Dog Owners Using Retractable Leashes Could Cause Serious Injuries

Many people use retractable leashes when walking their dogs. Unfortunately, these leashes can be unsafe. Both the dogs and leashes themselves can cause people to suffer serious injuries. If a retractable leash fails and a dog bites a person, the owner of the dog could be liable for compensating the victim under Florida’s dog bite laws. However, if the leash injured the person, the dog owner could still be responsible if he was negligent. This is common given the dangers of retractable leashes.

Seven Ways a Retractable Leash Could Injure You or Cause a Dog to Bite You

A retractable leash is a thin cord that is wound around a retractable device and includes a large plastic handle. The hidden dangers of these leashes include:

• The leash is too long. Retractable leashes can extend up to 26 feet, allowing an aggressive dog to quickly approach and attack an unsuspecting person before the owner can control him.

• The cord is too thin. The cord that comprises the leash is very thin and not strong enough for an owner to effectively pull back his dog if he is acting aggressively or attacking someone.

• The cord can break. The thin, flimsy cord can break when a big dog lunges or runs toward a person, and the owner can lose complete control of his dog—with disastrous results.

• The leash handle is bulky. Because of the large size of the handle, it can easily slip out of the dog owner’s hand—resulting in the owner losing control of the dog.

• The retractable device can malfunction. The retractable parts of the leash can malfunction, causing the leash to refuse to retract or extend at will.

• The leash can become entangled. If a person becomes entangled in the leash, he can suffer serious burns or other injuries from the cord or from falling.

Injuries Caused by Retractable Leashes

When retractable leashes become entangled with people or objects such as bikes, people can get hurt. Common injuries causes by retractable leashes include:

• Amputations

• Cuts, burns, and lacerations to a person’s hands, arms, fingers, and legs

• Eye injuries and blindness

• Broken teeth

• Broken bones

• Head injuries

If you or a family member were injured by a retractable leash or by a dog on a retractable leash, you may have a claim against the dog owner for your medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma your injuries. Call us at (727) 345-4566 to schedule a free consultation.