Florida Injury Lawyer Blawg
Leesfield & Partners is representing a 9-year-old South Florida boy who was viciously attacked by several dogs while on the beach at the Bimini Cove Resort & Marina.
This case is being handled by Partner Justin B. Shapiro and Trial Attorney Eric Shane.
On Tuesday, July 28, Beau Brattain was staying at the resort with his family when he went to the beach to collect sand for his hermit crab tank. As he collected the sand, he was descended upon by several dogs who mauled his head, right arm, and thigh. He was rushed to a local hospital before doctors concluded his injuries were so severe that he required transport to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami.
“Despite undergoing six surgeries over the course of a month in the hospital, Beau continues to inspire us all with his remarkable positivity and courage,” Mr. Shapiro said. “The compassion and support pouring in from our South Florida community has also been extraordinary.”
Police in the Bahamas have arrested and charged the owner for failing to control his animals, according to reporting from local media in Miami. Other guests have seen the dogs roaming the beach and behaving aggressively at least one year prior to the life-threatening attack.
“We look forward to working tirelessly to achieve every bit of justice Beau deserves,” Mr. Shapiro said.
Leesfield & Partners
Dogs have been incredible companions throughout history, so much so that they have earned the moniker of “man’s best friend.” This detail, however, cannot overshadow the fact that they are still animals capable of inflicting considerable injuries. A five-year study on pediatric dog bite injuries published by the National Library of Medicine found that 3.9 million people suffer dog bites in the U.S. every year with nearly 850,000 seeking medical treatment as a result. The study found that rates of dog-bite related emergency room visits were the highest among pediatric patients, with a projected annual medical cost of about $252 million.
“Perhaps more detrimental than the cost burden of these preventable injuries is the psychologically traumatic and physically scarring sequalae suffered by the child and their family,” researchers said in the study.
Leesfield & Partners has 50 years of experience handling personal injury cases throughout Florida, including cases of animal attacks. For many of our clients, the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder linger long after their physical wounds have healed. The emotional and psychological scars left behind by trauma are undeniable and acknowledging that aspect of an injury is critical to understanding the full impact that an incident has had on a client’s life. Our skilled trial attorneys work tirelessly to not only secure the best possible outcome on behalf of every client but also to help them navigate the incredibly emotional taxing project of reliving the trauma they have endured.
In five decades, Leesfield & Partners has secured numerous record verdicts and settlements on behalf of such clients. This work has earned the firm state and nationwide recognition as a fierce advocate for safety and justice, enacting lasting changes that have made a deep impact for years in various industries.
The firm’s Founder and Managing Partner, Ira Leesfield, helped advocate for carbon monoxide protections in the state after his clients were exposed to the lethal gas at a Key West hotel.
Additionally, Mr. Leesfield represented a motorcyclist who was permanently injured when a design flaw caused the kickstand on his vehicle to erroneously deploy mid-ride, causing a severe crash. In highlighting this design flaw, Mr. Leesfield proved the hazard it presented for customers and changed an industry. Mr. Leesfield obtained a $19.8 million award for his injured client in that case.
Previous Animal Attack Cases
It should be noted that dogs aren’t the only pets prone to attacking people and causing serious injuries. Mr. Shane obtained a confidential result for a client who was attacked by a neighbor’s pet at their Monroe County condominium.
One case involving a dog bite resulted in a $1.5 million recovery for a 77-year-old client. In that case, the elderly woman was walking from her front door to check the mail while walking her leashed dog, a 20-pound Welsh terrier. A neighbor was walking by the home at the same time with their dog who lunged so forcefully at the terrier that the neighbor lost control of the leash.
In an effort to protect her pet, our client stepped between the animals, causing the larger dog to maul her arms. Injuries sustained by the woman in the attack included deep wounds to her forearms and right elbow and broken bones in her left hand. A passerby stepped in to stop the attack.
Leesfield & Partners handled a case in which a woman who was walking down a neighborhood sidewalk in front of the home of an aggressive animal was attacked. The woman was passing by an unlocked gate when a large Chesapeake Bay Retriever who mauled her right arm and shoulder while a dog sitter refused to intervene. Thankfully a passing driver stopped and called 911.
The firm previously represented a therapist making house visits who was attacked by a large dog who bit her in the stomach, its jaws ripped through her hand and tore off an index finger.
In another case, our client was horrifically mauled by a dog who jumped out of the window of its owner’s parked car while the owner, a neighbor, was speaking to our client. Injuries sustained in that case were wounds to her forearm and leg.
In a case involving a dog bite and an animal rescue organization, Leesfield & Partners recovered $800,000 for the injured client.
If you or a loved one was injured in an animal attack, don’t wait. Call a Leesfield & Partners attorney today at 305-854-4900 to see if you may be eligible to make a claim.
