Dog bite incidents can result in severe injuries, lasting trauma, and significant medical bills. In Florida, when a dog attacks or bites someone, the owner may be held responsible for the resulting injuries and damages. If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite in Florida, you deserve compensation for your injuries, pain, and suffering.
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we specialize in handling dog bite cases and fighting for the rights of victims throughout the Sunshine State. Our experienced Florida dog bite lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Whether you were attacked in a public place, on someone’s private property, or in another setting, we will help you understand your legal rights. Contact our law offices today at (305) 937-0191 for a free consultation.
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How Can Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers Help You After a Dog Bite Incident in Florida?
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, you may feel overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take next. Dog bite cases can be complicated. Navigating the legal system on your own may lead to difficulties in securing the compensation you need. That’s where we come in.
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, our team of Florida personal injury attorneys is ready to assist you with your dog bite claim. Here’s how we can help:
- Detailed Investigation: We will investigate the circumstances surrounding the dog bite to determine who is responsible. This may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, and gathering evidence related to the dog’s behavior.
- Identifying the Liable Parties: In Florida, the dog owner is generally responsible for their dog’s actions. However, there may be other parties involved, such as landlords or property managers if the attack occurred on rented property.
- Negotiating With Insurance Companies. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for dog bite claims. We will negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive the maximum settlement possible.
- Litigating Your Case in Court if Necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Our experienced litigators will fight for you in front of a judge and jury to ensure you get the compensation you need.
- Protecting Your From Blame: Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, you could lose your right to recover compensation if the defendant blames you successfully. We’ll ensure your interests are maintained at all times.
- Providing Compassionate Support: We understand that dog bite injuries can cause physical pain, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. Our team will offer compassionate support throughout the legal process.
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we understand the stresses that come with a dog bite incident. Our mission is to provide comprehensive legal assistance to injury victims. Learn more about your legal rights and options when you call our dog bite lawyers in Florida for a free case review.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Florida?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are important steps to take to protect your health and strengthen your claim:
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s essential to seek medical care immediately. Dog bites can lead to infections, and some may require a tetanus shot or rabies treatment. Prompt medical attention also ensures that you have documentation of the injuries for your case.
- Report the Incident: Report the dog bite to local authorities, like animal control or the police. This will help establish a record of the incident and can aid in identifying the dog’s owner. It also helps ensure the dog is properly quarantined to prevent future attacks.
- Document the Injury: Take photos of the wound and any visible injuries. If possible, gather information about the dog’s owner. Write down their contact details and any previous history of attacks. These pieces of evidence will help strengthen your case.
- Avoid Contact with the Dog: Don’t interact with the dog. Attempting to interact with the animal or its owner could jeopardize your safety or the strength of your case.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: Contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer is crucial to understanding your rights and options. At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we will help guide you through every aspect of your claim.
When you follow these steps, you will help your attorney build the strongest legal claim possible. You will also guard yourself from medical complications and dangerous consequences.
Dog Bite Laws in Florida
Florida law allows dog bite victims to seek compensation for their injuries under the state’s strict liability law. Under state law, dog owners can be held financially responsible if their dog attacks or bites someone. It doesn’t matter whether the dog has shown previous signs of aggression.
Some key aspects of Florida dog bite law include:
- Strict Liability: Dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets if the victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred. This means that the dog’s history of aggression doesn’t matter.
- Landlord Liability: In some cases, landlords may also be held liable if the dog was on a rental property. For instance, if the landlord knew about the dangerous dog but failed to remove it or warn tenants, they could share responsibility.
- Defenses: In some situations, a dog owner may raise defenses. They may claim the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property. An experienced dog bite lawyer will be able to evaluate the situation and work to maximize the value of your claim.
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we leave no stone unturned when evaluating your case. We will be prepared to advance the best arguments and defend against the defenses raised by the other side.
What Compensation Can I Recover in a Florida Dog Bite Case?
Florida dog bite victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical Expenses: This includes all past and future medical costs related to the dog bite, such as hospital bills, surgeries, doctor visits, and ongoing treatment.
- Lost Wages: If you are unable to work because of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages and potential future earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical and emotional distress you experience as a result of the dog bite. This can include chronic pain, scarring, psychological trauma, and the overall impact on your quality of life.
- Emotional Distress: Many dog bite victims experience significant emotional distress. This can include anxiety, depression, or fear of dogs after the attack. You may be entitled to compensation for this mental anguish.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the dog owner’s actions were particularly reckless or negligent, punitive damages may be awarded. These damages are intended to punish the dog owner and deter future attacks.
Our dog bite attorneys in Florida are dedicated to analyzing all your losses. We want to ensure that nothing is overlooked so that you can recover what you truly deserve.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in Florida?
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite case is two years from the date of the incident. This means that if you have been bitten by a dog, you must file your claim within two years to preserve your right to compensation.
It is important to act quickly because evidence can fade over time, and there are exceptions to this two-year time limit in some cases. Contact Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible to ensure your case is handled promptly.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Florida?
At Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay us unless we successfully recover compensation for you. Our goal is to provide you with skilled, compassionate legal representation without upfront costs.
Our fee structure ensures that everyone can access justice and legal remedies. When you hire our firm, you can be confident in battling the defendant or their insurance company to prove your case.
Contact Our Florida Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Florida, it is critical to consult with an experienced attorney who can help you navigate the legal process. Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers is dedicated to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims. We are here to help you recover the compensation you need to move forward in life.
Contact our Florida dog bite attorneys today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us handle the challenges that come with filing a claim, so you can focus on healing. We are here to support you at every stage of the process.