Dog bites are frightening experiences which can leave you with physical injuries and emotional scars. In Florida, the law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites. Therefore, it’s important for you to know when to involve a lawyer and what assistance you can expect from them.

With many years of personal injury cases, I'm here as your consultation lawyer to walk you through the process and offer insights that could help you.

Dog Bite Laws in Florida

Florida has a strict owner-liability law for dog bites, which means the owner is responsible for any injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog's past behavior or the owner's knowledge of any vicious tendencies. 

This law is designed to protect victims and make sure that the correct compensation is allocated for their injuries. Sounds simple, right? 

In reality, this legal process can be complex, especially when dealing with insurance companies and legal jargon. This is why it is always advisable to contact your personal injury lawyer without delay.

When To Involve Your Lawyer

The short answer is: get out of harm's way, stabilize your bite wound and then call your lawyer. The earlier your lawyer is involved, the earlier you will get valuable advice on what evidence to preserve, capture witness details (and interview them for fresh memories) and, generally, protect your rights to justice. 

Delaying this step could complicate your case, especially if the dog owner rejects that they are liable or if there are issues with insurance coverage. Your lawyer will guide you through the important steps and give you peace of mind.

The Benefits of a Lawyer

A seasoned lawyer will give many benefits, such as:

• Gathering Evidence: Your lawyer will help you collect all relevant evidence, including medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any prior history of aggression from the dog.

• Negotiating With Insurance Companies: Insurance companies have a default position of reducing the amount or completely avoiding the need of paying out. Your lawyer will negotiate fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

• Filing Lawsuits: If negotiations fail, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court. 

• Providing Legal Advice: Throughout the process, your lawyer will offer valuable legal advice, helping you understand your rights and the best course of action.

Things To Avoid After a Dog Bite

To protect your rights to recourse, there are several actions you should avoid after a dog bite:

• Avoiding Medical Treatment: Do not avoid medical attention – get it sorted out immediately. Even minor bites can lead to infections or other complications. Medical records will also serve as crucial evidence in your case.

• Admitting Fault: Never downplay the incident when speaking to the dog owner or their insurance company. Anything you say or do can be used against you later.

• Delay in Reporting: Be swift in reporting the bite to local authorities. Delays can be used to question your claim’s validity.

• Negotiating Without Legal Representation: Never negotiate a settlement with the dog owner or their insurance company without consulting your lawyer first. There is rarely a case where a client negotiates a better deal than their lawyer!

Protect Your Rights

Dog bites are serious! By involving a lawyer early on, you are protecting your rights. Remember, as your personal injury consultation lawyer, I am here to support you and guide you through challenging situations. Contact me today.