Are Dog Bite Lawsuits Worth to Pursue in Florida?
Dogs are said to be man's best friend, but they can sometimes become dangerous. Furthermore, not everyone loves dogs, and some people don't get along with them. People who own dogs that aren't very friendly should be careful to warn people about the dog's existence and that it isn't very friendly. They may post signs around their home to warn people.
Florida's dog bite laws exist to protect dog bite victims who suffer injuries from other people's dogs. Victims can file for damages and pursue compensation equivalent to the loss due to the injuries. Skilled Florida personal injury attorneys can help you weigh your legal options if you or your loved one are a victim of dog bite injuries.
Filing a dog bite lawsuit is often complex and exhausting, but working with dedicated legal experts can make things easier. They are familiar with dog bite statutes and know how to navigate the complex system to get dog bite victims the compensation they deserve.
How is Liability Determined in Dog Bite Cases?
Liability is a requirement in all personal injury lawsuits. It is established through thorough investigation by experienced Florida dog bite lawyers who evaluate the case circumstances to determine who should be held responsible. After determining liability, you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault party to demand compensation for various damages.
Florida has strict liability laws in dog bite cases. The law finds dog owners liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if they were unaware of the dog's aggression. However, you must prove that you were legally in a public place or private property when the dog attacked. If you pursue a lawsuit beyond this scope, you must prove the dog owner's negligence to recover compensation.
Dangerous Dog Statute
Florida dog bite laws have a dangerous dog statute that helps people identify hazardous dogs. Owners of such dogs must take specific measures and abide by particular rules to protect the public from attacks by the dog. Some specific rules for owners of dangerous dogs include:
Keeping the dog enclosed in a secure location
Ensuring the dog has a harness and muzzle if it leaves the premises
Registering the dog with local authorities
The law declares a dog dangerous if it has previously attacked someone and caused an injury. If you sustained injuries from an attack by a dangerous dog, you may be entitled to a dog bite settlement. Contact experienced Florida dog bite attorneys to discuss the lawsuit and potential compensation.
What Compensation Can I Obtain in a Dog Bite Lawsuit?
Based on the specifics of your dog bite case, you may be entitled to receive various damages under the dog bite laws in Florida. Dog bite attorneys in Florida provide an overview of the compensation you can be entitled to in your claim:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are the tangible and calculable losses you sustain after a dog bite. They apply to a wide range of expenses and losses associated with the injury:
Medical expenses: A significant component of the compensation dog bite victims seek is medical bills. They include the costs of emergency treatment, hospital visits, prescription medications, and any hospital treatment they receive. It may be necessary to obtain a tetanus or rabies shot or surgical procedures due to scarring.
Lost wages and earning capacity: A dog bite victim may be unable to return to work and can sue for lost wages or loss of future earning capacity. If the dog bite leaves you with debilitating injuries and you can no longer work, you can sue for reduced earning capacity.
Other damages you can recover as part of economic damages include property loss, cost of therapy, and other calculable losses. You could also sue for wrongful death if your loved one succumbed to the complications of a severe dog bite.
Non-Economic Damages
The damages refer to losses to which you can't attach a monetary value. The law issues non-economic damages to compensate victims for their suffering after the dog bite. They can include:
Pain and suffering: Pain and suffering damages form the bulk of compensatory non-economic damages. The compensation covers the physical pain that results from the dog bite. While it's not possible to quantify the pain you endure after a dog bite, non-economic damages compensate you for the inconvenience.
Mental anguish and trauma: The aftermath of a dog bite may include mental anguish, emotional trauma, and soreness. These consequences may also arise from the medical treatment and injections you must receive for the dog bite. Aggressive dog bite attorneys in Florida can fight to ensure you're adequately compensated.
Your lawyers could also help you fight for other non-economic losses such as loss of consortium, enjoyment of life, and physical impairment. Consult extensively before pursuing a claim to understand how much your case is worth and how to maximize the settlement amount.
A Skilled Personal Injury Attorney Helping You Recover Compensation After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can have severe consequences, resulting in permanent scarring or disfigurement. Getting compensation after a dog bite in Florida depends on whether you can prove the dog owner's liability. The process can be complex, and only by working with experienced personal injury attorneys in Florida can you enhance your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve.
Skilled dog bite attorneys at The Dellutri Law Group, PA, can evaluate your case and help you prove the dog owner's liability. We know how personal injury laws in Florida work, and we put our best foot forward to fight for your rights. You can expect aggressive advocacy and compassionate, personalized representation during this challenging time for you and your family. Call us at 800-391-4337 to schedule a complimentary strategy session.