Has a dog bite in Crestview, FL, turned your life upside down? You may be entitled to compensation for your losses. You don’t have to navigate this challenging time alone. Contact Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers at (850) 407-7726 to schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced Crestview dog bite lawyers.
At our law office, our attorneys bring more than 75 years of combined experience to the table. Over the decades, we’ve helped clients throughout Florida recover more than $200 million in compensation. If you have been bitten by a dog, reach out to us, we are ready to step in and help you rebuild your life.
Why Choose Gross & Schuster to Help Me With My Dog Bite Claim in Crestview, FL?
After a dog attack in Crestview, Florida, choosing the right lawyer is one of the most important decisions you can make.
At Gross & Schuster, we’ve built our firm on trust, results, and a deep commitment to our clients.
Here’s why people turn to our Crestview personal injury lawyers when it matters most:
- Proven success: Our lawyers have recovered significant compensation for injury victims—millions of dollars across hundreds of cases. We know how to build a strong claim and hold negligent dog owners accountable.
- Respected by peers: Our attorneys earned an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating for ethics and skill. Members of our legal team also belong to the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and are certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy—credentials that speak to our experience and reputation in the courtroom.
- Decades of experience: We’ve been standing up for injury victims for over seven decades. That depth of knowledge gives us an edge in dealing with insurance companies and navigating Florida’s dog bite laws.
When you hire us, you’re getting more than just legal representation. You’re gaining a dedicated team that knows Crestview, understands Florida law, and cares about getting you the best possible outcome.
Contact our law office today to schedule a free consultation with a Crestview dog bite attorney.
What Are Florida’s Dog Bite Laws?
Florida is what’s known as a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means the dog’s owner can be held responsible for your injuries—even if the dog never showed signs of aggression before.
In other words, unlike in some states, you don’t have to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous. Florida law is on your side if the bite happened while you were lawfully on public or private property.
There are exceptions. If the dog was provoked or if you ignored a clear warning sign, the owner’s liability might be reduced. Still, the law generally favors victims and makes it easier to pursue compensation after a bite.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
No two dog bite cases are exactly the same.
The value of your case depends on factors like:
- How serious your injuries are
- Whether you’ll need ongoing medical care or surgeries
- If the bite left scars or permanent damage
- How much income you’ve lost from being out of work
- The emotional impact of an attack
- What insurance coverage is available
It’s also important to remember that compensation isn’t only about paying current medical bills. A strong claim should account for the long-term effects of the injury—such as the need for additional surgeries, therapy to cope with trauma, or reduced earning ability if you can’t return to your usual job. Even seemingly “minor” bites can cause infections or leave lasting scars, which may impact your confidence and quality of life.
We will take the time to fully investigate every detail of your case. Our lawyers will work with doctors, financial experts, and others to make sure your claim reflects the full impact the attack has had on your health, finances, and daily life.
What Damages Can I Recover After Being Bitten by a Dog?
A dog bite doesn’t just cause physical pain. It often brings financial and emotional challenges, too.
That’s why the law allows victims to pursue compensation for a wide range of damages, including:
- Medical treatment, both immediate and long-term
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, including fear and anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Beyond the initial emergency room visit, dog bite victims often face ongoing medical needs. These may include stitches, reconstructive surgery, antibiotics to fight infection, and even counseling to cope with the trauma of the attack. In severe cases, permanent scarring or nerve damage can change how a person looks or functions for the rest of their life.
Financial strain is another major factor. If you miss work during recovery—or can’t return to your job in the same capacity—you deserve to be compensated for your lost income. On top of this, pain, anxiety, and loss of confidence can affect everyday activities, from spending time outdoors to socializing with others.
When you work with a Crestview dog bite lawyer from our firm, we take a comprehensive approach. We calculate your immediate costs and future needs to ensure all your losses are fully addressed.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
Hiring a lawyer may sound expensive, but with us, it isn’t. Our lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. That means:
- You don’t have to pay us anything up front.
- Our fee comes out of the settlement or verdict we win for you.
- If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing.
This way, everyone has access to quality legal help—without the stress of legal bills while you’re trying to recover.
Can I Recover Compensation Even if I Was Partially at Fault for the Dog Bite Incident?
Florida uses a modified comparative negligence rule. That means you can still get compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your award will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were found 20% at fault, you’d still recover 80% of your damages.
The insurance company may try to put the blame on you. Having a skilled lawyer in your corner makes a big difference.
We’ll Fight to Recover Compensation for All Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites aren’t just scratches. They can leave lasting damage.
We’ve represented clients with injuries such as:
- Deep cuts and puncture wounds
- Severe infections
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones
- Scarring and facial injuries
- Lasting psychological trauma
Our attorneys will work with medical professionals to fully document your injuries. That way, the insurance company can’t downplay the seriousness of what you’re going through.
What Causes Dogs to Attack?
Dogs can be loyal companions, but under the wrong circumstances, even a family pet can lash out. Common reasons dogs bite people include:
- Fear or feeling cornered
- An instinct to guard their territory or food
- Lack of training or socialization
- Owner neglect or abuse
- Loud noises or sudden movements
- Health problems causing pain or irritability
While these reasons may explain the behavior, they don’t excuse it. Dog owners have a responsibility to keep others safe. When they fail, our team steps in to hold them accountable.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?
After a dog bite, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed. You might be juggling doctor’s appointments, missing time at work, and worrying about how you’ll pay the bills. A dog bite lawyer can take that pressure off your shoulders.
They’ll investigate what happened, talk to witnesses, gather your medical records, and make sure the dog owner is held responsible. Just as important, they can deal directly with the insurance company, which often tries to minimize payouts or blame the victim.
Having a lawyer on your side means you have someone fighting for your best interests, whether that’s negotiating a fair settlement or, if needed, taking your case to court. Their job is to make sure the attack’s physical, financial, and emotional impact is fully recognized, so you can focus on recovering and moving forward.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida?
Time matters after a dog bite. In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. If you wait too long, you could lose your chance to recover anything at all.
Evidence also fades quickly—witness memories fade, and medical records get harder to track down. The sooner you reach out to a lawyer, the stronger your case can be.
Contact Our Crestview Dog Bite Attorneys to Schedule a Free Consultation
A dog bite can leave more than scars—it can leave you facing weeks, months, or even years of recovery. But you don’t have to handle it alone.
At Gross & Schuster, our attorneys are here to stand by your side. With over 75 years of combined experience and $200 million recovered for clients, we know what it takes to fight back against insurance companies and get results.
Call us to set up your free consultation with a dedicated Crestview dog bite lawyer. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.