Toddler Killed in Dog Attack in Crystal River

A toddler passed away over the weekend after officials said he was attacked by dogs.

Reports indicate the attack occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Sunday in the 8300 block of W. Oak Street in Crystal River.

According to police, when first responders arrived at the home they discovered a 2-year-old boy dead in the backyard. Deputies said he had marks on his body consistent with a dog attack. Deputies claim they found four Rottweilers and another smaller dog also in the backyard of the property.

There were several people inside the residence at the time the attack occurred. According to deputies, the parents of the boy were both inside the residence, along with some friends and two other children, ages 1 and 5.

Animal Control Officers responded to the home and removed the four Rottweilers and an additional dog from the home. A Chihuahua and several puppies were left at the home.

DCF was notified of the incident and both children were removed.

Across the United States, an estimated 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites and attacks each year, sending 885,000 of those Americans to hospitals and emergency rooms in need of medical treatment. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 30,000 people bitten by dogs each year require reconstructive surgery. Due to the fact that about half of the dog bite victims seen in emergency rooms are children, the harsh reality that these injuries are so severe that they warrant reconstructive surgery is especially concerning. If you, your child or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog, you could be entitled to financial compensation from the animal’s owner for all injury expenses including your medical treatment, lost wages and other costs related to the dog bite or attack.

A dog bite can be a traumatic event that results in serious injury and even death, as this tragic case shows. Vicious dog attacks cause numerous deaths every year. Even if someone survives a dog attack, they are often left to deal with permanent scarring, nerve damage and the possibility of contracting infection. In many cases, there is a real risk of psychological harm that can last well beyond the physical injury.

If you or someone you care for has suffered a serious injury or death because of a dog bite, a Citrus County Injury Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can review your case and help you hold any responsible parties accountable for their negligence. Call us today at 352-726-0078 or contact us online for a free consultation.