In our animal-loving culture, a dog attack can leave you confused about what to do while you struggle with medical bills and missed work. Thankfully, a Leesburg dog bite lawyer can guide you through the legal process and seek fair compensation on your behalf while you heal from your wounds.
To help you understand what is fair to expect from a legal standpoint after an animal attack, our Leesburg personal injury lawyers at Bogin, Munns & Munns can analyze your case and discuss compensation options through an insurance claim or lawsuit.
Why Hire a Leesburg Lawyer for a Dog Bite Case?
Hiring legal representation after a dog bite might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but our personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in handling dog bite cases. A Leesburg dog bite attorney from our firm can do a lot to make even the smallest details of navigating a dog bite more manageable while you recover.
Our legal team can:
- Review your options for paying medical bills, recovering lost income, and handling other consequences
- Review any insurance policies that could apply to your case
- Document your injuries through photos, medical records, and witness testimony
- File insurance claim or lawsuit paperwork and provide supporting documentation
- Negotiate for a settlement that sufficiently covers all your losses
- Pursue your case all the way to court if we cannot reach a settlement
- Answer your questions and keep you updated on your case
Seeking legal help for a dog bite case ensures you get accurate information about your rights and options. You can come to Bogin, Munns & Munns to receive that information at any time.
We Are Experienced Mediators
A 2019 study in Heliyon found that about 80 percent of dog bites happen at home. Therefore, it’s very likely that you knew the dog that bit you and its owner.
In this situation, you might need to pursue compensation from someone you know personally. Since this can create a tense situation, our attorneys can act as your representative and handle negotiations with tact and understanding.
To consult with an experienced dog bite lawyer serving Leesburg
855-780-9986
What Damages Are Possible for a Dog Bite Case in Leesburg?
Our personal injury attorneys can review what damages you can receive for a premises liability claim. Dog bites typically fall under this category of personal injury because premises liability covers negligence by property owners, and dogs are the property of their owners. Additionally, homeowners or renters insurance covers dog bite claims in most cases.
Fair compensation for dog bites should cover losses you have due to:
Medical Care
Your medical expenses start with the initial emergency care and run through your recovery, until you reach maximum medical improvement. That means we can include everything from an ER visit to reconstructive surgery to physical therapy in your request for compensation.
In addition to the obvious physical wounds from a dog bite, animal attacks carry risks of illness, too. According to the Cleveland Clinic, dog bites carry a high risk of infection. You could fall ill due to:
- Rabies
- Tetanus
- Streptococcus
- Staphylococcus
- Capnocytophaga
Paying for the necessary preventative shots after a bite, as well as the expense of treatment if you do fall ill, is part of appropriate damages following an attack.
Medical bills may also result from mental health treatment. Dog bites can cause anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, or phobias, and suffering disfiguring injuries can cause depression. Whatever your struggle, you deserve compensation for it.
Lost Wages
Lost income extends beyond reimbursing you for the days you couldn’t work. If you missed out on commissions or sales, freelance opportunities, or gig work, lost income damages can recognize that.
We can also account for future lost income, so check with our attorneys if you’re facing a reduced ability to earn or must change careers due to your dog bite injuries.
Pain and Suffering
Finally, pain and suffering covers the deeply personal fallout of a dog attack. Emotional distress, reduced enjoyment of life, and disfigurement are all areas that our dog attack attorneys can help you seek compensation for.
Our Leesburg premises liability attorneys may use medical records, testimony, mental health analyses, and your own account to argue for what you deserve.
Wrongful Death
Some dog bites cause fatal injuries or infections. If you lost someone this way, our Leesburg wrongful death lawyers can represent your family member’s case. We will seek damages not only for their traumatic experience, but also your family’s.
We can help if you’re worried about paying for their medical bills, end-of-life support, and funeral costs. We can also acknowledge your grief and address your concerns about losing the income the deceased provided.
What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Leesburg, Florida, and How Do They Affect You?
Some states have a “one-bite rule,” meaning a dog has to have shown previous vicious behavior for their owner to be liable for an attack.
However, according to Florida Statutes § 767.04, Florida follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites, which means a dog owner is liable for their pet’s actions even if the dog wasn’t previously known to be dangerous.
In some cases, pet owners and their insurers might try to get out of liability by claiming:
- You provoked the dog.
- You were trespassing.
- They posted a sign warning about the dog.
Our personal injury attorneys are familiar with these and other tactics liable parties use to avoid responsibility. If you are facing this situation, we can gather evidence from witnesses, neighbors, camera footage, and photos to demonstrate the chain of events that led to your bite.
Pay Attention to the Statute of Limitations
Florida generally has a two-year statute of limitations for a personal injury lawsuit, per Florida Statutes § 95.11. This differs from an insurance claim, which may have a separate deadline.
We may file a claim first and pursue a lawsuit later if we can’t settle, or we may file suit immediately. Your Leesburg dog attack lawyer can recommend the best course of action for your case.
Leesburg Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me
855-780-9986
When Should You Seek Help From a Leesburg Dog Bite Lawyer?
Don’t waste a moment before contacting Bogin, Munns & Munns. We will start working quickly to preserve evidence, assist you while you recover, negotiate with the dog’s owner and their insurer, and prepare a strategy for court.
The initial consultation costs you nothing, so call now!
Call or Submit Our Consultation Request Form Today
