dogs in police departments across the U.S.

Here are six takeaways from our findings, based on data from departments across the country, thousands of pages of documents, videos and scores of interviews with victims, police officers and experts. The main article based on the investigation contains more information. We will publish more reporting in the coming weeks.

People are bitten across the country, but some cities use biting dogs far more often than others. There’s no national database of police dog use and who is bitten. Our reporting found bites in nearly every state, though data from more than 50 police departments shows the numbers vary widely by city. Police in Chicago almost never deploy dogs for arrests and had only one incident from 2017 to 2019. Washington, D.C., had five. Seattle had 23. New York City, where policy limits their use mostly to felony cases, reported 25. By contrast, Indianapolis had more than 220 bites and Los Angeles reported more than 200 bites or dog-related injuries. The Sheriff’s Department in Jacksonville, Florida, had 160 in this period.

Bites can cause life-altering injuries, even death. Dogs used in arrests are bred and trained to have a bite strong enough to punch through sheet metal. Their bites can be more like shark attacks, according to experts and medical researchers. When they are used on people, they can leave harrowing scars, torn muscles and dangerous infections. A woman’s scalp was torn in California; a man’s vocal cords were damaged in Colorado; an Arizona man’s face was ripped off. Occasionally, someone dies after an encounter with a police dog. Most recently, a 51-year-old handyman bled to death after being bitten by a police dog in Montgomery, Alabama, in 2018.

Many people bitten were not violent and were suspected of minor crimes—or no crime at all. While many police agencies say they use dogs only to capture people accused of violent crimes or when officers are in danger, our review of bites around the country found the dogs are frequently used in minor cases: traffic violations, shoplifting, mental health checks, trespassing and running from police.

Police officers sometimes can’t control the dogs, worsening injuries. Even when dogs are trained to release their bites with a verbal command, they sometimes don’t let go. While training experts say bites should last seconds, we found numerous cases that lasted minutes as handlers struggled to pull off the dogs. Some experts said that makes injuries worse, tearing flesh as the dogs are pulled away.

There’s little accountability or compensation for many bite victims. Excessive force lawsuits over dog bites are difficult to win. Police officers are often shielded from liability, and federal civil rights laws don’t typically cover bystanders who are bitten by mistake. It can also be hard for someone who pleads guilty or gets convicted of resisting arrest, or a similar crime, to file a lawsuit. Even when victims can bring cases, lawyers say they struggle because jurors tend to love police dogs.

Read the main article. In addition, our reporters will continue publishing stories from this investigation in the coming weeks, including the story of a Washington, D.C., woman who went for a walk, then encountered a police dog; an examination of the police department with the worst dog-bite rate among the nation’s 20-largest city agencies; and an examination of police dog use in Alabama and the state’s most dangerous K-9 unit.

Correction: An earlier version said a Maryland woman was bit while on a walk. She lives in Washington, D.C.

[thebaumlawfirm]

Professional Attorney to Handle All Types Of Personal Injuries and Accident Cases

If you suffered an injury due to someone else’s actions in Palm Springs, the team at The Baum Law Firm is here to help you get the compensation you deserve. Our firm began in 1959 and we have more than six decades of experience with Personal Injury Law. We have handled thousands of personal injury cases across California, with vast experience in all types of injury and accident claims.

The Baum Law Firm is a reputable Accident Law Office in Palm Springs. With our expertise in personal injury accident cases, we provide legal representation and support to individuals seeking compensation for their injuries and damages caused by personal injury accidents. All of our attorneys have great experience in our work and helped thousands of our clients solve their cases and max out their compensation.

Our team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to answer your questions, provide an estimate of what your claim may be worth, and guide you through the process of filing and winning your claim. We have been proudly protecting the legal rights of Palm Springs residents. From truck accidents to dog bites, and from wrongful deaths to car accidents, Palm Springs Personal Injury Attorneys from The Baum Law Firm will ensure you get the right medical treatment and lend a compassionate approach to helping you get through this time as we build your case to get you the highest compensation possible.

The Baum Law Firm is a top-rated Personal Injury Law Firm that works with a team of the Best Injury Lawyers in Palm Desert to help you obtain compensation for your injuries. Our successful track record speaks for itself. Our team of experienced attorneys has years of experience in handling a variety of different types of personal injury cases. Our Palm Springs lawyers are well-equipped to provide comprehensive legal advice and representation. Our Palm Springs lawyers are well-equipped to provide comprehensive legal advice and representation.

