Were you bitten by a dog in Fort Walton Beach, FL? Dog attacks can be extremely scary situations. A dog bite can leave you struggling with severe injuries. Thankfully, you may be able to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering.
At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we have more than 75 years of combined experience protecting the rights of injury victims. We have recovered over $200 million for injury victims—many of whom were seriously hurt in dog bite attacks—as well as car accidents, slip and fall incidents, and other personal injury cases. Contact us today at (850) 604-3844 to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach dog bite lawyer.
How Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite Incident in Fort Walton Beach
Insurance companies and opposing counsel will look for every way possible to minimize your claim or not pay it at all. At Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers, we believe the responsible party should be held accountable for your injuries, and we want to help you do just that. Members of our legal team have been recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and the Florida Justice Association.
Our Fort Walton Beach personal injury lawyers can:
- Investigate the circumstances surrounding your dog bite
- Interview witnesses who may have seen what happened or can help identify the dog’s owner
- Research the dog’s history to reveal any prior attacks or history of aggression
- File all necessary paperwork for the insurance claims process
- Negotiate a settlement that gets you the compensation you deserve
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court when the insurance company refuses to make you a fair offer
If you have been bitten by a dog in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, let one of our experienced attorneys start putting together a winning strategy for your claim. Call our Fort Walton Beach dog bite attorneys now to schedule a free consultation.
How Common Are Dog Bites?
Dog bites are a serious issue in Florida. The USPS consistently ranks Florida in the Top 10 states for dog attacks against postal carriers. According to the Naples News, more than 600 Floridians are hospitalized each year because of dog bites.
Some reports indicate that dog bites surged to more than 1,500 incidents in 2023. Unfortunately, young children represent the majority of dog bite victims. Dog bites are not only painful, but they can also leave victims dealing with lasting effects for years to come.
The Basics of Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Some states follow a “one free bite” rule, but Florida adheres to a strict liability rule for dog bites. Under Florida law, a dog owner may be held liable for any damages resulting from the bite as long as the person who was bitten was on public property or was lawfully on private property at the time of the bite.
This means that liability is not dependent upon any prior bites or history of aggression. The owner may be held accountable and responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
What Are Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites?
Dog bites can be caused by a variety of reasons, including fear, pain, loud noises, or territorial behavior. Regardless of the reason for the bite, these types of attacks can result in significant injuries, including:
- Facial injuries
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Eye injuries or blindness
- Disfigurement
- Permanent scarring
- Infection
What Compensation Can I Recover for My Dog Bite Injuries?
Victims deserve to be compensated for all their injuries resulting from a dog bite, including both economic and non-economic damages. This means that they are entitled to recover compensation for both their financial losses and their pain and suffering. Some common damages present in dog bite claims are:
- Medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety
- Fear of dogs
- PTSD
We’ll help you prove all your damages and fight to recover maximum compensation.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law allows accident victims two years from the date of their accident to file a lawsuit for damages. Failure to file your lawsuit within this timeframe will result in a loss of your right to recover compensation. Our legal team can ensure that you meet all applicable deadlines.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Fort Walton Beach Dog Bite Lawyers
If you have suffered injuries from a dog bite in Fort Walton Beach, Florida, contact the experienced team at Gross & Schuster Injury Lawyers immediately. We can investigate your claim and help you get the compensation you are owed. Call us now to schedule a free consultation with a Fort Walton Beach dog bite lawyer, and let us put our experience to work for you.