Were you bitten by a dog in Tampa, FL? If you have suffered injuries because someone else’s dog bit you, the owner could be liable for your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. You need an experienced Tampa dog bite lawyer who knows the law regarding dog bites in Florida and can help you hold the dog’s owner accountable. Contact Apex Law Firm, PLLC at (813) 444-5212 to schedule a free consultation.
Injury victims in Florida know they can turn to us after car accidents, truck accidents, dog bites, and more. Our team has the knowledge and experience to handle your personal injury claim from start to finish. Dog bite cases can be notoriously difficult, but we know what it takes to win these complex claims.
If you are the victim of a dog bite, we will give you the personal attention you deserve and work tirelessly to get you all the compensation you are owed.
How Apex Law Firm, PLLC Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Tampa
The recovery process after a dog bite in Tampa, Florida can be difficult because dog bites can leave victims in serious pain, and medical treatments are expensive. You might be left wondering how you will afford to pay all those outstanding bills, especially if you are unable to return to work because of your injuries.
You should not be left dealing with these questions on your own when someone else is responsible for your injuries. Thankfully, the team at Apex Law Firm, PLLC can help you hold the negligent party accountable. Some ways we can help after your accident include:
- Investigating your accident to gather all the facts and details
- Identifying the dog’s owner and any other potential defendants
- Working with your medical providers to fully understand your injuries
- Assessing all available insurance coverage that may apply to your accident
- Researching the dog’s history to determine if it has been involved in any prior incidents
- Interviewing witnesses who saw what happened
- Completing all the necessary paperwork for the claims process
- Negotiating a full and fair settlement for all your damages
- Taking your case in front of a jury when negotiations stall
Call our personal injury attorneys now to schedule a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means that you won’t owe us anything unless we recover compensation for you.
What Are Florida’s Dog Bite Laws?
Florida applies a strict liability standard to dog bite incidents. This means that owners can be held liable for bite injuries, regardless of whether their dog had previously exhibited aggression or their knowledge of their dog’s aggressive behavior.
In essence, a Florida dog owner can be liable for bite injuries if their dog bites another person and that person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Putting a value on dog bite cases can be tricky because there are many factors that can ultimately affect the value of your case, and no two cases are exactly the same. The severity of your injuries is one of the main factors that will determine how much your case is worth.
Victims who suffer more severe injuries are typically entitled to more compensation than those who sustain only minor injuries.
Some examples of the factors that can influence the value of a dog bite case are:
- How your relationships with friends and family have been affected
- The cost of your medical treatment
- Whether you will be able to return to work
- The extent of any permanent damage or scarring
- The amount of insurance coverage available
Insurance coverage can play a big role in the value of your case. Thankfully, many dog owners have insurance that may cover these types of accidents. If you have been bitten by a dog in Tampa, we can evaluate your claim and determine how much your case may be worth.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Accident Victims?
Victims of dog bite accidents may be entitled to the same types of damages as car accident victims or others who suffer an injury because of someone else’s behavior. That includes both economic damages and non-economic damages.
When combined, these damages help victims with both their financial losses and their physical and psychological trauma.
Economic damages are the financial losses suffered by the victim. These could include items such as medical bills, lost wages, or future lost earnings capacity. It is usually fairly easy to value these damages because the victim has bills or receipts that prove specific dollar amounts.
Non-economic damages compensate victims for their non-financial losses. Some common examples include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent fear of dogs
- Scarring or disfigurement
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Non-economic damages are much more subjective and intangible. Putting a proper value on these types of damages requires lots of experience.
Can I Recover Compensation if I’m Being Blamed For a Dog Bite Accident in Florida?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries even if you are being blamed for your accident. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule. According to Florida’s rule, victims may still recover compensation as long as they are found to be less than 51% responsible for their accident.
If you do share some fault, your recovery will be reduced by your portion of the fault. For example, suppose you suffer $10,000 in damages but are found to be 35% responsible for the accident. You would still be entitled to recover 65%, or $6,500, in damages from the other at-fault party.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation For All Of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in substantial injuries. Even small dogs can do a lot of damage because of their sharp teeth and powerful jaws. Some common injuries resulting from dog bites include:
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Infection
- Eye injuries
- Blindness
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Wrongful death
If you have suffered any of these types of injuries, you deserve to be compensated fairly.
What Causes Most Dog Bite Accidents in Tampa, FL?
Dog bites and attacks can sometimes come out of nowhere. There is often no explanation for what makes a dog bite someone. However, some reasons a dog may bite include:
- Fear
- Pain
- Sickness
- Loud noises
- Sudden movements
- Aggressiveness
We can help investigate your dog bite accident to determine precisely what caused it. The dog’s owner may be held liable even if they were not negligent due to Florida’s strict liability laws surrounding dog bites. Contact us today to let us examine your claim.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Florida?
Florida law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury lawsuits, including dog bites. This means that you have two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit for damages. If you do not file a claim before this deadline, you may lose your right to recover any compensation for your injuries.
Some special circumstances can shorten or lengthen this timeframe. This is why it is crucial to seek the help of an experienced lawyer as soon after your accident as possible. Let our team determine the filing deadline for your case and ensure that you do not miss your opportunity to recover compensation.
Contact Our Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers For a Free Consultation
If you have been the victim of a dog bite in Tampa, Florida, contact Apex Law Firm, PLLC today to let us answer all your questions about your legal rights and help you get the compensation you are owed. Don’t wait until it is too late to hold the dog’s owner accountable. Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Tampa dog bite lawyer.