Contact a personal injury lawyer at The Baum Law Firm in Palm Springs, Florida at (760) 325-2681, today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your legal options. And for more info checkout our website https://baumlawfirm.com/

[jyothsnarajan]

Navigating legal complexities in cross-border cases can be daunting, especially when it involves

motor vehicle accidents. If you're dealing with a cross-border motor vehicle accident in Florida, it's

crucial to have experienced legal representation. Cross-border motor vehicle accident attorneys in

Florida specialize in handling cases where the involved parties are from different states or countries.

These professionals are well-versed in the nuances of cross-border laws and can effectively guide you

through the legal process.

Cross-border motor vehicle injury lawyers in Florida are essential when you've suffered injuries in

such an accident. They ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation

for your injuries. Whether the accident involves a car, truck, or any other motor vehicle, these

lawyers have the expertise to navigate the complexities of cross-border claims.

When it comes to filing claims, cross-border motor vehicle accident claim lawyers in Florida are your

best allies. These legal experts understand the intricacies of insurance policies and claims that span

across borders. They can help you gather the necessary documentation, negotiate with insurance

companies, and ensure that your claim is processed smoothly. Whether you're the driver or a

passenger, having a skilled attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Cross-border car accident injury lawyers in Florida focus specifically on injuries sustained in car

accidents. These attorneys are adept at handling cases where the injured party is from a different

state or country. They work diligently to secure compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other

damages. Similarly, cross-border car accident injury attorneys in Florida are crucial for those who

need legal representation in court or during negotiations.

For those dealing with claims, cross-border car accident claim lawyers in Florida provide

comprehensive legal support. These lawyers ensure that your claim is filed correctly and that all

necessary steps are taken to maximize your compensation. Cross-border car accident claim attorneys

in Florida offer similar services, with a focus on representing clients in legal proceedings.

Cross-border auto accident lawyers in Florida cover a broad spectrum of motor vehicle accidents,

including those involving trucks. Cross-border truck accident lawyers in Florida have specific

expertise in handling truck-related cases, where the laws and regulations may differ from those of

standard car accidents.

In addition to motor vehicle accidents, cross-border dog bite injury attorneys in Florida and cross

border dog bite injury lawyers in Florida are available to assist those who have suffered injuries from

dog bites. These cases can be particularly complex when they involve parties from different

jurisdictions, making it essential to have a lawyer who understands the cross-border legal landscape.

In summary, whether you're dealing with a motor vehicle accident, truck accident, or dog bite injury,

having the right cross-border legal representation in Florida is crucial. These specialized attorneys

and lawyers ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you

deserve.

[martinomccabe]

Securing Justice with a Jacksonville Premises Liability Law Firm

Accidents occurring on someone else's property can lead to severe injuries and substantial financial burdens. Whether it's a slip and fall, a dog bite, or an incident caused by unsafe conditions, victims need reliable legal assistance to navigate these complex cases. A Jacksonville Premises Liability Law Firm offers expert legal services to ensure victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

Why Choose Our Jacksonville Premises Liability Lawyer?

Selecting the right legal team is crucial for the success of your case. Here’s why our Jacksonville Premises Liability Lawyer stands out:

Expertise and Experience

Our firm boasts a team of seasoned attorneys specializing in premises liability cases. With years of experience and a deep understanding of Florida's premises liability laws, our Premises Liability Lawyer Jacksonville is equipped to handle even the most complex cases.

Personalized Legal Strategies

Every case is unique, and we believe in providing tailored legal strategies that cater to the specific needs of each client. Our Jacksonville Premises Liability Attorney works closely with clients to understand their situation and develop a comprehensive legal plan aimed at achieving the best possible outcome.

Compassionate Client Care

We prioritize our clients' well-being, offering compassionate and empathetic support throughout the legal process. Our attorneys are dedicated to alleviating your stress by managing all legal aspects of your case, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Proven Track Record

Our Premises Liability Law Firm Jacksonville has a history of securing favorable settlements and verdicts for our clients. We are relentless in our pursuit of justice and committed to securing the maximum compensation possible for your injuries and losses.

Comprehensive Legal Services

Our Jacksonville Premises Liability Law Firm offers a wide range of services to address various types of premises liability cases:

Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability cases. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate these incidents, gathering evidence such as surveillance footage, witness statements, and maintenance records to build a strong case.

Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause severe injuries. We represent victims of such incidents, ensuring that negligent pet owners are held accountable for their failure to control their animals.

Inadequate Security

Property owners are responsible for providing adequate security to prevent criminal activities. If you were injured due to inadequate security measures, our firm will help you pursue a claim against the negligent property owner.

Unsafe Conditions

Unsafe conditions, such as poor lighting, broken stairs, or hazardous materials, can lead to serious injuries. Our attorneys work diligently to prove that the property owner neglected their duty to maintain a safe environment.

