Bonita Springs Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dogs can attack for no obvious reason, or they may do so when they feel provoked. This type of incident can be costly for the victim, who may be faced with steep ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and lasting pain and suffering. Most dog attacks take place in the neighborhood or at home, and the dog is usually owned by someone the victim knows. If you were attacked by a dog in Bonita Springs, you must take legal action to recover damages. However, dog bite claims can be challenging for the victim, especially if they suffered life-changing injuries. While you focus on your recovery, the Bonita Springs dog bite injury lawyers at Parker Waichman LLP will handle every aspect of your case and will work tirelessly to help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses.
How Can a Bonita Springs Dog Bite Injury Attorney Help?
If you were attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, the experienced dog bite injury lawyers on our legal team are here to help. Dog owners are responsible for preventing their animals from causing harm to others. If they fail to do so and their dog hurts someone, they can be held liable.
If you’re unable to work or you missed a significant amount of work as you were recovering from your injuries, you must take legal action as soon as possible. At Parker Waichman LLP, our dog bite injury lawyers can help during this time, in many ways, including:
- Investigate the incident
- Gather evidence
- Contact animal control to learn whether the dog has a history of attacks
- Identify the dog’s owner
- Calculate damages
- File paperwork
- Handle all communication with the insurance company
- File a lawsuit, if necessary, and represent you in court
If you suffered a dog bite in Bonita Springs, the owner of the dog will always be held responsible. Florida has strict liability laws. However, determining liability in a dog bite case can still be challenging. You need a dog bite injury lawyer who knows how to investigate this type of complex case, identify the negligent owner, and fight for your right to fair compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex dog bite cases and have helped countless clients recover maximum compensation for their losses.
Florida Dog Bite Laws
In regards to dog bites, Florida is a strict liability state. Dog owners are liable for a person’s damages if:
- Their dog bites another person
- The person is lawfully in a private place or in a public place at the time of the incident
Because of these laws, the owner of the dog can be held liable for any damages caused by the animal.
Victims of dog bites can seek monetary compensation for damages that cost them money, such as medical bills and lost wages. They can also pursue compensation for injuries such as emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and a permanent disability.
Dangerous Dog Statute
Florida’s dangerous dog statute is designed to protect people from dogs deemed dangerous due to aggressive behavior. The law holds owners of dangerous dogs to a higher standard, imposing strict rules.
When a dog has been classified as dangerous, the dog’s owner must register their animal with the local authorities and keep the dog confined on their property. When the dog is taken off the property it must be restrained. If the dog’s owner does not comply with state law, it can result in civil liability in addition to criminal charges.
What is Considered a Dangerous Dog?
To be deemed a dangerous dog in Florida, the dog must have bitten or attacked a person or another animal without provocation.
Damages After a Dog Bite Incident
If you were bitten by a dog due to a negligent owner, you may be entitled to compensation for the following types of damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Loss of income
- Disability
- Emotional distress
- Reduced earning capacity
- Emotional distress
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
And more.
If you suffered life-changing injuries, a Bonita Springs dog bite injury lawyer on our legal team may consult with medical experts to ensure you pursue compensation that includes the full cost of past and future medical bills. This will ensure you can continue to receive vital medical treatment that will aid in your recovery now and in the future.