Beyond Bites: Fall Injuries from Dog Attacks in Florida

When we think of dog-related injuries, our minds often jump straight to bites. However, a significant number of dog attack cases in Florida involve injuries sustained from falls rather than bites. These incidents can be just as serious and deserve equal attention from both a medical and legal standpoint.

As Florida dog bite attorneys, we’ve seen firsthand how these cases can impact victims across Florida. Let’s delve into the often-overlooked world of fall injuries resulting from dog attacks and what you need to know if you’ve been affected.

Top 5 Injuries Resulting from Dog-Related Falls

Falls caused by a dog attack can lead to a variety of injuries, some of which can have long-lasting effects on the victim’s health and quality of life. There are many types of dog attack related injuries, other than just bites.  Here are the top five most common and serious injuries we see in Florida cases:

1. Fractured Shoulders

Shoulder fractures are a frequent and serious consequence of dog-caused falls. These often occur when a person is pulled off balance by a dog and instinctively extends their arm to break their fall. The impact can fracture the humerus (upper arm bone) near the shoulder joint or break the clavicle (collarbone). Recovery from a shoulder fracture can be lengthy, often requiring surgery and extensive physical therapy. This type of injury can significantly impact a person’s ability to perform daily activities and may lead to chronic pain or reduced range of motion.

2. Broken Wrists

Broken wrists, particularly fractures of the distal radius, are another common injury in dog-related falls. Like shoulder fractures, these typically happen when a person tries to catch themselves during a fall, putting all their body weight onto an outstretched hand. Wrist fractures can be complex, sometimes requiring surgical intervention with pins or plates. Recovery can take several months and may involve occupational therapy to regain full function. For many Florida residents, especially those who work with their hands, a broken wrist can mean significant time away from work and lost income.

3. Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are particularly concerning, especially for older adults who are more susceptible to falls and have more fragile bones. A hip fracture from a dog-induced fall can be life-changing, often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation. In some cases, it may lead to a loss of independence, as mobility can be permanently affected. The recovery process is often lengthy and may involve a stay in a rehabilitation facility, which can be both emotionally and financially taxing for Florida families.

4. Head Injuries

Head injuries, ranging from mild concussions to more severe traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), are a serious risk in dog-related falls. These can occur when a person is knocked backwards or falls forward, striking their head on the ground or nearby objects. The consequences of a head injury can be far-reaching, potentially affecting cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation. In Florida’s busy tourist areas or crowded beaches, the risk of hitting one’s head during a fall can be even higher due to the presence of various obstacles.

5. Spinal Cord Injuries

While less common than the other injuries mentioned, spinal cord injuries are among the most severe outcomes of dog-related falls. These can occur from awkward landings, especially in cases where a person is yanked suddenly by a dog or becomes entangled in a leash. Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis, dramatically altering a person’s life. The medical care required for such injuries is extensive and often lifelong, presenting significant financial and emotional challenges for victims and their families.

In Florida, where outdoor activities with dogs are common year-round, understanding these risks is crucial. If you’ve suffered any of these injuries due to a dog-related fall, it’s important to seek both medical attention and legal advice promptly. Our team of Florida dog bite lawyers are experienced in handling these complex cases and can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other related costs.

Remember, while these are the most common serious injuries, any fall can result in significant harm. Always exercise caution around dogs, whether they’re your own or belong to others, and be aware of your surroundings, especially in Florida’s unique environments like beaches, parks, and tourist-heavy areas.

Types of Fall Injuries Caused by Dogs

Knockdowns: Large Dogs Jumping Up or Running Into People

Knockdowns are particularly common with larger breeds or energetic dogs. These incidents can occur in various scenarios. Excited greetings, where a large dog jumps up to greet its owner or a visitor, can easily knock someone off balance, especially children or elderly individuals. Park encounters pose another risk, as off-leash dogs may run at full speed, colliding with joggers or unsuspecting pedestrians. Even in home settings, well-trained dogs might accidentally bump into people while playing or running through the house.