Swimming Pool Accidents

Swimming pool accidents can result in life-threatening injuries or drownings. We represent victims and their families, holding property owners accountable for failing to provide proper safety measures and supervision.

Steps to Take After a Premises Liability Accident

Knowing what steps to take immediately after a premises liability accident can significantly impact the success of your case. Here are crucial actions to consider:

Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are paramount. Seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Prompt medical evaluation and treatment are crucial for your well-being and for documenting your injuries.

Report the Incident

Notify the property owner or manager about the incident and file an accident report. This official documentation is essential for your claim and provides a detailed account of the incident.

Gather Evidence

Collect evidence at the scene of the accident if you can do so safely. Take photos of the hazardous conditions, your injuries, and any relevant surroundings. Obtain contact information from witnesses who can support your claim.

Contact a Jacksonville Premises Liability Attorney

Reach out to our Jacksonville Premises Liability Law Firm as soon as possible. Early legal intervention ensures that your rights are protected, and our attorneys can begin building your case immediately.

Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters

Insurance adjusters may attempt to minimize your claim. Direct all communications to your attorney to avoid making statements that could be used against you.

Conclusion

Choosing the right Jacksonville Premises Liability Law Firm is a critical decision that can significantly influence the outcome of your case. Our firm is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation, personalized attention, and compassionate service to every client. With a proven track record of success and a commitment to justice, we are confident in our ability to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

[stpetersburgpersonal]

St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas - Downtown Office

Business Owner

Sean McQuaid

Bar No

311730

Business Address

136 4th St N #2233-A

St. Petersburg, FL

33701

USA

Phone Number

(727) 381-2300

Website

Business Email

smcqu@brdwlaw.com

Hours of Operation

Open 24 / 7

Keywords

Personal Injury Attorney, Auto Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Dog Bites / Attacks, DUI Accidents, Hit and Run Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Personal Injury, Premises Liability, PSTA Accidents, Slip and Fall Injuries, Truck Accidents, Uber and LYFT Accidents, Wrongful Death

Description

Have you or a loved one suffered a personal injury due to someone else’s negligence? If so, you have a legal right to financial compensation for the physical and emotional damages you have suffered. St Petersburg Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas are partners at Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A and have recovered financial compensation for victims of negligence throughout St Petersburg and the Southwest Florida area through aggressive legal representation. As one of the oldest and most prestigious firms in West Florida, for over 60 years, Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A has been providing exceptional legal assistance to St Petersburg and the Tampa Bay area. Battaglia Ross Dicus & McQuaid, P.A is nationally ranked by US News and World Reports as a Tier 1 Law Firm. Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas have been repeatedly recognized by their peers, the courts and the community as premier lawyers in personal injury law.

Social links

[goldmandaszkal]

Seeking Justice: Navigating Dog Bite Injuries in Broward with Animal Attack Attorneys

Broward County is a vibrant community with numerous dog owners. While most interactions with dogs are pleasant, unfortunately, some can result in painful and traumatic injuries from a dog bite. If you've experienced such an ordeal, you're not alone. Seeking compensation for dog bite injuries is not just about getting financial restitution; it's about protecting your rights and holding responsible parties accountable. In Broward, having the right legal representation, like a dedicated animal attack attorney, can make all the difference in your journey toward justice.

Understanding the Severity of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can range from minor cuts and bruises to severe wounds requiring extensive medical treatment. You may suffer from physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial burdens due to medical bills and lost wages. In Broward, these incidents can occur anywhere, from public parks to private properties, leaving you feeling vulnerable and unsure of your rights.

The Role of Dog Bite Lawyers

In such distressing times, having a knowledgeable legal advocate by your side can make a significant difference. Animal attack attorneys specialize in representing victims of dog bites, offering compassionate support and expert guidance throughout the legal process. These professionals understand the complexities of Florida's laws regarding dog bite liability and are committed to securing the compensation their clients deserve.

Seeking Compensation for Damages

One of the primary objectives of dog bite lawyers is to help victims pursue compensation for various damages incurred as a result of the incident. This compensation may cover medical expenses, including emergency treatment, surgeries, and rehabilitation. Additionally, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical needs arising from the injury.

Navigating Legal Complexities

Navigating the legal system can be daunting, especially if you’re dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath of a dog bite. Animal attack attorneys possess the knowledge and experience to handle all aspects of the case, from gathering evidence and negotiating with insurance companies to representing their clients in court, if necessary. By entrusting your case to skilled professionals, you can focus on your recovery while ensuring your rights are protected.

Proving Liability

In Broward, establishing liability in dog bite cases typically requires demonstrating that the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior. Dog bite lawyers employ various strategies to prove liability, such as gathering witness statements, obtaining medical records, and consulting with animal behavior experts. Their goal is to build a strong case that holds the responsible parties accountable for their actions.

