Have you or a family member suffered a dog bite in Dunedin, FL? You could be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to the attack.
At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 60 years of combined experience and have recovered more than $200 million for injured clients across Florida. We know firsthand how serious dog bite injuries can be and are ready to stand up for your rights.
Florida law imposes strict liability on dog owners in many situations, making winning your case easier. Reach out to our Dunedin dog bite lawyers today at (727) 787-2500 for a free initial consultation. We’ll review your situation and help you decide on the best course of action.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help With a Dog Bite Claim in Dunedin, FL
Dog bite injuries in Dunedin, Florida can be painful, costly, and sometimes life-changing. Depending on the severity of the attack, you might need medical treatment, rehabilitation, or even plastic surgery. Meanwhile, the dog owner’s insurance company may try to downplay the situation or shift blame onto you. That’s where Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers come in.
Members of our legal team have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. If you hire our award-winning Dunedin personal injury lawyers to represent you after a dog bite, we can:
- Investigate the attack by collecting medical records, witness statements, and any prior complaints about the dog
- Work with experts such as medical specialists who can explain the extent of your injuries
- Calculate all of your losses (including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering) so you know how much your case is really worth
- Negotiate with insurance companies and stand up for you if they try to minimize or deny your claim
- File a lawsuit and represent you in court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. Let us handle the legal side so that you can focus on healing from your injuries. Call us for a free consultation.
What Are My Legal Options After a Dog Bite in Dunedin?
Florida has specific rules for dog owners; in many cases, owners are strictly liable if their dog bites someone. Still, the details of your situation will determine the best way forward. Depending on what happened, you may:
- File an Insurance Claim: Most homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies include coverage for dog bites. If the owner has insurance, this is often the first step.
- Pursue a Settlement: Insurance companies sometimes try to offer quick, low settlements. An attorney can help you negotiate for a fair amount that accounts for all your injuries.
- Take Legal Action in Court: If the dog’s owner or their insurer refuses to accept responsibility or offer a reasonable settlement, you can file a personal injury lawsuit seeking damages in court.
In some instances, the dog owner might argue you provoked the dog or ignored warning signs. Florida follows a form of comparative negligence, so any blame placed on you could reduce your compensation. That’s why it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible early on and consider talking to a lawyer right away.
What Damages Can I Recover for My Dog Bite Injuries?
Being attacked by a dog can lead to both physical and emotional harm. In Florida, personal injury claims typically allow you to seek two main categories of damages: economic damages (for your financial losses) and non-economic damages (for the pain and emotional harm you endured).
- Economic Damages: These may include hospital bills, follow-up doctor’s appointments, surgery costs, prescription medications, physical therapy expenses, and any lost wages from missed work.
- Non-Economic Damages: You can ask for compensation for the pain, suffering, mental anguish, and reduced quality of life you’ve experienced.
Every dog bite case is different. The amount of damages you can recover will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, whether you share any fault, and whether you need ongoing medical care.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida?
Most dog bite lawsuits in Florida have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. If you don’t take legal action before the time limit expires, you may lose your right to seek any compensation.
Some exceptions may give you more or less time, but these situations are uncommon. To protect your options, it’s best to contact a personal injury attorney as soon as you can after a dog bite.
Contact Our Experienced Dunedin Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
Dog bite injuries can have lasting effects on your health, job, and finances. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers has over 60 years of combined experience and has secured more than $200 million for our clients across Florida. Our Dunedin dog bite attorneys understand how to hold negligent dog owners accountable and will work tirelessly to protect your rights.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Dunedin, FL, don’t wait to seek professional legal advice. Contact us right away for a free consultation about your case.
