If you see a dog while on a walk or in a park, it can be hard to resist giving them a pet. However, if a dog feels provoked, it can bite and cause serious injuries. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, 4.5 million people suffer from dog bites yearly in the United States. If a dog bites you, you should seek immediate medical attention and contact a trustworthy lawyer to fight for just compensation.
Often, a dog bites someone due to a negligent owner that fails to train and handle their pet properly. Our high-quality lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol may help you hold the at-fault party accountable and achieve the settlement you deserve. We provide transparent and consistent communication so you understand your legal options. With our experienced Davie attorneys by your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle every aspect of your claim with the utmost care and attention.
Injured in an accident?
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Florida?
Florida law exercises strict liability for dog attacks. This means the dog owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes another person at any time, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of their dog’s aggressiveness. While Florida does practice this strict liability for dog bites, there are some exceptions, which include the following:
- If the victim entered the dog owner’s property without expressed or implied permission, the owner might not be held responsible for any injuries.
- Strict liability may not apply if the victim is over six years old and the owner has a readable and visible Beware of Dog sign on their property.
In addition to strict liability, Florida also operates under a comparative negligence system. This means each party involved gets assigned a percentage of fault for the accident, and that percentage gets deducted from their compensation. For instance, if you are 25% at fault for the accident, you will receive 75% of your maximum compensation. Our dedicated lawyers fight tirelessly to build a solid claim to prove the owner’s negligence and achieve a fair settlement.
Potentially Recoverable Damages in Davie Dog Bite Claims
If dog owner fails to leash their pet, has no fence around their yard, or encourages their dog to attack others, they may be liable for injuries their dog causes. If a dog has bitten you, you could recover the following damages:
- Medical bills
- Prescribed medication costs
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Disability
- Disfigurement
- Surgery costs
- Emotional distress
- Reduced quality of life
While economic damages, like medical bills and lost wages, are relatively easy to calculate, non-economic ones, like pain and suffering, can be more challenging. Keeping a journal about how you feel after the accident and how it has impacted your life can help determine these damages. We can help you track every bill and expense to ensure you receive full compensation for your losses.
Why Should You Contact a Lawyer After a Dog Bite?
Getting bit by a dog can be a frightening experience, and you deserve to take the time you need to recover instead of worrying about the legal process. Our trusted lawyers at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol allow you to do this by managing all aspects of your claim from start to finish, including the following:
- Conducting a thorough investigation
- Gathering and analyzing evidence, like medical records and video footage
- Interviewing witnesses
- Calculating your claim’s worth
- Reviewing insurance policies
- Negotiating with insurance companies
- Answering all your legal questions
- Interpreting state laws in a clear, concise manner
- Speaking on your behalf
Hiring a lawyer to handle your claim also prevents you from missing your opportunity to fight for your rights. State law only gives victims four years to file their claims. This may seem like a long time, but the process can be confusing and extensive without the help of a professional lawyer. We help you file your claim on time so that you can recover damages for your injuries.
Schedule a Free Consultation With a Reliable Davie Dog Bite Lawyer Today
While dogs are known as man’s best friend, they can bite you if they feel provoked. Unfortunately, many dog owners neglect their duty to train and control their pets and warn others of potential dangers. If you suffered injuries due to a dog owner’s negligence, our legal team at the Law Offices of Scott Sobol is here to help you seek the justice and compensation you deserve. We have 20 years of experience working on dog bite cases in the Davie area, so we can take on any challenge.
Our passionate Davie injury lawyers always strive to pursue what is right. We do this by listening to your story and creating a customized plan based on the details of your case and your unique needs. Furthermore, our top-notch communication skills give you a better understanding of your claim and the best decisions you can make to ensure a successful outcome. To schedule a free consultation, fill out our contact form or call (954) 440-2000.
