Wesley Chapel Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog attacks often happen out of the blue, when a friend or neighbor’s loving animal suddenly clamps onto your arm or leg. These bites cause major injuries, including nerve damage and fractures. Even after healing, dog wounds leave people with thick, unsightly scars which can lead to depression or embarrassment. At Anderson & Anderson, our Wesley Chapel dog bite lawyer can review the circumstances surrounding the attack and advise you if financial compensation is an option. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Bringing a Claim Under Florida’s Dog Bite Law
You can sue the dog’s owner under our state’s statute if:
- You were in a public place when bitten, or
- You were lawfully on private property.
Florida does not require that the dog have a history of vicious behavior or have bitten someone else before. There is no “one bite rule” in Florida, like there is in other states. Instead, the owner is liable for the bite even if this is the dog’s first time attacking someone.
Some disputes arise around the issue of whether you were lawfully on the property. Common situations include being invited over to visit by a friend or stopping by to make a delivery. If you were trespassing, however, then you cannot take advantage of the statute to seek compensation.
A victim’s own negligence will limit the owner’s liability. For example, you might have bumped into the dog carelessly because you were not watching your steps or were intoxicated and stepped on the dog’s tail. These careless acts could cause an animal to bite. A victim’s comparative negligence can impact a case greatly, so speak with an attorney.
Anderson & Anderson has negotiated many dog bite settlements with dog owners. Their own homeowner’s insurance might cover medical bills and pay damages for pain and suffering, but we always investigate all possible sources of compensation.
How Owners Can Avoid Liability
The law provides a defense to dog owners if they prominently display a sign on their property with the words “Bad Dog” included. However, you might still have a valid claim if a child under 6 is attacked or bitten, or if the owner was nonetheless negligent.
For example, an owner might have put up a “Bad Dog” sign but failed to properly restrain the dog, which lunged out and attacked you as soon as you entered the house. In this case, you might still be able to sue even if the sign was hung properly.
Ideally, you should try to get a picture of the accident scene or speak to witnesses. They can help support your story about what happened and if the owner was careless in restraining the animal.
Questions? Contact Our Wesley Chapel Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bites leave many victims with disfiguring scars and financial difficulties as they try to recover at home. These are not “minor” injuries in any sense of the word. Many victims are struggling with infection, disability, and possible amputation. You deserve fair compensation to defray medical costs and make up for enduring pain. Contact an experienced law firm to speak with a Wesley Chapel dog bite lawyer about your case.