Protecting Your Rights

Ultimately, seeking the assistance of an experienced attorney who specializes in animal attacks or dog bites is essential for protecting your rights. These legal experts understand the intricacies of Florida's laws and are dedicated to advocating for your best interests. By retaining their services, you can pursue justice and secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.

[green-light-debt-relief]

Affordable Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer

https://youtu.be/5IgHP7YgWIg 

https://youtu.be/xzHVI1c8Ic0

https://youtu.be/FFxitG2LfXg

https://youtu.be/s6gFzfySM9g 

https://www.reddit.com/r/ExpertReviews/comments/1axleij/palm_beach_mesothelioma_attorney_5612022990/

https://medium.com/@d7431174/choosing-the-right-mesothelioma-attorney-in-palm-beach-dfc68f1f0aa0

https://www.reddit.com/r/ExpertReviews/comments/1axltz3/dog_bite_attorneys_palm_beach_5612022990/ 

https://medium.com/@asantebeste/dog-bite-attorneys-palm-beach-florida-7c9d704912cc

https://www.reddit.com/r/ExpertReviews/comments/1axm12x/affordable_palm_beach_personal_injury_lawyer/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web2x&context=3

[yourvoiceintrialat]

Seeking justice for dog bite injuries in Cape Coral, FL? Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers are here to help. Contact us for a free consultation today. For getting more information about Bite Injury Attorneys Attorneys you visit:-https://www.yourvoiceintrial.com/dog-bite-injury-lawyer-attorney-cape-coral-fl/

[dadanlawfirm]

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY/LAWYER

PERSONAL INJURY ATTORNEY/LAWYER

A personal injury attorney can help you if you have been injured in an accident that was not your fault. We can help you determine who was at fault and hold accountable the responsible party. We will work diligently to handle your case and help you get the compensation you deserve. The insurance companies are not your friend and will try to settle your case for as little as possible. That’s why you need an aggressive trial attorney to fight your battle. Consult with a personal injury attorney first before you speak to the insurance companies. We will offer you a free consultation.

What Types of Cases Do You Handle?

Auto Accident

Motorcycle accident

Truck Accident

Slip and fall

Dog bite

How Do We Evaluate Your Case for a Personal Injury Claim?

When a new case is assessed we will work on gathering information from various sources. For instance, if you have been injured in a car accident we will evaluate the drivers involved, and determine who is at fault. To determine who is at fault we will evaluate the crash report, the crash scene, video footage, photographs, and speak to witnesses. If it is determined that you were not at fault we will then evaluate the coverage policy of the at-fault driver. If the at-fault driver has no bodily injury coverage and you do not have uninsured motorist coverage we will not be able to assist you with your personal injury claim. You will have to sue the at-fault driver to seek compensation. However, if you have uninsured motorist coverage or the at-fault driver has bodily injury coverage we will be able to start a claim.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive After an Accident?

Whether you have been in a hit and run, motorcycle crash, or car crash, you may be eligible for the following types of compensation: property damage, present, and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, loss of wages, loss of love and affection, funeral costs, and punitive damages.

How We Help You Get Compensation After Injury?

We will analyze the nature of the injury after your accident and use the following to settle your case (the list is not all inclusive):

Medical bills related to your physical, mental, and emotional condition

Expert testimony

Loss wages

Need for future treatment

Impairment rating

Accident reports

Any expenses related to the injury

Hiring an Attorney

Hiring the right lawyer during a crisis can be a difficult decision to make. Attorney Sasha Dadan has been recognized by her peers and highly rated by her clients on AVVO as being a hardworking and dedicated attorney who aggressively fights for her clients. Sasha will put your legal rights first in defending your personal injury case. She will contact the insurance company so you don’t have to and will work on getting you medical treatment even if you don’t have medical insurance. Sasha is ready to help you today.

Do I Pay for Representation?

You don’t pay anything unless we win.

Is There a Florida Statute of Limitations in Personal Injury Case?

Yes. Contact our office at 772-579-0347 or visit Florida Statutes for more information.

WE ARE AVAILABLE 24/7

Start your free consultation today and learn how we can help you start your personal injury claim, call Dadan Law Firm at 772-579-2771. We will help you understand personal injury law. Our law office is available to answer your call 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We have offices in Palm Beach and St. Lucie County. If you are unable to come to us we will come to you. We are one of the best law firms that offers representation in Saint Lucie County, Martin County, Indian River County, Broward County, Dade County and Palm Beach County.

