Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Florida?
Although they may be man’s best friend, an untrained or aggressive dog has the potential to harm others. Dog bites are relatively common, a fact that will offer little solace if you’ve suffered a dog bite injury from someone else’s pet.
The good news is that when you’re bitten by an aggressive dog, an owner can be held liable for their pet’s actions. Read on to learn about some of the considerations if you decide to file a personal injury claim for a dog bite in Florida.
How Does Suing for a Dog Bite in Florida Work?
Dog bite injuries fall under a larger category of civil law referred to as premise liability. These statutes assert that a Florida shop, business, or property owner has a reasonable duty of care to protect their visitors from harm and could be held liable when something goes wrong.
Premise liability covers everything from a slip-and-fall on a wet floor at the grocery store to a tumble down a dangerous apartment stairway.
As such, the following elements must be proved to win your dog bite injury lawsuit:
- The at-fault party is the owner or keeper of the dog in question.
- The dog was responsible for your injuries.
- The injuries caused real damages to your body, property, or emotional well-being.
Sometimes, it can be difficult to connect the dots between your dog bite and the damages you received from the injury. Working alongside your doctor and a Pensacola dog-bite injury lawyer can help you understand the true value of your damages and, by extension, your potential financial settlement.
What Damages Can Be Awarded for My Dog Bite Injury?
Civil law permits the recuperation of damages in an attempt to let a plaintiff return to their original state before an accident. Of course, some injuries are so severe that no amount of money can completely compensate for the damage done.
Generally, the following types of damages can be claimed in dog bite cases:
- Medical bills
- Wages forfeited by time away from work
- Mental or emotional anguish
- Pain and suffering
How Long do I Have to File a Claim for a Dog Bite in Florida?
The Florida statute of limitations for a dog bite is four years. Most victims choose to start their lawsuits sooner rather than later, as investigating and filing a claim takes time, and negotiating a fair settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance provider can be complicated.
An experienced dog bite attorney can help negotiate your damages while you focus on your recovery.
Call a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Most dog-bite lawsuits are resolved without the court’s involvement. But beware that an insurance company will do all it can to avoid paying out the settlement you deserve. Gross & Schuster, P.A. know how to take on the insurance companies, and can help you receive the best outcome possible for your damages.
Ready to speak with a dog-bite attorney at our firm? Call 850-434-3333 or fill out the form on their website to ask about a hassle-free, no obligation case-consultation.
