How Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You After a Dog Attack

If you think that personal injury lawyers can only defend you in cases of car accidents and slip and falls, think again. Dog bite attorneys are also personal injury lawyers who specialize in handling cases related to dog attacks. Dog bites are more common than you think. Every day, nearly 1,000 Americans seek emergency medical care for severe dog bite injuries. And on average, approximately 12,480 individuals are hospitalized each year due to these incidents.

Getting bitten by a dog is no walk in the park—it can leave you with serious injuries, lasting scars, and a lot more than just a bad day. The most important thing is if a dog has attacked you or any family member, don’t let it bite into your peace of mind too. Seek legal assistance from a dog bite attorney who can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Florida

Dog bite laws vary from state to state, but all states have some form of liability law regarding dog attacks. Some states follow a "one-bite rule," which means that the owner is not held liable for the first time their dog bites someone. However, if the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past or has been labeled as a "dangerous breed," then the owner may still be held responsible even on the first attack.

Other states have strict liability laws, meaning that the owner is always responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of past behavior or breed classifications. In these cases, it is not necessary to prove that the owner was negligent in any way.

Florida follows a strict liability law for dog bites, as stated in Florida Statute 767.04. This means that the owner of a dog is responsible for any damages caused by the dog biting someone, regardless of past behavior or breed.

Here's a quick breakdown of Florida's dog bite laws:

• The owner is responsible for covering any damages, including medical expenses, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
• The victim does not need to prove that the owner was negligent or knew about their dog's aggressive behavior.
• Dog owners can limit their liability for bites occurring on their property by prominently displaying a clear warning sign that reads "Bad Dog." Furthermore, they may not be held liable if the dog’s actions were in defense of itself or another person, as this is considered a valid legal defense.
• If the dog has previously bitten someone without provocation or if it has been declared "dangerous" by authorities, the owner may face additional penalties.

It is important to note that Florida also has a statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites. This means that the victim may only file a lawsuit for up to four years from the date of the incident.

What is a Dog Bite Attorney?

A dog bite attorney is a legal professional who specializes in representing victims of dog attacks. They are personal injury lawyers with expertise and experience in handling cases involving dog bites, whether from a household pet or a stray animal. These attorneys understand the complexities of state-specific laws that govern dog bites and can help you navigate the process of filing a claim. They will work tirelessly to protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

How Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help You?

1. Determining liability: One of the first things a dog bite attorney will do is determine who is liable for your injuries. In some cases, it may be the owner of the dog, while in others, it could be someone else, such as a landlord or property manager. Your attorney will thoroughly investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and identify all potentially responsible parties.
2. Proving negligence: In order to have a successful case, you must prove that the dog owner was negligent in their actions or failed to take reasonable precautions to prevent the attack. This can be a complex legal process, but an experienced dog bite attorney will have the knowledge and resources to gather evidence and build a strong case for you.
3. Negotiating with insurance companies: Oftentimes, dog bite cases involve dealing with insurance companies for compensation. These companies may try to minimize their financial responsibility or deny your claim altogether. But with a skilled attorney, you can rest assured that your rights will be protected during negotiations, and you can receive a just compensation for your injuries.
4. Calculating damages: A dog bite isn't just a "ruff" patch--it can result in physical, emotional, and financial damages. Your attorney will work with medical professionals and other experts to accurately calculate the full extent of your losses, including medical expenses, lost wages, psychological distress, and more. This will ensure that you receive the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
5. Representing you in court: If necessary, your dog bite attorney can take your case to court and fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury. While many cases are settled outside of court, having an experienced litigator on your side can give you peace of mind and increase the chances of a favorable outcome if your case does go to trial.
6. Providing support and guidance: Dealing with the aftermath of a traumatic dog bite incident can be overwhelming, both physically and emotionally. A compassionate attorney will not only handle all legal aspects of your case, but also provide you with the support and guidance you need during this difficult time.

Trusted Dog Bite Lawyers You Can Count On | Fiol & Morros Law Group

Dog bites aren’t just a pain—they can leave a lasting mark in more ways than one. That’s why you need a dog bite lawyer ready to sink their teeth into your case and help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.

With over 20 years in practice, Fiol & Morros Law Group has the experience and expertise to handle even the most complex dog bite cases. Our team of dedicated attorneys is committed to fighting for the rights of dog bite victims and holding negligent pet owners accountable for their actions.

At Fiol & Morros, we work with compassion, dedication, and attention to detail to ensure that our clients receive the best possible outcome for their case. We offer free consultations with a compassionate approach, and if you choose to work with us, you won’t pay any fees or costs unless we successfully secure compensation for your injuries.

Contact us at (813) 550-0094 or fill out our form here to schedule your free consultation.