Dog bite injuries are much more than just a nuisance. Unfortunately, these injuries can result in significant physical and financial setbacks, and victims can struggle to recover compensation. At GOLDLAW, we want to help you recover compensation for your losses and are here to help if you need a personal injury lawyer in Port St. Lucie.
Why Turn to GOLDLAW for Your Dog Bite Claim?
Choosing the right legal representation is essential for recovering compensation after a dog bite injury. At GOLDLAW, we offer several advantages that set us apart:
- Our team has the experience necessary to handle every aspect of your dog bite claim. We’ve handled these cases for clients, giving us the knowledge and skills needed to effectively advocate for your rights.
- We understand that every case is different, and we provide personalized attention to ensure your specific needs are met.
- We are committed to pursuing the maximum compensation for your injuries and holding the responsible parties accountable. If we have to take your case to trial to achieve these results, then that’s what we’ll do.
Dog Injuries Can Lead to Major Setbacks
Dog bite injuries regularly lead to major physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Physically, victims may suffer from severe lacerations, puncture wounds, infections, and even permanent scarring or disfigurement. Emotional trauma is also common after a dog attack, as victims often experience anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following an incident. Financially, medical bills, lost income, out-of-pocket expenses and more can quickly accumulate, creating a substantial burden for victims and their families.
In many cases, recovery from a dog bite injury can be a long and arduous process. Victims may require ongoing medical treatment, including surgeries, physical therapy, and counseling. Additionally, the emotional impact of a dog bite can affect a bite victim’s quality of life and ability to participate in everyday activities.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite?
Determining liability in dog bite cases is crucial for obtaining compensation. In Florida, several parties may be held responsible for a dog bite injury:
- Dog owner. The primary liable party is typically the dog owner. Under Florida law, dog owners are strictly responsible (liable) for any injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s prior exhibited behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggressive tendencies.
- Property owners. If the dog bite happened on another person’s property (not the dog owner’s property), the property owner might be held liable if they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
- Landlords. In some cases, landlords responsible for the property where the bite occurred can be held responsible if they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take action to protect others from an attack.
What Types of Compensation Are Available and How Much Will You Get?
Victims of dog bite injuries in Port St. Lucie can seek various types of compensation to cover their losses. This includes compensation for all medical costs, such as emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy. Victims may also receive money for lost wages if their injuries prevent them from working. Additionally, compensation for pain and suffering is available to address the emotional and psychological impact of the attack.
The amount of compensation you can receive will depend on the specifics of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact the injuries or any disability has on your life, and the degree of negligence involved. An experienced Port St. Lucie dog bite injury attorney at GOLDLAW can help you understand the potential value of your claim and work to help you receive the maximum compensation possible.
Steps You Can Take Now to Increase Your Chances of Securing Compensation
Taking prompt and appropriate actions after a dog bite can significantly improve your chances of securing compensation. Here are important steps you should consider:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Your health and safety are the top priority. Even if the injury seems minor, it’s crucial to get medical treatment to prevent infections and document your injuries.
- Report the incident. Notify local animal control or law enforcement about the dog bite. This official report can serve as valuable evidence in your case.
- Document everything. Keep a detailed record of the incident, including photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any property damage. Also, note the dog’s behavior and any witnesses’ contact information.
- Gather witness statements. If anyone say the incident, obtain their statements and contact details.
- Preserve evidence. Save any clothing or personal items that were damaged during the attack. These items can serve as physical evidence of the severity of the incident.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies alone. Insurance claims adjusters for the at-fault party or dog owner may contact you for a statement. It is advisable to consult with an attorney before discussing the incident to avoid inadvertently harming your claim.
- Consult a dog bite injury attorney. An experienced dog bite attorney in Port St. Lucie can guide you through the legal process, help gather necessary evidence, and represent your best interests to ensure you receive fair compensation.
What Are Florida’s Dog Bite Laws?
Florida’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable. Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dogs. This means that a dog owner can be held responsible for a bite, even if the dog hasn’t shown prior aggression before and the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
Additionally, Florida law does not require victims to prove that the dog owner was negligent to recover compensation. However, there are some defenses available to dog owners. For example, if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property or somehow provoked the animal, the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Port St. Lucie Today
If you have been injured by a dog bite in the Port St. Lucie area, you may need help from an attorney. At the Law Offices of Craig Goldenfarb, P.A. (GOLDLAW), we are ready to step in and handle every aspect of your claim. Let us investigate the case and help hold the dog’s owner accountable so you can recover compensation. When you need a dog bite lawyer in Port St. Lucie, you can contact us for a free consultation of your claim by filling out our contact form or calling us today.
