Are you the victim of a dog bite in Safety Harbor, Florida? If so, you may be entitled to damages for your injuries. Being bitten by a dog can be a scary experience, and it can be overwhelming to figure out how to pursue a personal injury claim related to a dog bite incident.
With Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers at your side, you’ll have experienced and compassionate legal professionals standing by your side every step of the way. You don’t have to handle your legal issues alone. Reach out to our team of Safety Harbor dog bite lawyers, or call us at (727) 787-2500 to schedule a free consultation.
How Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Safety Harbor, FL
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury in Safety Harbor, Florida, you have many options when it comes to choosing a lawyer. Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers brings over 60 years of combined experience to the table, with a proven track record of success. In nearly three decades of practice, we’ve recovered more than $120 million for our clients. Our firm is also highly rated, earning a Superb rating on Avvo and an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell—the highest ratings an attorney can receive.
To ensure that our clients get fair compensation for injuries sustained in connection with dog bites, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the incident
- Identify the responsible parties
- Gather evidence (e.g., police reports, witness statements, medical records)
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies and other involved parties
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached
Depending on the nature and extent of your injuries, our strategy may also include consultation with appropriate experts to help us build the strongest case possible for you. Let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Call our Safety Harbor personal injury attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.
What is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The amount of money that you may receive as a result of your injuries will depend on a number of factors. Relevant considerations include:
- The nature of your injuries
- The cost of your medical treatment
- The length of your recovery
- How the injury impacts your work
- How the injury changed your lifestyle
- Your emotional distress and physical pain
- Whether you’ll suffer any permanent damage
When you work with Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers in Safety Harbor, Florida, you can rest assured that we will gather all of the information necessary to make an informed assessment of your claim. Our goal is to make sure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
What Kind of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims?
Damages are the losses you have incurred as a result of the dog bite incident. Because so many factors go into determining the value of your personal injury claim, calculating damages is often complex. You may be able to receive both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages compensate you for tangible financial losses, such as lost wages, medical costs related to diagnosis and treatment of injuries caused by the accident, and repair costs to your vehicle or other property involved in the accident. Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of consortium.
In rare cases, if the other party was engaging in extremely negligent or reckless behavior, you may also be able to receive punitive (or “extra”) damages. In each and every case, the attorneys at Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers will use their extensive knowledge and expertise to build your case based upon a fair and accurate claim that takes into account all of the ways your injury has impacted you.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Many people hesitate to contact a lawyer after a dog bite incident because they don’t think they can afford one. However, our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. When you hire us, you will not be required to pay us any money upfront. We will receive a percentage of the compensation you recover if–and only if–we settle or win the lawsuit on your behalf.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Florida?
In Florida, dog bite cases are governed by the strict liability rule. This means that a dog owner is held responsible if their dog bites someone, whether the attack occurs in a public place or in a private location where the victim is lawfully present. The owner’s liability is not dependent on the dog’s past behavior or whether the dog has shown any prior signs of aggression. Even if the dog has no history of biting or behaving viciously, the owner is still held accountable.
However, the victim’s actions can influence the dog’s owner’s liability. If the victim is negligent—such as ignoring warnings from the owner or provoking the dog—this can reduce the owner’s responsibility.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that you can still recover compensation if you’re partially at fault for the incident, but your share of responsibility will reduce the amount of damages you can receive. For example, if you are found 20% at fault for the bite, your compensation will be reduced by 20%. It’s important to note that if you are found to be 51% or more at fault, you are barred from recovering any compensation.
Our experienced Florida personal injury lawyers can evaluate the details of your case, determine if comparative fault applies, and guide you through the process to ensure you receive the compensation you’re entitled to.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can result in a wide range of both minor and significant injuries. Some common dog bite injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Soft tissue injuries, including bruises and lacerations
- Facial injuries, including disfigurement and scarring
- Nerve damage
- Emotional trauma
Regardless of the type of injury you’ve suffered, it is important to receive prompt medical attention and treatment if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Whatever your injuries are, we will analyze them and work toward securing maximum compensation for you.
How Common are Dog Bites in Safety Harbor, Florida?
Injuries from dog bites are all too common in Florida and across the country. Approximately 334,000 people are admitted to US emergency departments annually with dog bite-associated injuries, and another 466,000 are seen in other medical settings. According to the Florida Department of Health, about 600 people in Florida are hospitalized with dog bite injuries every year.
The Humane Society estimates 51% of dog bite victims are children, with children between the ages of 5-9 being the most likely to be bit.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Florida?
Florida law generally gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. There are, however, considerations that may change this deadline based on the specifics of your particular case. The bottom line is that it’s best not to wait too long, as you don’t want to risk being barred from financial recovery if you miss the deadline.
Contact Our Safety Harbor Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
It’s not always easy to know what to do in the aftermath of a dog bite. However, you don’t have to go through this challenging time on your own. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Safety Harbor, Florida, Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers can help. We will evaluate your case and advise you on what to do next. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation with a Safety Harbor dog bite lawyer to learn more about your options.