Mrs. López and all of the Staff that had helped us it has been an absolute pleasure. They always had an answer to our questions and treated us with respect but most of all they listened.
Alondra O.
Outstanding Attorneys and Legal Team. Lopez, Justin, and Daisy were quick to answer my questions and handled my accident case with speed and courtesy. The outcome was much better than I anticipated.
Robert R.
A huge thanks to your office for such a great experience with my case. Special thanks to Denora, Carmen, and especially Kevin for answering my many calls and questions and keeping me informed through the entire process. I’m am extremely happy and grateful with the outcome.
Kathy W.
If you were seriously injured, you might need to obtain payment for any scarring, disfigurement, permanent injuries, or disabilities.
The Law for Dog Bites Specifically
In Florida, dog bites are taken very seriously, and the law regarding dog bites makes owners liable in almost every case. Florida is considered a strict-liability state, which means that if a dog bites you, the owner is responsible for your damages.
There are only two real exceptions: comparative negligence and unauthorized entry onto private property. This means that if a dog bites in any public place, or if the person was lawfully on private property, then the owner will likely be responsible, regardless of whether the dog showed any prior history of aggression.
Dog Owner Responsibility for Other Dog-Related Injuries
Dog bites aren’t the only way you can be injured by a dog. Suppose you’re walking down the street when an unleashed dog tackles you, and you receive a head injury from striking your skull against the pavement.
Using Florida’s general negligence laws, you can likely obtain damages for other types of injuries by proving that the dog’s owner was being careless or negligent. There are leash laws as well as laws pertaining to a dog owner’s responsibility to exercise reasonable caution in restraining and handling their pets.
Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite or Dog Injury Claim
Florida has a time limit on how long you have to file a claim seeking damages for a dog-related injury. This is referred to as the statute of limitations. In Florida, you have up to four years to file your claim, however, it’s not a good idea to wait too long. To win your case, you must have proof of your injuries and evidence that shows that your injuries were caused by the dog.
If you wait too long to file your case, evidence could be lost and witnesses could forget the incident over time.
Types of Damages for Dog Bites in Florida
When you’ve been injured by a dog, the main reasons you want to file a claim are:
- To hold a dog owner accountable for negligence
- To prevent others from being harmed in the same way
- To be reimbursed for any financial losses this incident has caused you
You also deserve to be compensated for the pain, suffering, and trauma related to your injury. You can be compensated for the following damages in a dog bite case:
- Pain and suffering
- All related medical expenses
- Lost income and permanent disability
- Permanent injury or scarring
- Mental trauma
Reach Out to a Dog Bite Lawyer in Florida
You have the right to seek damages when a dog owner has been negligent. File your dog bite case today with the help of a lawyer from Lopez & Humphries, PA. Call (863) 774-3573, or fill out the online contact form below to schedule your free case review.
