If a dog bit you or your loved one, its owner is usually liable for your medical bills and other damages under Florida law. A Kissimmee dog bite lawyer with Bogin, Munns & Munns can help you recover your losses with an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
Do not let a dog bite injury jeopardize your financial stability. Let us put our 40-plus years of legal experience behind securing the compensation you deserve. We take cases on contingency and can get you started with a free consultation.
Florida Law Holds Pet Owners Financially Responsible for Dog Bites
According to Florida Statutes § 767.04, if a dog bites you while in a public place (or lawfully on private property), the owner is liable for your related damages. You do not need to establish the dog owner acted negligently or knew their dog presented a danger. You need only prove you suffered a bite injury and have related financial losses. Your options for recovery may include:
- A homeowners or renters insurance claim. The dog owner’s property insurance may cover dog bite injuries, even those not occurring on the insured property. If there is an applicable policy, our attorneys can assist with your claim and aggressively negotiate to secure a fair settlement.
- A lawsuit. You can sue for a dog bite. Our lawyers will not back down from taking legal action if necessary and will represent you at trial if needed.
Bogin, Munns & Munns Will Fight for Your Damages
Whatever your best option for seeking recovery, Bogin, Munns & Munns will stand by you every step of the way. Our Kissimmee dog bite injury lawyers will work tirelessly to ensure the liable party pays for your damages, not you or your family.
Under Florida Statutes § 768.81, personal injury damages may include:
- Medical bills. We can pursue the cost of past and future treatment related to your dog bite, including emergency room services, hospitalizations, surgeries, cosmetic procedures, mobility aids, prescription medications, and physical therapy.
- Lost income. If you missed work because of your dog bite, we can seek compensation for your lost wages, earnings, and benefits. If you suffered a disabling injury that interferes with your ability to make a living, we can pursue awards for the loss of your future earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering. We can seek monetary awards for pain, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), fear, depression, scarring, disfigurement, loss of mobility, and other physical, mental, and emotional quality-of-life reductions caused by your injury.
- Property damages. If your cell phone, laptop, smartwatch, or other personal property sustained damage during your dog bite incident, we can seek compensation to pay for repairs or a replacement.
- Wrongful death. Some dog bites result in fatal injuries. If your loved one died because of a bite, we can pursue wrongful death damages. Qualifying survivors may recover medical expenses, funeral and burial costs, lost income, loss of their loved one’s support, services, and guidance, and compensation for mental and emotional suffering.
According to Florida Statutes § 95.11, you have two years to file a dog bite lawsuit. If a loved one passed away from injuries after the attack, someone eligible to represent the deceased’s estate also has two years to take legal action. If the statute of limitations expires, the court will likely dismiss your case. Let us help you get started while there is still time.
To consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer serving Kissimmee
855-780-9986
Our Kissimmee Attorneys Will Establish Liability and Defend Your Right to Compensation
Florida may follow a strict liability model regarding dog bites, but that does not mean your dog bite case will be straightforward. Even though you may not need to prove negligence, you will still need to show that you suffered an injury and resulting losses. You may also need to defend yourself against allegations of misconduct that could hurt your claim.
Our Kissimmee dog bite lawyers can collect evidence and protect your right to compensation. We can:
- Obtain medical records
- Consult with doctors and health care professionals
- Locate and interview eyewitnesses
- Obtain available cell phone or surveillance footage of your attack
- Establish that you were in a public place or legally on private property when bitten
- Obtain police reports or reports from animal control officers
Exceptions to Strict Liability
There are some exceptions to strict liability. Additionally, certain actions on your part could reduce your dog bite settlement or verdict:
- Dog owners are strictly liable for bites only. If you suffered another dog-related injury (for example, you broke your leg while a dog was chasing you), the dog owner is not strictly liable. You may still recover compensation, but you will need to prove your injury resulted from negligence. Our lawyers can do this for you.
- Dog owners may not be liable for injuries to trespassers. The owner may not owe you compensation if you suffered a bite injury while trespassing. Florida’s dog bite statute also states that property owners are not liable for injuries if they have a “Bad Dog” sign prominently displayed on their premises (unless they acted with negligence or omission or the victim is under age 6).
- Dog owners may not be liable for injuries if you provoked the dog. A dog owner may not be liable for damages (or your awards may be reduced proportionally according to your degree of fault) if you threatened or provoked the dog or if the dog was acting in defense of its offspring or owner.
Dog Bites Can Cause Severe Injuries and Illnesses
The Florida Department of Health reports that more than 600 Florida residents are hospitalized annually because of dog bite injuries. According to the Cleveland Clinic, bites can cause infections, rabies, and severe illnesses like staphylococcus and Pasteurella.
If you have not yet seen a doctor about your bite, seek treatment immediately. Getting care is important for your health and creates a medical record for your case.
Kissimmee Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
Call Bogin, Munns & Munns Today About Your Osceola County Case
Bogin, Munns & Munns has secured millions of dollars in compensation for personal injury victims across central Florida. Contact us today to learn more about how our Kissimmee dog bite lawyers can fight for the awards you deserve at no upfront cost to you.
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