Dog Bite Attorney Tampa

Florida gives the injured victims of dog bites and other animal attacks the right to sue the negligent pet owner for financial damages.

You can recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering by relying on legal doctrines of intentional tort and negligence. Based on this, a skilled Tampa dog bite attorney must hold the at-fault party accountable and obtain maximum compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett know how to maximize the value of dog bite cases—call now to learn more!

Florida Law On Dog Bites

Dog bite law in Florida exists to protect the rights of injured victims. This is a strict liability statute, which means you don’t need to prove negligence to obtain compensation. Moreover, you will need to verify other elements, such as:

A dog bit you
The dog bit you in a lawfully private place or public place

It can be challenging to prove that you were legally present when the dog bite happened in a private place. An experienced attorney will show the necessary evidence to prove you were invited on the property and not trespassing.

Filing a Claim and Suing for Damages

Filing a dog bite claim is similar to filing other civil suits, and because these cases can be worth a lot of money, they are hard-fought by the defendant's insurance company. For this reason and others, it can be dangerous to represent yourself in dog bite claims. You should consult with a skilled personal injury attorney who deeply understands Florida laws and the legal process. They will also have expert advice to obtain a successful outcome on your behalf.

In most cases, dog bites are covered by homeowners' and renter’s insurance. Taking this into account, this is only up to a specified amount. You don’t need to feel bad about taking money from your neighbors or friends. Their insurance will cover your damages and ensure you don’t need to go out on a limb while paying your medical bills.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Florida

Make sure you get immediate medical attention because dog bites can cause phantom injuries that become infected. If your physical and mental condition allows it, you must take as many photographs or videos as possible at the scene using your cell phone. This includes:

The location
The attacking dog
The injury you suffered

Also, collect:

Witness information, including their address and phone number
The contact details and insurance information of the dog owner

You must realize that you can also sue for a minor dog bite. These can spread and cause more significant injuries, so speak with a qualified dog bite attorney to understand your legal options and take the necessary steps.

You are in the Hands of a Fighter: Get Legal Representation from a Tenacious Dog Bite Attorney

Carlson Meissner & Hayslett has experienced and dedicated dog bite lawyers in Tampa that will guide you through the dog bite incident. Our attorneys have helped numerous minor and vicious animal attack victims get the justice they deserve.

The personal injury attorneys at Carlson Meissner & Hayslett have been helping Florida residents for over 50 years and have gained a formidable reputation for relentlessly pursuing maximum compensation for injured victims. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 727-306-0273 or fill out our online contact form.

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