Have you been the victim of a dog bite or attack in Palm Harbor, Florida? The dog’s owner could be held responsible for your injuries. You could be owed monetary compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
Cases involving dog bites are notoriously difficult to prove, especially when the dog’s owner tries to deny responsibility. You need an experienced lawyer on your side who knows how to prepare these cases and win. At Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers, we have over 60 years of combined experience helping injury victims, and we have recovered over $200 million in compensation.
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, contact us today to let us get started helping you. Contact us today at (727) 787-2500 to schedule your free consultation with a Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer now.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Accident in Palm Harbor, FL
The days and weeks after a dog bite can be difficult. Dog bites can be extremely painful, and they sometimes result in devastating effects, such as nerve damage or permanent scarring. Not only are you dealing with these physical effects, but the cost of medical treatments is likely putting a financial strain on you as well.
You should not be left dealing with these consequences on your own. Thankfully, the team at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help.
We can help after your dog bite accident by:
- Investigating your accident and helping to determine the dog’s owner
- Researching the dog’s history to identify any previous incidents or a history of aggressive behavior
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the scenario unfold
- Obtaining evidence, such as surveillance footage, that can help prove your case
- Handling all communications with the dog’s owner and their insurance company
- Reaching a full and fair settlement that compensates you for all your damages
- Filing a lawsuit and taking the dog’s owner to court when settlement negotiations stall
If you have been hurt by a dog bite in Palm Harbor, Florida, contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today. Schedule your free consultation with a Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer and let us get started helping you get justice.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
When most people think of dog bites, they think of historically aggressive breeds, such as pit bulls, rottweilers, or dobermans. However, any dog can bite. Even a bite from a small dog can have serious consequences.
According to the Naples Daily News, more than 600 Floridians are hospitalized each year because of injuries resulting from dog bites. There are many more injuries suffered each year because of dog bites that do not require hospitalization. The United States Postal Service even ranks Florida as #7 in the nation for the number of dog bites and attacks experienced by its postal carriers.
As you can see, dog bites are more common in Florida than they are in many other states. If you have been the victim of a dog bite in Palm Harbor, contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers right away. Let us get started putting together a winning strategy for your case.
Overview of Dog Bite Accidents
While some states follow the “one free bite” rule, Florida does not. Under Florida law, dog owners are strictly liable for any damages caused by a bite regardless of any prior history of bites or aggressiveness. However, their liability may be reduced if the person who was bitten contributed to the bite or attack.
For example, imagine you are bitten by a dog and suffer $10,000 in damages. However, it is found that you were 30% responsible for the bite because of your own negligent behavior. In that case, you may only be entitled to recover 70%, or $7,000, of your damages.
What Are Common Causes of Dog Bites?
There are many things that can cause a dog to bite or attack someone. Some of the most common causes of dog bites are:
- Aggression
- Lack of socialization
- Inadequate or improper training
- Pain or illness
- Former trauma
Regardless of the reason for the bite, victims are often left dealing with very serious injuries.
What Are Common Injuries From Dog Bites?
Some of the most common injuries that occur with dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Permanent scarring
- Disfigurement
- Nerve damage
These types of injuries can require extensive medical treatment, and some victims may never fully recover.
What Kind of Damages Can I Recover After A Dog Bite Accident in Palm Harbor?
Typically, victims are entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages after a dog bite accident. Economic damages compensate victims for the financial losses they suffered, such as medical bills, lost wages, or physical therapy expenses.
On the other hand, non-economic damages compensate victims for their physical and emotional pain and suffering.
This can include items such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- PTSD
- Anxiety
- Permanent fear of dogs
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The dog’s owner is typically liable for these damages. In some cases, they may have insurance that will cover the damages.
You should keep in mind that Florida law only allows you two years from the date of your accident to file a claim for most personal injury damages. Reach out to Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers as soon after your accident as possible to ensure you do not lose your right to recover compensation.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Palm Harbor Dog Bite Lawyers
If you have been injured because of a dog bite in Palm Harbor, Florida, now is the time to seek legal help. Contact Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers today to let us put our experience to work for you. Schedule a free consultation with a Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer and let us go to work getting you the compensation you deserve.
