Central Florida Man Saves Neighbor from Dog Attack

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 24, 2015

Lorenzo Smith was at home last Friday, when he says he heard his neighboring screaming. When he went to investigating he found his neighbor, 82-year-old Nigel Bailey trying to protect his two small dogs from a pit bull attack. Mr. Bailey was out walking his dogs when the pit bull ran up and attacked. Smith ran into his house and grabbed a shot gun, returned outside and fatally shot the dog.

Smith defends his actions on Friday, saying that he believed his neighbor’s life was in danger. However, he does feel some sadness that the animal had to be killed. Bailey is currently recovering from several dog bites. The owner of the dog feels that deadly force was unjustified in Friday’s incident. A call to animal control reveals that there have been several reports of the pit bull roaming the area previous to Friday’s incident.

Though we only infrequently hear about them in the news, dog attacks are very common in Florida, a state which has one of the largest populations of pit bulls in the United States. While not all pit bulls are vicious dogs, this breed does have aggressive tendencies and should be watched carefully if you keep one as a pet. Breed specific legislation is in place due to the number of attacks that have occurred in the past, and pit bulls are completely banned in Miami-Dade County. All pit bull owners must keep their animals up to date on vaccinations, and they are not allowed to roam freely on the streets.

Even though several animal control laws are in place, they mean nothing if pit bull owners do not follow them. Dog bites can be serious injuries, especially if there is nerve or vascular damage from the bite. If you have been viciously attacked by a pit bull, you do have recourse for your injuries. Under Florida law, pet owners are responsible for the actions of their animals and can be held liable for damages. At the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A., our legal team is experienced at handling personal injury claims resulting from vicious dog attacks. We can get you the compensation you deserve.

If you are suffering from a Florida dog bite injury, contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587) for a free initial consultation.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.