[louislawfirm]

Florida Personal Injury Lawyers

Generally, people plan their lives without anticipating a severe personal injury. Unfortunately, most will find themselves the innocent victim of a personal injury at some point in their life, whether it is due to dog bites, a vehicular accident, a swimming or boating accident, sexual abuse, a workplace incident, or various other situations that occur on someone else’s property. The Louis Law Firm helps clients assess the situation, negotiate with insurance companies, and offer representation in court if necessary. Insurance providers and businesses often attempt to place blame on the victim to avoid paying for lost income or long-term medical expenses. An aggressive attorney will take on the case to ensure victims receive the reimbursement they need to carry on with their lives.

[ausetkmt]

The tiny pink house was pretty much empty. And run-down and dark, since the electricity had been shut off. Nevertheless, someone was trying to burglarize it, a caller told 911 well after midnight on a Sunday in Montgomery, Alabama.

The police called in a K-9 handler and his dog, Niko, to search 3809 Cresta Circle. The dog lunged, found a man and bit down, according to court records. It took almost two minutes for the handler to pull the dog off. And before long, their suspect, a 51-year-old Black man, bled to death. The dog had torn an artery in his groin.

The man was Joseph Lee Pettaway, and his family says he was no burglar. He got in trouble for bad checks and served time years ago, but was now taking care of his 87-year-old mother, Lizzie Mae, and helping to repair the pink house in her neighborhood, they said; he had a key and permission to sleep there.

Joseph Pettaway’s sister, Jacqueline, comforts their mother, Lizzie Mae Pettaway. Joseph died in July of 2018 in Montgomery, Alabama, after being bitten by a police dog.Joe Songer/AL.com

The family is suing the city, seeking damages and information about what happened. “I never thought a dog would end up killing anybody, especially a trained dog,” said Walter Pettaway, Joe’s brother. The family also wants public release of the police bodycam video from July 8, 2018, that is described in court documents.

The city is fighting to keep the video from going public, arguing in court that it would cause “annoyance, embarrassment” for officers who were acting in good faith and could end up “facilitating civil unrest.” Officials did not respond to requests for comment.

Police dog bites are rarely fatal. But in other ways, the case of Joseph Pettaway is not unusual. These dogs, whose jaws and teeth are strong enough to punch through sheet metal, often produce severe injuries. Police employ them not only in emergencies, but also for low-level, non-violent incidents. The dogs bite thousands of Americans each year, including innocent bystanders, police officers, even their own handlers. And there is little oversight, nationally or in the states, of how police departments use them.

These are some of the findings of an investigation by The Marshall Project, with AL.com, IndyStar and the Invisible Institute in Chicago. We obtained dog-bite data from police departments around the country, including the agencies in the 20 largest U.S. cities. Our reporters also examined more than 140 serious cases nationwide, and reviewed thousands of pages of documents, including excessive force lawsuits, department policies, arrest reports and medical studies. We looked at scores of videos of police dog bites. We spoke with victims and their lawyers, law enforcement officials, former and current trainers and other experts.

Here’s more of what we found:

Though our data shows dog bites in nearly every state, some cities use biting dogs far more often than others. Police in Chicago almost never deploy dogs for arrests and had only one incident from 2017 to 2019. Washington had five. Seattle had 23. New York City, where policy limits their use mostly to felony cases, reported 25. By contrast, Indianapolis had more than 220 bites, and Los Angeles reported more than 200 bites or dog-related injuries, while Phoenix had 169. The Sheriff’s Department in Jacksonville, Florida, had 160 bites in this period.

Police dog bites can be more like shark attacks than nips from a family pet, according to experts and medical researchers. A dog chewed on an Indiana man’s neck for 30 seconds, puncturing his trachea and slicing his carotid artery. A dog ripped off an Arizona man’s face. A police dog in California took off a man’s testicle. Dog bites cause more hospital visits than any other use of force by police, according to a 2008 academic analysis of 30 departments.

Many people bitten were unarmed, accused of non-violent crimes or weren't suspects at all. Court records show cases often start as minor incidents—a problem with a license plate, a claim of public urination, a man looking for a lost cat. Although some departments, like Seattle, Oakland, California, and St. Paul, Minnesota, now have strict criteria about when dogs can bite, many continue to give officers wide discretion.

Some dogs won’t stop biting and must be pulled off by a handler, worsening injuries. Although training experts said dogs should release a person after a verbal command, we found dozens of cases where handlers had to yank dogs off, hit them on the head, choke them or use shock collars.

Men are the most common targets of police dog bites—and studies suggest that in some places, victims have been disproportionately Black. Investigations into the police department in Ferguson, Missouri, and the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department have both found that dogs bit non-White people almost exclusively. Police dog bites sent roughly 3,600 Americans to emergency rooms every year from 2005 to 2013, according to a recent study published in the Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine; almost all were male, and Black men were overrepresented.

