Dog Bites
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Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer In North Miami, FL
Dogs are cherished members of Florida families, but even with proper care and monitoring, they may not always behave as expected. In such cases, a dog bite can cause significant trauma to the brain, nerves, and vital organs, resulting in a painful and life-altering experience. Victims of dog bites to the face may require months or even years of reconstructive surgery. Unfortunately, children are often the most vulnerable to these attacks. If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog, call our experienced North Miami dog bite lawyer at Florida Legal now for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.
Florida Dog Bite Laws Entitle You To Compensation
To receive compensation for injuries caused by a dog bite, victims need to provide evidence that the dog owner is liable. There are various legal grounds to establish the owner’s responsibility to cover the incurred losses. Florida has a specific law that addresses damages resulting from dog bites. According to Florida Code section 767.04:
“The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
Under this law, dog owners are held responsible for all bite incidents. As a result, you may receive compensation for any damages caused by a dog bite, regardless of whether the owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior or acted negligently.
If a dog shows signs of aggression, it is a warning to the owner that the dog may bite. If the owner should have known of the risk and didn’t take steps to prevent it, you may be able to make a claim for their negligence. A dangerous dog is like a loaded gun, especially when allowed to roam freely. The owner who unleashed this dangerous dog can be held responsible.
The Dog Bite Injury Claim Process
If you get attacked and hurt by a dangerous dog, you can take legal action against the owner by filing a claim or lawsuit. Usually, the dog owner’s homeowner insurance policy covers dog bite injuries. As a victim, you can file a claim under that policy. To file a claim, you need to send a demand letter along with relevant documents such as medical records, bills, incident reports, wage documents, and photos of injuries.
When the insurance company acknowledges responsibility for the accident, they might propose a settlement offer. Nevertheless, you shouldn’t accept any offer from them without verifying that it compensates you adequately for the injuries you sustained. Keep in mind that insurance companies aren’t motivated to offer you a settlement as they’ll lose a lot of money when paying for a significant Florida dog bite settlement.
It could require multiple rounds of negotiations with the insurance company adjuster until they offer an acceptable amount for your dog attack injuries. If their compensation doesn’t meet your expectations, you can sue the dog owner. This might motivate the insurance company to become more interested in your case. If you are unable to settle the case outside the court, you can opt for a trial where a jury will decide on all the disputed issues, including the damages that you may deserve to receive. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Florida, our skilled dog bite lawyer in North Miami can assist you in determining whether you should accept a settlement offer, participate in mediation, or bring your case to trial or arbitration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Is Responsible For A Dog Bite Injury In Florida?
If you are bitten by a dog and seek compensation for damages, you usually sue the owner. Nevertheless, there might be other parties that share responsibility for your injury. For instance, if you were attacked by a dangerous dog on a rented property, the landlord could also be legally accountable if they knew the dog was a threat. Filing a lawsuit against both the property owner and the dog owner can enhance your chances of receiving complete compensation for all the damages caused by the dog.
When you file a claim against a dog or property owner, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will most likely cover the costs of the claim. So, even if it’s a friend or neighbor’s dog that bit you, don’t hesitate to take legal action. The insurance is there to cover your costs and losses. Contact our skilled North Miami dog bite lawyer at Florida Legal now for a free consultation.
How Do I Proceed With A Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida?
To start, it’s important to find a personal injury lawyer experienced in dealing with dog bite cases. If the insurance company agrees to pay for the injury, the case may be resolved without filing a lawsuit. In cases where there is a dog bite policy, there is a high chance of settlement without the need for litigation. However, if there is no policy, it may be necessary to sue the dog owner. Keep in mind that if you need to sue an individual, the case may take longer to settle than with an insurance carrier.
Can I Sue For A Dog Bite in Florida?
In Florida, you have the right to sue the owner of the dog that bit you. The owner is responsible for paying for your medical bills, future medical bills, and the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite. However, there are some exceptions such as if you provoked the dog. It’s important to note that you can only recover compensation if the dog bit you.
Contact Our North Miami Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Although the law allows you to receive compensation after being bitten by a dog, it’s your responsibility to take action to get it. Some insurance companies, landlords, and dog owners may not want to take responsibility and may be hesitant to pay the compensation amount. Even if an insurer doesn’t reject legitimate claims, victims often face significant pressure to settle for less than what they deserve. If you’ve suffered serious injuries from a dog bite that requires expensive treatment like plastic surgery, it’s risky to rely on an insurer to fairly compensate you. Contact our experienced North Miami dog bite lawyer at Florida Legal to learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation that you deserve.