Bonita Springs Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

However, dog bite claims can be challenging for the victim, especially if they suffered life-changing injuries. While you focus on your recovery, the dog bite lawyers in Bonita Springs at Parker Waichman LLP will handle every aspect of your case and will work tirelessly to help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation for you. Our law firm treats every client with the same care and attention as we would a family member, ensuring you receive the personalized service and dedication you deserve.

How Can a Bonita Springs Dog Bite Attorney Help?

If you were attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, the experienced dog bite attorneys in Bonita Springs on our legal team are here to help. Dog owners are responsible for preventing their animals from causing harm to others. If they fail to do so and their dog hurts someone, they can be held liable.

If you’re unable to work or you missed a significant amount of work as you were recovering from your injuries, you must take legal action as soon as possible. At Parker Waichman LLP, our Bonita Springs dog bite lawyers can help during this time, in many ways, including:

• Investigate the incident
• Gather evidence
• Contact animal control to learn whether the dog has a history of attacks
• Identify the dog’s owner
• Calculate damages
• File paperwork
• Handle all communication with the insurance company
• File a lawsuit, if necessary, and represent you in court
• Guide you through the legal process and help you explore all legal options available for your dog bite claim

Our dedicated team of personal injury lawyers is committed to achieving the best outcome for every client. We have extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including dog bite claims, and understand the challenges that can arise when dealing with insurance companies. Having an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side ensures that all aspects of your personal injury case are handled professionally, from negotiations to litigation. A personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, take your case to court.

Strict Liability and Negligence

If you suffered a dog bite in Bonita Springs, the owner of the dog will always be held responsible. Florida has strict liability laws. However, determining liability in a dog bite case can still be challenging. You need a dog bite injury lawyer who knows how to investigate this type of complex case, identify the negligent owner, and fight for your right to fair compensation. At Parker Waichman LLP, our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex dog bite cases and have helped countless clients recover maximum compensation for their losses. Our experienced personal injury lawyers will negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement for your dog bite claim and guide you through every step of the legal process.

Florida Dog Bite Laws

In regards to dog bites, Florida is a strict liability state under Florida law. The dog’s owner is liable for a person’s damages if:

• Their dog bites another person
• The person is lawfully in a private place or in a public place at the time of the incident

Because of these laws, the dog’s owner can be held liable for any damages caused by the animal. In many cases, the dog owner’s insurance policy, such as homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, may cover damages resulting from a dog bite. However, in certain situations, victims may need to prove negligence or someone else’s negligence—such as a dog walker or caretaker failing to properly manage the dog—to recover damages.

Victims of dog bites can seek monetary compensation for damages that cost them money, such as medical bills and lost wages. They can also pursue compensation for injuries such as emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement, and a permanent disability.

Dangerous Dog Statute

Florida’s dangerous dog statute is designed to protect people from dogs deemed dangerous due to aggressive behavior. The law holds owners of dangerous dogs to a higher standard, imposing strict rules.

An aggressive dog may be classified as dangerous if it has attacked or threatened people or other animals, and owners of such dogs face significant legal consequences, including civil and criminal liability. Signs such as ‘Bad Dog’ do not necessarily absolve the owner of liability under Florida law; even if a ‘Bad Dog’ sign is posted, the owner can still be held responsible if certain conditions are met.

When a dog has been classified as dangerous, the dog’s owner must register their animal with the local authorities and keep the dog confined on their property. When the dog is taken off the property it must be restrained. If the dog’s owner does not comply with state law, it can result in civil liability in addition to criminal charges.

What is Considered a Dangerous Dog?

To be deemed a dangerous dog in Florida, the dog must have bitten or attacked a person or another animal without provocation.

Damages After a Dog Bite Incident

If you were bitten by a dog due to a negligent owner, you may be entitled to compensation for the following types of damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Medical costs, including reimbursement for all treatments and ongoing healthcare needs
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Loss of income
• Lost income, covering both past wages and future earning capacity
• Disability
• Emotional distress
• Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, PTSD, nightmares, or dog phobias
• Reduced earning capacity
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

And more.

Following your prescribed treatment plan is crucial not only for your recovery but also for supporting your claim and ensuring all related medical expenses are documented. If you suffered life-changing injuries, a Bonita Springs dog bite injury lawyer on our legal team may consult with medical experts to ensure you seek compensation that includes the full cost of past and future medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma. This will ensure you can continue to receive vital medical treatment that will aid in your recovery now and in the future.