A 7-month-old girl died Friday after she was bitten by the family dog.
Clearwater Fire Rescue responded to a call at the Fairwood Avenue residence about 2:12 p.m. Friday.
Authorities said the girl was being taken care of by her grandparents when a mixed-breed dog bit her.
The girl was transported to Mease Countryside Hospital, where she later died.
As is customary in such cases, Clearwater Police are conducting an investigation, in conjunction with the Department of Children and Families.
The dog has been removed from the home and taken to Pinellas County Animal Services.
Dogs can bring much happiness into our lives as well as decrease stress. Americans own an estimated 70 to 80 million dogs as pets. The sad truth is that sometimes dogs bite, and the aftermath can be deadly. Millions of Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and some of these dog bites cause serious injuries.
Dog bite injuries are the second most frequent cause of visits to emergency rooms among children, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Dog bites are responsible for almost 340,000 emergency room trips each year for children 12 years of age and under. Most dog bites, 61 percent to be exact, occur at home or in a familiar place.
If you or your child are a victim of dog bites or attacks, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your physical, emotional, and mental pain and suffering. Negligent property owners and dog owners could be responsible for your suffering. Our Pinellas County Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton are available 24/7 to discuss your case. If you were injured by a dog, call us today at 727-823-0000 or contact us online for a free case review.