For many bite victims, there’s little accountability or compensation. Federal civil rights laws don’t typically cover innocent bystanders. In many parts of the country, criminal suspects can’t bring federal claims if they plead guilty or are convicted of a crime related to the biting incident. And even when victims can bring cases, lawyers say they struggle because jurors tend to love police dogs—something they call the Lassie effect.

Police dogs have a highly charged history in the United States, especially in the South, where they were used against enslaved people and, in the 1960s, civil rights protesters.

How Dogs Were Used as Weapons in North America’s History

French colonizers used hundreds of hounds against enslaved people who rebelled during the Haitian Revolution (1791-1804), according to Tyler Parry, assistant professor of African American and African Diaspora Studies at the University of Nevada, and Charlton W. Yingling, Assistant Professor at University of Louisville. An 1805 engraving shows trained bloodhounds attacking a Black Haitian family. Archive Photos/Getty Images

During the Second Seminole War (1835-1842), the United States military used Cuban bloodhounds to force the Seminole Indians from central Florida to west of the Mississippi River, as seen in an 1848 lithograph. MPI/Getty Images

An 1864 engraving by Van Ingen & Snyder depicts an enslaved man protecting his family from bloodhounds. Dogs were used to hunt enslaved people of African descent in the U.S. who had attempted to escape as early as 1790, according to Dr. Parry and Dr. Yingling. AF Fotografie/Alamy

A Black high school student, Walter Gadsden, 15, is attacked by a police dog during a civil rights demonstration in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1963, in this photo by Bill Hudson. These and other iconic images from the Birmingham protests shocked many Americans and helped bring an end to segregation laws. Bill Hudson/Associated Press

Officers brought dogs to the Newark race riots of 1967, which began in response to the beating by police of John Smith, a Black cab driver. An officer with a dog argued with a man on July 14, 1967. Agence France-Presse, via Getty Images

A police dog attacks a Steelers fan during the celebration of the team’s Super Bowl victory in downtown Pittsburgh, Jan. 22, 1979. R.C. Greenawalt/Associated Press

But police departments that use dogs said the K-9s are essential tools for finding fleeing suspects, and for searching dark, narrow spaces for hidden dangers. That makes them crucial for officer safety.

Not every suspect who runs or hides or is not complying with commands will try to injure an officer, said Deputy Chief Josh Barker of the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department. But, he said, "In a lot of the instances, we're using that K-9 as a tool because we simply don't know.”

When police use dogs properly, injuries should be minor and require little treatment, handlers, trainers and experts said. The dogs are trained to create puncture wounds, but little else. The wounds should not involve tearing flesh, and the bite shouldn’t last long—seconds, not minutes.

The dogs are “not taught to rip, they’re not taught to tear, they’re not taught to maim,” said Kenneth Licklider, who has been training and selling police dogs for decades. Licklider owns Vohne Liche Kennels in Indiana, which supplies dogs and trains their handlers.

Kenneth Licklider, owner of Vohne Liche Kennels, walks through a hallway in one of the many training buildings at his facility, in Indiana, in September. Licklider, who founded the company in 1993 after retiring from the military, has been training canines for more than 40 years. Mykal McEldowney/IndyStar

And with training and supervision, the dogs bite only a fraction of the times they are used, officials said. That’s a hard statement to prove, because few departments keep standardized data. Many of those that responded to our requests for records did not provide information on deployments, and when they did it was incomplete and inconsistent.

As a spokesman for the Jacksonville sheriff noted, “With policies varying among agencies, the number of engagements cannot be accurately compared.”

But some attorneys said the law should treat police dogs as lethal weapons. “I'd put being attacked by a dog just below being shot,” said Hank Sherrod, who has represented dog bite victims in Alabama.

Law enforcement agencies employ about 15,000 dogs for everything from finding lost children to sniffing out drugs, according to the U.S. Police Canine Association, a professional group. But no countrywide database tracks police dogs, the number of bites or who is bitten. There are no national requirements for dog handlers.

Handling dogs is more art than science, some in the business say. “The handler’s personality will go right down that leash,” said Ernie Burwell, a former canine handler for the Los Angeles County Sheriff who now testifies as an expert witness in excessive force cases. “If the handler’s an idiot, the dog will be, too.”

The lack of regulation worries some experts.

“It’s just sort of the Wild West when it comes to these dogs,” said Christy Lopez, a professor at the Georgetown University Law Center who previously focused on policing and civil rights at the U.S. Department of Justice. She recalled speaking to a young Black teenager in Ferguson, Missouri, who’d been curled up in a closet when a police dog gnawed on his arm.

