AV Preeminent - Peer-Rated for the Highest Level of Professional Excellence - 2024
Diana Santa Maria - Recognized by Best Lawyers - 2024
Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria - Recognized by Best Lawyers - 2024
Best Lawyers - Best Law Firms - US NEWS 2023
500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers - Lawdragon 2022
Expertise.com - Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Davie - 2022
Expertise.com - Best Personal Injury Attorneys in Hialeah - 2021
AV Preeminent - 2020 - For Ethical Standards and Legal Ability
Avvo Rating - 10.0 Superb - Top Attorney Personal Injury
Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
The Best Lawyers in America
Bar Register - Preeminent Lawyers
Super Lawyers
The National Trial Lawyers - TOP 100
American Board of Trial Advocates

Dog Bites: Painful and Emotionally Scarring

Do you have a dog for a pet? They are not only man's best friend, but they are wonderful company and protectors for all, young and old.

As a pet owner you know that you have a responsibility to feed them properly, give them access to water and comfortable bedding. But another serious pet owner responsibility is to make sure the dog is well-trained and safely able to be around people and other animals.

A huge number of people - 4.5 million - are bitten by dogs each year in the U.S. and fully half of them are children ages 5 to 9! A dog bite can cause serious injuries or even death in both children and adults. Typical injuries include lacerations, puncture wounds, tissue loss, fractures, sprains and strains and infections like rabies and cellulitis.

Victims of dog bites can also suffer from non-visible damage like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear of dogs and therefore of being outside, emotional and psychological trauma - especially in children - and social shame from disfiguring scars.

Reduce Your Risk of Dog Bites
  • Stay away from strange dogs and instruct your children to do the same.
  • Don't enter the animal's "personal space" such as a yard or dog run.
  • Remain still - the dog will be encouraged to chase you if you try to run away.
  • Try to read the dog's body language and stay away from a dog that looks tense or is backing away.
  • Avoid eye contact!

Even at home with your own pet:

  • Never leave a baby or young child alone with a dog.
  • Give your dog space when eating or sleeping, and teach your child to leave the dog alone when in a crate.
  • Stop your child from wrestling with the dog or taking toys away.
If You are Attacked by a Dog
  • If possible, move away from the dog quickly.
  • Call 911 if any injury is severe or if you are in danger.
  • Wash any non-serious bites by your own dog with soap and then bandage. Keep an eye on the wound for signs of infection.
  • If the injury is serious or the dog isn't yours, get a doctor's treatment as soon as possible.
  • Track down information about a strange dog including owner information and histories of attacks and immunizations.
Contact Us if You or a Family Member has Been Injured by a Dog Bite

Don't ignore any physical, psychological or emotional damage brought on by a dog bite. If you or a family member has suffered from a dog's attack or any other premises liability or personal injury, please contact the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. for a free consultation. Attorney Diana Santa Maria, personal injury attorney in Fort Lauderdale, will fight to get you the compensation that you and your family deserve. You can reach us at (954) 434-1077 or contact us via the website.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I'm so grateful to your staff for assisting me with obtaining medical care from my injuries. Words cannot express my appreciation for aiding me with my case. The staff is very efficient, people oriented and caring. Continue to not only provide legal assistance, but the love that makes and impact on the lives of your clients. B.B. (Premises Liability)
★★★★★
Our experience with the Law Offices of Diana Santa Maria, P.A. was excellent. Her staff is kind and professional. Attorney Diana Santa Maria is an outstanding human being and a true professional. I would recommend them 100%. R.P. (Premises Liability)
★★★★★
I am extremely satisfied with the legal services provided by this law firm. I feel grateful to the staff and to Diana Santa Maria in particular. I would definitely recommend Diana Santa Maria for legal representation in any accident matter. E.M. (Auto Accident)
★★★★★
Overall great experience, totally professional and would not hesitate to recommend! Helpful on every level of this case-from day #1 and throughout! I would not hesitate to recommend Diana to anyone in need of superb legal services! They were extremely helpful and kind during a stressful time. The office is beautiful, the paralegal team and staff are totally knowledgeable and professional. A.T. (Auto Accident)
★★★★★
My personal experience with the office of Diana Santa Maria has been one of mutual respect and excellent personal service... their integrity, personal care and efficiency handling my case. The availability of Ms. Santa Maria when required or requested and the attention to my case always included a personal touch. C.R. (Auto Accident)