(UPDATED APRIL, 2023)
There are thousands of dog bites every year in the United States. Dog bites are incredibly traumatic and painful. Whether the dog bite came from a neighbor's dog or a dog at the park, in Florida, you are entitled to compensation if you have been bitten by a dog. Florida's laws make it simple for a person who has been injured by a dog to sue the owner of the dog.
Why hire Bottari & Doyle Attorneys at Law?
We take dog bite cases on contingency. This means there are no upfront fees to you. We only get paid if we recover money for you from the dog owner or the dog owner's insurance policy. Homeowner's and renter's policies can pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering caused by the dog bite.
What kind of attorney handles dog bite cases?
A personal injury lawyer handles dog bite cases. Personal injury attorneys handle claims involving injuries to another person, such as car accidents, slip and fall accidents, and in your case, dog bites.
Can I sue for a dog bite in Florida?
Yes, you can sue the owner of the dog that bit you. In Florida, an owner of a dog is strictly liable for the dog bite injury. This means if a dog bites you, barring some exceptions such as if you provoked the dog, then the owner is responsible to compensate you for your medical bills, future medical bills and pain and suffering. All that matters to recover compensation is that the dog bit you.
Should I hire a dog bite lawyer?
Yes, you should get a dog bite lawyer if you have been bitten or attacked by a dog. This is because we will be able to maximize the amount of money that you receive from the person or insurance company who issued an insurance policy. Our dog bite lawyers will begin by notifying the owner of the dog and if applicable, the owner of the location where the bite occurred. For example, if the dog bite occurred at a park, we will notify the owner of the dog and a representative from the park that we are representing you. Additionally, if the dog bite occurred at a rental property, we will notify the landlord of the property of the dog bite to potentially obtain more insurance coverage. We will:
- Find any applicable insurance coverage such as homeowner's insurance, liability insurance or renter's insurance that may cover your injury.
- Send photos of your injuries to the insurance adjuster.
- Send copies of your medical records and bills to the insurance adjuster.
- Negotiate a settlement or if need be, take your case to trial.
What if the dog breed is excluded under an insurance policy?
We can still file suit against the owner of the dog if the dog owner has money to pay for your medical bills and pain and suffering.
How do I proceed with a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?
The first step is to hire a personal injury lawyer who has experience handling dog bite cases. The dog bite case may settle without the need to file a lawsuit if the insurance company agrees to pay out money for the injury. If there is a policy that covers dog bites, then there is a very good chance that the case will settle without the need to even file a lawsuit. However, if there is no dog bite policy, then you may have to sue the owner of the dog that bit you. The case will take longer to settle if you have to sue an individual instead of resolving the case with an insurance carrier.
How long does a dog bite case take to settle?
Dog bite cases can settle relatively quickly if the insurance policy covers the breed of dog that bit you or a loved one.
What if my child was bitten by a dog?
A child who is bitten by a dog has the same legal rights as an adult when pursuing a claim for a dog bite. In fact, a child's case may be worth more money than an adult's case, especially if the child suffered any permanent scarring as a result of the dog bite.
How much money is my dog bite case worth?
The value of a dog bite case is based on several factors, including: the amount of you or your child's medical bills from the dog bite, if there is permanent scarring from the bite, and you or your child's gender. A jury may award more money to a girl with a permanent scar than to a boy with a permanent scar.
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If you or your child were bitten by a dog, contact our dog bite lawyers for a free consultation at 561-588-2781.