“In Ferguson, I realized this was not a thing that needed to be reformed,” Lopez said. “It was a thing that needed to end.”

The Police Executive Research Forum, a prominent law enforcement think tank, recently called for clearer national standards to ensure all agencies have protocols for canine use.

Police officers said they are already careful about using dogs.

“A dog bite, it’s a violent encounter,” said Patrick McKean, trainer for the Mobile Police Department in Alabama. “The dog’s hurting somebody. We’re not going to just do that just for any little reason.”

Trainers say bites are worse when people don’t follow orders—when they try to run or fight back. But many videos we reviewed show people screaming in terror or flailing around, even as the handler yells at them to stop.

“It’s really hard for someone not to move when they’re bitten, and the more they move, the more they’re bitten,” said Ann Schiavone, a law professor at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh who is an expert in animal law.

Take the case of Patrick Gibbons, a White 47-year-old who sells golf supplies. On May 5, 2019, he flagged down a golf-cart taxi in the Old Town district in Scottsdale, Arizona. After Gibbons demanded that the driver go faster and even tried to push the accelerator himself, the driver got out. Gibbons took off (at 15 mph) in the cart. The driver called 911, telling the dispatcher Gibbons was unarmed but drunk.

On May 5, 2019, officers in Scottsdale, Arizona released a patrol dog on Patrick Gibbons after he stole a golf-cart taxi while drunk. Courtesy of Patrick Gibbons

A swarm of patrol cars responded while Gibbons, wearing shorts and flip flops, laughed and gave police the finger. After they punctured the cart’s tires to stop it, Gibbons put his hands up. Then, an officer released the patrol dog, police video shows.

For almost two minutes, the dog chewed on Gibbons’ back and side. Police said Gibbons was “flinging the K-9 from side to side,” according to an internal affairs report, and they fired non-lethal weapons at him.

“I couldn’t move without feeling some sort of pain,” Gibbons said. “There’s still stiffness. Now I just tell people I was attacked by a shark.”

Gibbons received a $100,000 settlement from the city for his injuries, but said he’s dissatisfied that criminal and internal investigations cleared officers of any wrongdoing. Gibbons said he took a plea deal for driving while intoxicated and stealing the golf cart, spending 36 days in jail and five months on home arrest.

A police dog mauled Patrick Gibbons in Scottsdale, Arizona, in May 2019. The photos below, which Gibbons said were taken about a week after the incident, show his injuries from the dog to his torso and arm. Top: Cassidy Araiza for The Marshall Project; bottom: Courtesy of Patrick Gibbons

A Scottsdale police spokesman said officers received the call as a reported carjacking and believed they were responding to a violent felony. He said Gibbons also refused police demands to stop the golf cart. If officers realized the true situation, their response would have been “wholly and completely different,” said Sgt. Brian Reynolds.

“We’re not out just siccing dogs on people just because they’re drunk,” he said. “Absolutely not.”

Some of the most serious injuries happen when handlers struggle to make dogs let go.

In Sonoma County, California, sheriff’s deputies responded to a caller who claimed a man had a gun. They used a Taser on Jason Anglero-Wyrick, a 35-year-old Black man. After he was on the ground, video shows, they set a dog on him—and had a hard time getting it to stop attacking. Anglero-Wyrick ended up with a fist-sized hole in his calf, his lawyer said, and spent weeks in the hospital. He did not have a weapon.

Anglero-Wyrick’s family put a video of the incident on YouTube, his lawyer said, because they wanted the public to see what happened.

In Sonoma County, California, sheriff’s deputies set a dog on Jason Anglero-Wyrick, a 35-year-old Black man. Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office

“If that video hadn’t been posted, nobody would know about Jason’s case,” said his lawyer, Izaak Schwaiger.

A Sonoma County sheriff’s spokeswoman said the case is still under internal investigation and referred a reporter to a video of the incident posted to the agency’s Facebook page.

Even when they have suffered terrible injuries, people bitten by police dogs can find it very hard to collect damages. Take Deborah Hooper, a White woman who used to work as an accountant. According to court records, on May 9, 2006, a security guard at a drugstore in the San Diego suburbs caught her stealing a nail file and a couple of lipsticks. A sheriff’s deputy issued her a citation for petty theft, then took her to the parking lot and searched her car.

The deputy said he found a drug scale and what looked like methamphetamine, and tried to arrest her. As they struggled, the deputy pushed a special button on his belt, releasing his German Shepherd, court records show. The dog latched onto Hooper’s head, ripping off large chunks of her scalp and biting down to her skull.

Fourteen years later, Hooper is still undergoing surgeries. Doctors grafted skin from her thigh onto her head. They filled water balloons and stuck them under her remaining scalp to stretch the skin. She said she became a hermit and has been diagnosed with post traumatic stress disorder.

