Florida Woman Maimed in Vicious Pit Bull Attack

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 20, 2011

A Jacksonville woman attacked by her friend’s pit bull-Labrador mix now has permanent scars on her lower lip, and she is urging Florida lawmakers to toughen existing laws against dog attacks. The victim said she was lying on a bed in a friend’s home taking a nap when her friend’s dog attacked her, causing a tear in her lower lip that required 185 stitches and plastic surgery. She told reporters that she wants her friend’s dog to be euthanized so that it can’t harm anyone else. Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham has supported stronger laws against dangerous dogs for years. While there has been some progress, much remains to be done to protect Floridians from pit bulls and other dangerous breeds.

“The next thing I knew, it latched on to me. It viciously shook me as hard as it could,” the victim said. “I got down to my knees, and the next thing I knew, I started hitting it and it let go of me. I’m afraid it’s going to happen to someone else. How do I know it hasn’t already happened to someone else?” she said.

The owner of the dog said that local Animal Protective Care and Services officials had evaluated her dog and determined that the dog was not dangerous. Officials said that, in such cases, even if a dog is deemed dangerous by current protocols, there are no laws in Florida that require a dog to be euthanized after its first biting incident. However, the dog’s owner was required to quarantine her animal in her house after the attack because it did not have required shots. She was fined $500 after the attack, but the victim claims that dollar amount should be larger.

“I think something should be done. I definitely think the laws should be changed,” she said.

Orlando personal injury attorney James O. Cunningham also feels that something should be done to protect Floridians from dangerous dogs, and recent dog attacks on children especially underscore the importance of tougher legislation. He has been successfully representing injured people against negligent dog owners since 1977 and tirelessly defends and protects the rights of injured people. If you’re a Central Florida dog bite victim and you want to know more about your rights and legal options, call 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 today to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.

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.