Knockdowns can result in serious injuries. Older adults are especially vulnerable to hip fractures. Head injuries from falling backward are also common. Victims often sustain wrist or arm fractures from trying to break their fall. Additionally, soft tissue injuries like sprains and bruises frequently occur in these incidents.

Trip Hazards: Dogs Crossing Paths or Getting Underfoot

These incidents often involve smaller dogs or occur in crowded spaces. Kitchen accidents are common, as dogs hoping for food scraps may linger underfoot while owners are cooking or moving around. Doorway incidents present another hazard, with excited dogs rushing to greet visitors and darting between people’s legs as they enter. Outdoor activities like walks or visits to dog parks also pose risks, as dogs might suddenly cross in front of their owners or other pedestrians.

Injuries from these trips can be severe. Ankle sprains or fractures are frequent outcomes. Knee injuries, including torn ligaments, often result from sudden twisting motions. Back injuries from awkward falls are also common. If the person falls forward, facial injuries may occur.

Leash Entanglement: People Getting Caught in or Tripping Over Extended Leashes

Leash entanglement is a growing concern, especially with the popularity of retractable leashes. Sidewalk incidents are common, where long leashes create trip hazards for other pedestrians, especially in busy urban areas. Multi-dog walks present additional risks, as leashes can become tangled around the walker’s legs. Beach or park accidents also occur, where dogs on long leashes may circle other visitors, wrapping the leash around their legs.

These incidents can lead to severe injuries. Cuts or burns from the leash itself are not uncommon. Complex falls due to restricted movement often result in more serious injuries. In some cases, multiple people may be injured if several become entangled in the same incident.

Sudden Pulls: Dogs Yanking Their Leashes, Causing Owners or Passersby to Lose Balance

Sudden pulls are often related to a dog’s prey drive or excitability. Chasing instincts can cause a dog to suddenly lunge after a squirrel or another dog, catching the owner off guard. Excitement pulls occur when dogs spot a familiar person or favorite location and unexpectedly surge forward. Fear responses can also trigger sudden movements, with a startled dog bolting and pulling the leash taut, unbalancing the handler.

Injuries from sudden pulls can be severe. Shoulder dislocations or rotator cuff injuries are common due to the abrupt jerking motion. Neck and back injuries often result from the sudden strain. Hand and finger injuries can occur from gripping the leash tightly. Falls resulting from these pulls can lead to various impact injuries.

In Florida, these types of incidents can be exacerbated by certain factors. Weather conditions, such as wet sidewalks from frequent rain, can make falls more likely and more dangerous. Tourist areas in Orlando and other cities may have a mix of distracted tourists and unfamiliar dogs, increasing risk. Beach environments present unique challenges, as sandy or uneven surfaces can make it harder to maintain balance when interacting with dogs.

Understanding these specific types of dog-induced falls is crucial for both prevention and legal purposes. Florida dog owners need to be aware of these risks and take appropriate precautions, while those injured in such incidents should document the specific circumstances of their fall when seeking legal assistance.

Legal Considerations in Florida

Florida law recognizes that dog owners have a responsibility to control their pets and prevent them from causing harm to others. This extends beyond bite prevention to include other forms of injury, such as those caused by falls.

Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners can be held liable for damages if their dog injures someone, regardless of whether the injury was caused by a bite or a fall. This is crucial for victims to understand, as it opens up avenues for dog attack compensation that they might not have considered.

Fall injuries from dog attacks are more common than many realize, and they can have serious consequences for victims. If you’ve been injured in such an incident in Florida, it’s crucial to understand your rights and the potential for compensation. Remember, these cases go beyond the typical dog bite scenario. Whether you’ve been knocked down by an overexcited pet or tripped over an poorly managed leash, you may have grounds for a claim. Our Orlando dog bite lawyers represent clients across Florida in all types of dog-related injury cases.