When a dog bites you, you should get your injuries assessed by a doctor. You may also want to keep any evidence of the attack and learn about your legal options. The dog’s owner could owe you compensation for your injuries.
A dog bite can cause serious injuries that may be expensive to treat. An attack can leave behind psychological scars as well. Our law firm has experience dealing with cases like this, and we can tell you more about what to do when a dog bites you. If you are ready to pursue compensation and hold negligent parties accountable for the harm that they have caused, we can help.
What to Do After the Dog Attack
After getting attacked by a dog, you should act to preserve your interests and begin building a case if you wish to take legal action. We recommend that you:
- Do not make any statements to other parties involved. They can try to put the blame for the attack on you.
- Keep any medical bills stemming from the accident, as well as other evidence like photos, videos, or a written log of your experience.
- Talk to medical professionals about your injuries and long-term prognosis.
After you are safe, you may decide to reach out to our dog bite injury attorney. We can help you take legal action against a negligent dog owner.
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We specialize in personal injury claims.
Pursuing Compensation in a Dog Bite Case
If a dog owner’s negligence is the reason you were injured, we can help you hold them accountable. They could owe you compensation for the losses the dog bite caused you to suffer.
A dog owner is often liable when their dog bites someone. If you are attacked while you are in a public place or lawfully occupying a private space, a dog owner can be sued for damages, according to Florida Statutes § 767.04.
Your damages should cover all sorts of expenses stemming from the incident, including:
Medical Expenses
A dog bite can leave behind a lot of damage. Your injuries could require a trip to the emergency room and stitches. Some bites can even break bones and damage nerves. These medical bills can quickly begin to pile up, and you should not have to pay them yourself if the negligence of a dog owner caused them.
You can also pursue damages that would help you pay for your future medical needs. Some people need surgery, while others need psychological therapy to heal from a dog attack.
Lost Income
If you are bitten by a dog and require a significant amount of recovery time, that can mean missed paychecks. Your lost income can cause financial stress for your family, so you can seek compensation to make up for the time you had to take off work.
Reduced Quality of Life
There are many ways that a dog bite can leave behind lasting damage that affects your quality of life. Injuries from a dog bite could prevent you from participating in activities or hobbies you once enjoyed. Dog attacks can disfigure people and affect their mental health. The emotional anguish caused by a dog attack also needs to be considered when you are pursuing compensation.
How Our Dog Bite Attorney Could Assist Your Case
When a dog bites you, our dog bite attorney can help build your case. Your lawyer will:
File Your Lawsuit Before the Statute of Limitations Runs Out
Your lawyer can file your case and get the legal process started before the statute of limitations expires. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), you have four years to pursue a personal injury case. It can seem like a long time, but just remember that the quicker you act, the quicker we can begin helping you fight for the compensation that you deserve.
Gather Evidence
We will talk to witnesses, look into the history of the dog owner and dog, and gather proof showing that you deserve compensation.
Communicate on Your Behalf
We will talk to the other parties involved in your case for you. You do not have to deal with the stress of dealing with other lawyers, insurance companies, or the dog’s owner. We will frequently update you on your case and let you know about any progress or settlement offers.
Defend You Against Accusations
A dog owner might try to blame you for what happened. Your personal injury lawyer can help you fight off accusations and hold the negligent parties responsible for the harm that they have caused.
Build a Case to Represent You in Court
Some dog bite cases can settle before we have to go to court, but our law firm is ready for anything. We can represent you in court and show a judge and jury why you deserve compensation.
Learn More About Your Legal Options Today
If you are ready to learn more about your legal options, contact Andrew Pickett Law, PLLC for your free consultation. We can tell you more about the potential value of your case and what we can do to assist you when a dog bites you.
Need free legal help in Florida?
We specialize in personal injury claims.
