Plantation Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog bite can happen in an instant. One second, you’re enjoying a walk through your neighborhood or a peaceful game of catch at Plantation Central Park, and the next, you are the victim of a vicious dog attack. It’s a traumatic event that can leave behind life-changing physical and emotional scars and one that necessitates a clear plan for protecting your legal rights.

We understand the fear, pain, and distress that victims feel after a dog bite. Our lawyers have successfully handled numerous cases involving dog bites in Plantation, Florida. Work with a Plantation dog bite lawyer who is well-versed in Florida dog bite laws, and make sure liable parties are held responsible for the trauma you have experienced.

We’ll get to work right away investigating your claim and seeking compensation for your injuries. Call today to get started with a free, no-obligation consultation with a skilled dog bite attorney in Plantation.

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Florida Dog Bite Laws – What Plantation Residents Need to Know

Florida ranks second in the nation for number of dog bites, with a per capita bite rate that’s 28.6% higher than the national average. It’s also a popular state for dogs, with nearly 40% of Florida households owning one.

Here in Plantation, dog bite laws are designed to protect victims, lowering the burden of proof and making it easier for victims and their families to seek proper compensation. Learn more about the specifics of local dog bite laws below, and contact us to speak with a dog attack attorney in Plantation for free about your case.

Strict Liability

Dog owners in Plantation are held to Florida’s strict liability laws around bites, meaning they are responsible for the attack even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. This means victims do not have to prove owner negligence or malicious intent, saving time and streamlining the process of filing a dog bite claim.
Exceptions to the Strict Liability Rule

There are certain exceptions to strict liability in Florida. For example, strict liability may not apply if the victim was provoking the dog, trespassing on private property, and/or in the process of committing a crime or tort. A clearly displayed “Bad Dog” or “Dangerous Dog” sign can also minimize a dog owner’s liability for a bite.

Comparative Fault

Florida is a comparative fault state when it comes to dog attacks. If the victim was partially – but not fully – responsible for the incident, then their available Settlement or Award will be reduced by their individual percentage of liability. Examples of comparative fault with dog bites include ignoring warning signs or acting carelessly.

Documenting Evidence

While strict liability makes it easier to collect damages after a dog bite, victims will still need to provide certain documents in order to prove their claim and damages. A dog bite accident lawyer in Plantation can help you gather and organize these documents, which may include eyewitness testimonies, medical records, and/or photos and videos of the attack.

Available Damages

How much you may be entitled to after a dog bite in Plantation depends on a number of factors, including the severity of your injuries and your own possible role in provoking the attack. A lawyer can work with you to determine what damages you are owed, such as compensation for current or future medical bills, lost wages, and/or pain and suffering.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Each year, more than 600 Floridians are hospitalized due to injuries from a dog bite. These injuries range from cuts and abrasions to infections and debilitating trauma disorders, and in rare cases, may even result in death.

The types of injuries we see most often as dog bite lawyers include:

Puncture wounds and lacerations
Infection
Nerve damage
Scarring
Eye injuries
Bone fractures
Tendon damage

There are a wide range of mental and emotional injuries as well that can occur after the trauma of a vicious dog attack. This includes acute stress disorder (ASD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and acute anxiety disorders.

Acting quickly after a dog attack is crucial to the outcome of your case. When you consult with our skilled attorneys, we will immediately begin investigating your claim to establish who was at fault for your injuries and how we may be able to maximize compensation to account for rising medical costs and the burden of recovery. Schedule your free legal consultation today to learn more.

Who is Liable When a Dog Attacks?

In the majority of dog bite cases, it’s the dog’s owner who is fully responsible for any damages or injuries that result from the attack. However, there are certain instances in which some or all of the fault may be shifted away from the owner and placed with the victim. For example, if a person was injured while provoking a dog, the owner is not likely to be found liable for the person’s injuries. Some examples of provoking a dog include:

Hitting, kicking, or grabbing a dog
Teasing a dog, such as poking it with a stick or pulling its tail
Yelling loudly in a dog’s face
Trying to take a toy or bone out of a dog’s mouth
Attempting to pet a dog while it is eating
Intentionally or unintentionally stepping on a dog’s foot or tail
Allowing a young child to hug a strange dog

Dog owners cannot be found liable for bite injuries if the attack occurred on their property and there was at least one easily visible “Bad Dog” sign posted. An exception to this rule exists if the victim is under 6-years-old, as it is generally assumed they are unable to read a posted sign.

Depending on the case details, a dog owner’s insurance may cover the cost of medical treatment, lost wages, and emotional distress related to an attack by their pet. If the dog owner does not have insurance, or if their insurance is too inadequate to provide sufficient compensation, a lawyer may bring a legal claim against them to ensure fair compensation is awarded through any legal means available.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Plantation

The statute of limitations for dog bites in Florida is just two (2) years from the date of injury. Take action right away to protect your health, safety, and rights, and make sure the proper party is held responsible for the damages you have incurred.

Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Have a full medical evaluation as soon as possible after the attack, even if you don’t believe your injuries to be severe. Dog bites can become infected, so you should be closely monitored as you recover. Hold on to all medical records and bills since these will help strengthen your claim or lawsuit.

Step 2: File a Report
Report the bite to Broward County Animal Care or the local Plantation law enforcement office right away. This lends additional support to your claim and helps the county with its public health and safety initiatives.

Step 3: Collect Evidence
You don’t need to prove owner liability, but you do have to prove the specifics of your claim. Photos, witness statements, medical records, and other documents are a must, and should be gathered and appropriately organized when you file.

Step 4: Call a Lawyer
It’s important to contact a reputable attorney after a dog bite. Through our quality legal services, our dog bite injury lawyers in Plantation will help determine the best course of action for you to take, and we will work diligently to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.

A Plantation Dog Bite Attorney Can Help

Whether you are a mail carrier, delivery person, family member, or neighbor, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit if you were attacked or bitten by another person’s dog. While no amount of money can erase the physical and emotional scars left after an attack, it can help relieve the financial burden associated with costly medical treatments, doctor visits, and lost wages.
Gordon & Partners Law Firm is known throughout Plantation for the successful verdicts, settlements, and awards we’ve been able to obtain for our clients, including more than $1 Billion in personal injury compensation. We are here to help you recover the maximum amount of compensation allowed by law and work on a contingency fee basis so that you don’t pay anything until you win.

Because of the statute of limitations, it is important for dog bite victims to contact a reputable attorney as soon as possible following a dog attack. With decades of experience handling dog bite lawsuits, a Plantation dog bite lawyer from our firm has the knowledge and resources necessary to effectively represent injured victims and ensure they receive the maximum amount of financial restitution allowed by law. Call today to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation and get a complete overview of your legal rights and how much your case may be worth.

Call (855) 722-2552