Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer
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Many people throughout Tampa own dogs, and they consider them part of the family. However, even the most mild-mannered and domesticated dog can attack and bite someone under the wrong conditions. Dog bites can result in severe injuries and costly medical expenses, and you shouldn’t have to bear the cost alone.
You may obtain compensation for your dog bite injuries from the dog’s owner. However, you will need a dog bite attorney to navigate the complex and time-consuming legal process, protect your rights, and secure just compensation for your injuries.
The Tampa dog bite lawyers at Apex Law have many years of experience helping dog bite victims. We will review your case at no cost and advise you of your options. You can also trust us to fight hard to protect your rights and interests and help you get the maximum compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (813) 444-5212 for your free consultation.
Why Choose Apex Law for Your Tampa Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Our Tampa personal injury law firm’s founding attorneys, Jeff Constantinos and Chris Castillo, have more than 20 years of collective experience handling dog bites and other personal injury cases. We established Apex Law with a mission to deliver the highest level of representation possible to our clients, and our attorneys have earned many awards and honors for our professionalism and service.
Here’s what you need to know about our firm:
- We win big. Our lawyers have recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. We have gained reputations as fierce and tenacious negotiators and litigators, and we are prepared to fight hard to maximize your financial recovery.
- We listen. We will sit with you and listen to your story to fully understand your needs. We are also available day or night to take your calls and answer your questions.
- We offer win-win solutions. Our attorneys work on contingency, so you won’t pay us any money upfront to represent you. We will devise customized strategies tailored to your needs and goals to increase your chances of getting positive results more efficiently.
- We take action. Our lawyers are here to fight for you each step of the way. We will work diligently on your case from the start, and we will help you through this difficult and uncertain time in your life.
Along with our awards and honors, our attorneys have received many five-star reviews and glowing testimonials from our clients. We embrace excellence in all that we do, and you can rely on us for compassionate, zealous, and effective legal counsel from beginning to end. Contact us today for your free consultation.
Navigating the Complexities of Dog Bite Laws: Your Guide to Understanding Your Rights
Florida’s “Strict Liability” Dog Bite Statute
Florida Statute 767.04 holds dog owners strictly liable for any injuries or damages their dog causes, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner automatically must pay for any medical expenses, lost income, and other damages to the victim.
Seek legal advice after a dog bite to understand and protect your rights under the law.
Rights of Victims to Seek Damages
Dog bite victims may pursue economic damages for the financial costs associated with their dog bite injury. After successfully navigating a claim, a victim may receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, property damage, and other related out-of-pocket costs.
In addition to seeking damages for physical injuries and damages, dog bite victims in Florida may seek non-economic damages for the ongoing pain and suffering their injuries had and will continue to have on their lives.
Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Victims may also obtain compensation for emotional distress and the psychological trauma, fear, and anxiety the dog bite caused.Parents or legal guardians may seek damages for child dog bite victims.
If you or your child suffered injuries from a dog bite or dog attack, consult our dog bite injury attorneys right away to understand your rights and options for seeking compensation.
Bitten and Bruised: A Step-by-Step Guide on What to Do After a Dog Bite
Steps to Take Immediately After a Bite Occurs
Immediately following a dog attack:
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can result in serious injuries. What’s more, dog bites can spread infections. Although rare in the United States, some dogs can carry rabies, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. Get proper medical treatment as soon as possible.
- Report the incident to the local authorities. In Florida, all dog bites must be reported to the local animal control agency, which will investigate the incident and take appropriate action.
- Gather contact information from any witnesses. Get the contact information for any witnesses so they can provide a statement to the authorities or testify in court if necessary.
How to Gather Evidence and Document the Incident
- Photograph the injuries. Use a camera or smartphone to take clear photographs of the bite wounds and any other injuries you sustained.
- Keep a record of all medical expenses. Keep all bills, receipts, and other documentation related to medical expenses, such as hospital bills, doctor’s visits, and prescription medications.
- Keep a journal. Record details of the incident and any subsequent events, including medical treatment, conversations with witnesses, and interactions with the authorities.
Importance of Seeking Medical Attention
- Aside from making sure you’re okay and providing the treatment you need, getting a medical evaluation after a dog bite will document the injuries and record the treatment you received. Your attorney can use this documentation as evidence in any legal action.
- Seeking medical care also shows that the victim takes the incident seriously, which any legal case will need to show.
Getting legal advice from a qualified attorney as soon as possible after a dog bite can protect your rights under Florida law and help you navigate the process of pursuing fair compensation for your injuries.
The Importance of Hiring a Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer
A Tampa dog bite attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your rights.
Some specific benefits of hiring an attorney include:
- Legal knowledge. An attorney will have in-depth knowledge of Florida’s dog bite laws and can explain the claims process and what to expect as the case progresses.
- Proving liability. An attorney can provide evidence to prove the dog owner’s liability for your injuries and damages.
- Negotiating with insurance companies. An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation.
- Representation in court. If your case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you and present a compelling case to a judge or jury to get the compensation you need.
What Compensation Can I Get for My Dog Bite Injuries?
You may obtain compensation for your Tampa dog bite injury.
Some examples include:
- Medical expenses. You can claim compensation for any medical expenses you incurred due to the dog bite, including hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost earnings. If you had to take time off work to recover, you may recover compensation for any income, bonuses, or commissions you missed.