She is also still in court, reliving the incident over and over again. She had to battle to get the right to sue for excessive use of force in federal court because she had pleaded guilty to resisting arrest; an appeals court eventually ruled in her favor. Her second trip to federal court ended with a hung jury.

This spring, she was back in court again, in a third trial that also ended in a hung jury. “The dog was just ripping my head back and forth,” she told jurors in San Diego. “There was blood everywhere.”

The Sheriff’s Office and the deputy said she lunged for his gun, which she denied. At the most recent trial in March, Melissa Holmes, the lawyer who represents the agency, said the officer “did what he had to do to protect himself and to protect the public.”

A spokesman for San Diego County did not respond to a request for comment.

A fourth trial was scheduled for this month but has been postponed.

Stories like this take persistence, skill, time and, above all, your support. Become a member today.

One hurdle for people seeking redress is qualified immunity, which in most cases shields government employees, including police, from liability when they are doing their jobs. In its last term, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take up a legal challenge to the doctrine in a lawsuit over a police dog bite. A Tennessee man, Alexander Baxter, had sued alleging that local police used a dog after he had surrendered with his hands in the air.

Outside of the courtroom, some communities are pushing for change.

Elected officials in Spokane have proposed making it harder for the police to use dogs after bodycam footage from last year showed an officer shoving a dog through a truck window and watching it chew on a man inside as he screamed. Police leaders concluded the officer acted within department policy.

“It seemed like the officers essentially used the dog to punish him,” said Breean Beggs, a civil rights lawyer and president of the Spokane City Council. “If that's policy, then there is something wrong with the policy."

The department did not respond to requests for comment.

Officers with a police dog approached protesters after they marched onto the I-680 freeway during a Black Lives Matter demonstration in Walnut Creek, California, on June 1. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

Police officers arrested a group of protesters that failed to disperse. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

Joseph Malott was arrested during the protest after being attacked by a police dog. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

Malott was assisted up after being handcuffed. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

A police dog bit and scratched Malott, leaving lasting scars on his back. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

An apparent dog bite can be seen on Malott’s left leg after he was placed on a stretcher. Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group

In Salt Lake City, officials suspended the canine unit after a video showed police releasing a dog on a Black man, even though he was on his knees, hands in the air. In a rare move, prosecutors filed criminal charges of second-degree aggravated assault against the dog handler.

On Sept. 25, the city said that a review found a “pattern of abuse of power” when police used dogs, and moved to examine earlier incidents.

The Salt Lake City Police Department said in a statement that it is taking the criminal charges and a report by the Civilian Review Board into account as it works on its internal investigation.

Change is also underway in Walnut Creek, California, after officers released a dog on a demonstrator at a recent Black Lives Matter protest.

When marchers snarled highway traffic, a SWAT team released canisters of tear gas. Joseph Malott, a Black architecture student who joined the June 1 protest in his hometown, said he picked up one canister and tossed it away—in the direction of the cops.

Joseph Malott, a 22-year-old architecture student, was attacked and bitten by a police dog in Walnut Creek, California, during a Black Lives Matter demonstration on June 1. Photos of his back and legs a few hours after the incident. Top: Marissa Leshnov for The Marshall Project; bottom: Courtesy of J&J Law

Then he was face-down on the pavement. A police dog’s teeth sliced through his T-shirt and sank into his back, tearing his flesh and poking holes through his skin. He felt chewing on his leg and hand.

“It felt like I was being eaten,” Malott said recently. “They literally had to pull the dog off me.”

Public outcry about police actions at the protest prompted city leaders to promise that law enforcement wouldn’t use dogs at future demonstrations.

Charges against Malott were dropped, and he no longer needs crutches or a cane. But he still has physical and mental scars, he said. “It’s stuff that will be with me for the rest of my life.”

[adolphelawgroup]

Personal Injury Law Firm Near Me

If you're looking for a personal injury law firm near me, consider reaching out to the Adolphe Low Group. They specialize in personal injury cases and are committed to providing top-notch legal representation for their clients. With a reputation for their expertise and dedication, the Adolphe Low Group has helped numerous individuals seek justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

Florida Immigration Attorney

Florida Bicycle Accident Attorney

Florida Motorcycle Accident Attorney

Florida Pedestrian Accident Lawyer

Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

Florida DUI Attorney

Florida Brain Injury Attorney

Florida Child Abuse/Neglect Attorney

Florida Product Liability Lawyer

Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

Florida Auto Accident Attorney

Florida Bus Accident Lawyer

Florida Dog Bite Attorney

Florida Premises Liability Lawyer