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Home Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Pensacola, Florida

an angry dog trying to attack someone

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when the bills are piling up and you’re too hurt to work. At times like these, it’s essential to understand your rights and the compensation you could be entitled to. 

Did you or a loved one suffer a dog bite injury in Florida? The dog bite lawyers from Cardoso Law, PLLC, can help you through this challenging time by offering legal advice and support tailored to your situation. Contact us today for a free initial consultation and learn how we can assist you in demanding the recovery you deserve.

Florida Laws on Dog Bites

Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for dog bite injuries. This means the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness does not affect liability. Strict liability for dog owners applies whether the bite occurs in a public place or on private property where the victim is lawfully present, including the dog owner’s property. Florida’s strict liability rules differ from the “one-bite” rules in some other states, where the dog’s owner is only liable if they knew their dog had a tendency to bite.

However, if someone who sustains a dog bite injury is partially at fault, their own negligence could reduce the owner’s liability. For example, if the injured person provoked the dog, this might reduce how much compensation they can recover. Additionally, dog owners can sometimes avoid liability for dog bites if they prominently display “bad dog” or “beware of dog” signage on their properties. However, these signs do not affect liability in cases where the victim is younger than 6 years old or the owner’s negligence directly causes the injury.

Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries may range from relatively minor to severe and often have long-lasting effects on victims’ overall health and well-being. Understanding some of the injuries that can result from dog bites is essential for recognizing the severity of these incidents and seeking appropriate medical attention.

Common dog bite injuries include:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Abrasions
  • Contusions
  • Degloving injuries
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones
  • Infections
  • Facial injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Emotional trauma
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
dog trying to bite a man's arm

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?

Damages (monetary awards) from dog bite claims aim to address the immediate expenses and long-term consequences so dog bite victims can rebuild their lives. Depending on the circumstances, damages might be available in a Florida dog bite injury case for:

  • Medical Expenses – The costs of hospital stays, doctor visits, and other necessary medical care 
  • Future Medical Costs – Ongoing medical care expenses for treatments like therapy and rehabilitation
  • Travel Expenses – Expenses associated with going to and from medical appointments
  • Income Losses – Lost income resulting from time off work during recovery
  • Lost Earning Potential – Projected losses in future income for long-term or permanent injuries
  • Pain and Suffering – The physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the injury
  • Lost Quality of Life – Reduced ability to enjoy life and participate in previously enjoyable activities
  • Disfigurement – Permanent scars or changes in appearance resulting from the bite
  • Emotional Trauma – The costs of psychological counseling to deal with the emotional impact
  • Loss of Consortium – Family members’ loss of companionship due to the victim’s injuries

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

dog biting a stick, trying to attack

If you suffer a dog bite injury, taking the right steps immediately afterward can help protect your health and legal rights. Take the following actions to ensure you receive proper medical care, gather necessary information, and build a strong dog bite case if you decide to seek compensation:

  • Seek medical attention right away to have a doctor treat and document your injuries.
  • Adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan and attend follow-up appointments as necessary.
  • Contact animal control or the local police department to report the dog bite.
  • Get the dog owner’s name and contact information, as well as the dog’s vaccination records.
  • Document the bite and surrounding area with clear, detailed photos as soon as possible.
  • Obtain names and contact details from any witnesses who saw the incident.
  • Keep records of all medical bills, travel expenses, and any other costs related to the injury.
  • Seek legal advice to understand your rights and the ideal course of action for your situation.
  • Refrain from posting details about the bite online to protect the integrity of your case.
  • Inform your health or homeowners insurance provider about the incident to explore coverage options.

Florida Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim

Depending on whether your claim is based on negligence or strict liability, Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two to four years from the date of the attack to file a dog-bite lawsuit. If you wait too long to file, the court could dismiss your case and you may lose your right to seek compensation altogether. 

Contacting a dog bite attorney immediately is best to avoid missing this important deadline. Your dog bite injury lawyer will understand the relevant filing deadlines and handle your claim promptly. They can also gather evidence, communicate and negotiate with insurers, and represent you in court if necessary. 

New Florida Law Protects Dog Owners in Public Housing

Florida recently passed a new law prohibiting public housing authorities and local governments from enacting breed-specific restrictions. This law could impact dog bite claims by shifting the focus to each dog’s behavior rather than their breed. 

This change means that dog bite injury claims will require evidence of a dog’s specific actions rather than relying on the dog’s breed as an indicator of danger. This could make it more challenging for claimants to prove liability, as bite victims must gather detailed information about the incident and the dog’s behavior to support their claims.

Contact an Experienced Pensacola Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Contact an Experienced Pensacola Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Take control of your situation following a dog attack and get the legal support you need today. Contact Cardoso Law, PLLC, to schedule a free initial consultation with an experienced dog bite lawyer. Our dedicated team will answer your questions, help you understand your rights, and fight for the compensation you need.

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