Suffering a dog bite can leave you with severe injuries and psychological trauma that require treatment. If you or a loved one suffered injury from a dog bite in Jupiter, our dog bite lawyers can help you recover the fair compensation you deserve to move forward. We are here when you need us.
A Jupiter personal injury lawyer from Ged Lawyers is available for evening and weekend appointments. We serve a diverse community, and we have a history of winning. Contact us for a free consultation to find out how we can help you.
Recover Compensation with a Jupiter Dog Bite Lawyer on Your Side
Ged Lawyers has been helping injured victims navigate the legal process in Florida since 1995, including recovering compensation for their damages. Dog bite victims can suffer a variety of injuries that include puncture wounds, lacerations, tissue damage, fractures, scars, head trauma, the loss of limbs or eyes, and nerve damage.
You want to hold the dog owner accountable. In Florida, you can hold the dog owner accountable under the strict liability rule in most cases and collect compensation for damages in a dog bite settlement. You can claim economic damages, which include:
- Medical bills: Emergency care, diagnostic tests, stitches, transportation, medications, wound care, reconstructive surgery, counseling services, future medical care, and physical therapy.
- Lost income: If you cannot work because of your injuries, you can claim compensation for lost income.
- Household services: If your injuries prevent you from performing household services such as cleaning, yard work, and maintenance, you can recover compensation for the cost of hiring someone to perform those tasks.
- Other damages: You can also claim compensation for the cost of childcare and transportation services.
Non-economic damages you can claim include:
- Emotional trauma (nightmares, PTSD)
- Mental anguish
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Disability
Florida’s Strict Liability Statute in Dog Bite Cases
Florida Statutes § 767.04 states you can hold a dog owner liable for your injuries and financial expenses even if the dog did not show violent or aggressive behavior. You may or may not have to prove negligence depending on the location and circumstances of the attack.
- Proving negligence is not necessary if the bite occurred in a public space or if you were lawfully on private property. You only need to prove the dog bit you.
- Proving negligence may be necessary if the bite occurred elsewhere.
- There are limitations to liability if the dog was defending its owner, was provoked by the victim, or if the victim was on the property unlawfully.
Legal Options to Recover Damages in a Dog Bite Claim
We have a track record of winning compensation for personal injury victims like you. Your Jupiter dog bite lawyer can provide you with legal options to recover damages in your case, including:
- Negligence: You could prove that the dog owner was negligent when their dog bit you by arguing that they failed their duty of care. Perhaps the dog owner knew their dog had aggressive tendencies but did not exercise caution to prevent an attack.
- Negligence per se: Perhaps the pet owner did not adhere to laws or regulations protecting the public from dangerous dogs, such as leash laws.
- Intentional tort: You could claim that the animal owner intentionally let their dog bite or attack you.
- Scienter: If the dog has previously bitten someone with the knowledge of their owner, they can be held liable under the “one bite rule” in Florida.
Ged Lawyers can help you choose the best option for your case, and we provide mock trials to prepare you if taking your case to trial is necessary to recover compensation. Our case results speak to our dedication to fighting for our clients.
Everybody deserves access to legal representation, and we can assist you in multiple languages, including Spanish, Arabic, Creole, Greek, Portuguese, Russian, and Turkish.
Statute Of Limitations in Florida’s Dog Bite Lawsuits
You should take time to consider your options after a dog bite and we recommend consulting a lawyer as soon as possible. You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Jupiter, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11.
If you wait too long and the deadline expires, you could lose your right to file a lawsuit and recover compensation. The same two-year deadline applies to cases of wrongful death. If you lost someone you love because of a fatal dog attack, we offer you and your family our condolences.
We want to take your case to get justice for your loved one and recover financial compensation on your behalf so you can focus on mourning. Your Jupiter dog bite attorney will work to meet the statute of limitations in your case.
Steps To Take After a Dog Bite in Jupiter
Animal attacks are traumatic experiences. Knowing what to do after a bite can help keep you safe and begin the process of building a dog bite injury case.
- Identify the dog and the owner.
- Ask for proof of rabies vaccination.
- Contact first responders or go to the hospital for immediate medical attention of your bite wounds. Your doctor can document your injuries and treatments and testify on your behalf.
- Document your case by filing a dog bite report and photographing your injuries and torn clothing.
- Collect dog license information and gather records that could indicate the dog has a history of biting.
- Document the ways the dog bite has impacted your life physically and emotionally.
- Consult a dog bite injury lawyer to protect your rights and advocate for your interests.
Speak to a Jupiter Dog Bite Lawyer to Explore Your Legal Options Today
You can suffer severe injuries and psychological trauma from a dog attack that can impact you for the rest of your life. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so you do not pay us unless we win your case.
A Jupiter dog bite lawyer can help you recover compensation and hold the dog owner accountable. Please do not hesitate to contact Ged Lawyers for a free consultation today.