- Pain and suffering. You could obtain compensation for the ongoing pain and mental anguish the dog bite injury has had on your life.
- Punitive damages. In some cases, you may claim punitive damages. A court typically only awards these damages in cases of egregious negligence, wanton recklessness, or intentional harm. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and warn others not to engage in similar behavior.
How Can an Attorney Help With My Dog Bite Injury Claim?
A dog bite attorney in Tampa can:
Filing a Claim
A Tampa dog bite attorney can file a claim with the insurance company for you correctly and within the statutory time limits.
Gathering Evidence
An attorney can gather evidence to support your claim, including medical records, witness statements, and photographs of your injuries.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
An attorney can negotiate with the insurance company so you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Representation in Court
If your case goes to trial, an attorney can represent you in court and fight for your rights.
What’s more, an attorney can provide you with peace of mind. The last thing you need while recovering from your injuries is to deal with all the complexities involved in filing a claim, including dealing with the insurance carrier. A lawyer can relieve your stress by handling all the important tasks for you while keeping you informed of their progress. An attorney will protect your legal rights and get the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers at Apex Law Today
A dog attack can cause deep puncture wounds and cuts, head injuries, and broken bones, not to mention terror and emotional trauma that victims carry around with them for the rest of their lives.
If a dog bit you or your child, you shouldn’t suffer any more than you already have, and you deserve compensation from the dog owner and others responsible for the attack.
The experienced Tampa dog bite lawyers at Apex Law are here for you. We have the skills, knowledge, and resources necessary to handle your claim efficiently, and we promise to fight hard for your rights and recovery. Contact us today at (813) 444-5212 for your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Your Go-to Guide for Dog Bite Legal Matters
What services does your law firm offer for dog bite cases?
Our law firm seeks compensation for the injuries of dog bite victims. We handle all aspects of the case, including negotiation with insurance companies, filing a lawsuit, and going to trial if necessary.
How do I know if I have a case for dog bite compensation?
Call us. If you suffered injuries from a dog bite, seek medical attention, document your injuries, and gather evidence of the dog’s past aggressive behavior. Our dog attack lawyers can review your case and advise you on your legal options for seeking compensation.
What compensation can I receive for a dog bite injury?
The compensation you can receive will depend on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your case. Possible compensation includes medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
What is the process for litigating a dog bite case?
The process for litigating a dog bite case will vary depending on your case and the jurisdiction in which you file. Generally, the process will involve filing a lawsuit, conducting discovery, and potentially going to trial. Our dog bite injury lawyers can guide you through each step and represent you in court.
How long does it take to resolve a dog bite case?
The time it will take to resolve your dog bite case will depend on the circumstances of your case, the parties involved, and the severity of your injuries, among others.
Some cases settle quickly through negotiations with the insurance company, while others may take longer if they go to trial. Our lawyers will work to resolve your case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
Who is liable for my dog bite injuries?
In most cases, the dog’s owner must pay for your dog bite injuries. In some cases, a landlord or property owner may bear liability.
Sometimes, the owner or their insurance company may claim the dog attacked because you antagonized, abused, or provoked it. You need an attorney on your side to protect your rights and hold the dog owner accountable.
Can I sue the dog's owner if I was bitten on their property?
You may sue the dog’s owner if it bit you on their property. Our lawyers can review your case and advise you on your legal options.
Why do I need to hire a dog bite injury lawyer for a dog bite case?
You stand a much better chance of getting the compensation you need if you hire a lawyer. An experienced attorney can navigate the legal process, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies for you. They can also represent you in court if necessary.
What should I do if a dog bites me?
If a dog bites you, seek medical attention immediately. Report the incident to the local animal control authorities and gather information about the dog’s owner, including their name and contact information. Take photos of your injuries and document any expenses related to your injury. Then call our Tampa dog bite lawyers.
How much does a dog bite lawsuit cost?
The Tampa dog bite attorneys at Apex Law work on a contingency fee basis, so we don’t charge anything upfront to represent you. Also, we only accept a fee if we recover compensation for you. You don’t have to worry about paying any out-of-pocket money to hire our lawyers to help you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
We understand the financial strain that a personal injury can cause. That's why we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. We don't charge any upfront fees, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation for you. We base our fees on a percentage of the settlement or verdict obtained, so you don't have to worry about paying out of pocket. We will discuss all details of our fees when we meet with you and before you sign a contract so you’ll know what to expect.
How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?
The timeline for resolving a personal injury case can vary depending on the case's complexity and the opposing party's willingness to negotiate a fair settlement. We strive to resolve cases as efficiently as possible while protecting your rights. During your initial consultation, we can provide you with a better understanding of the potential timeline for your specific case.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement?
Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Their primary goal is to protect their own interests and minimize their financial liability. Before accepting any settlement offer, consult an experienced personal injury attorney who can assess the offer's fairness and advise you on the best course of action.
Will I have to go to court?
While most personal injury cases resolve through settlements, your case may go to court if we cannot reach a fair settlement. Rest assured that our skilled litigators are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary. We will provide strong courtroom representation to fight for your rights and pursue the maximum compensation you deserve.
How can I get started with your firm?
Getting started is simple. Contact us today for your free consultation. During this meeting, we will discuss your case, assess its strength, and explain the legal process. If you decide to move forward, we will handle all the necessary paperwork and guide you every step of the way, providing the skilled and compassionate legal representation you need.
Call Us (813)444-5212