Dog Bite Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

After a terrifying animal attack, you may be tending to dog bite wounds that created misery in your life. Dog bites can make most dog bite victims distraught, cause them to suffer painful wounds, and also result in PTSD. Additionally, you can also be experiencing serious damages that can negatively impact your finances. Dog attacks can be a source of lost income, pain and suffering, expensive medical bills, and even property damage.

Experienced dog bite lawyers can help you get maximum compensation for your serious injuries. After encountering a dangerous dog, dog bite victims can consult with a Florida dog bite injuries law firm. For a free consultation, reach out to a dog bite attorney in Fort Lauderdale now. Call Tucker Law today.

Common Injuries Caused by a Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity and location of the bite. Some of the most common dog attacks are:

Puncture Wounds

Puncture wounds occur when a dog’s sharp teeth puncture the skin. The dog bite may not appear serious at first glance but can lead to infection if left untreated.

Abrasions and Lacerations

Abrasions and lacerations are caused when a dog’s nails or teeth scrape against the skin, often causing deep cuts that can be difficult to treat.

Infections

Dog bites can easily become infected due to bacteria on the dog’s teeth, saliva, and skin. Infections can range from mild to severe and may require antibiotics or even surgery in order to fully recover from your dog bite.

Fractures

Dog bites can cause fractures when the force of the bite is powerful enough to break bones. These injuries often require medical treatment such as casts or splints followed by physical therapy.

Tissue Damage

Dog bites can cause significant tissue damage, especially when the bite occurs in a sensitive area such as the face or neck. This type of injury may require reconstructive surgery and extensive physical therapy.

Dog Bite Statistics

On average, 4.5 million dog bite attacks happen each year in the US. Out of these accidents, 800,000 of these bites result in a severe medical injury requiring medical treatment. Around 1 out of 75 individuals get bit by a dog. Each day, 1,000 people are bitten by a dog while around 12,480 become hospitalized because of severe dog bites. Around 1 in 5 individuals who are bitten require medical help. The most common victims of dog bites tend to be children. Dogs can bite you with a force of between 120 to 140 psi. The higher the bite force, the more severe the injury.

What Damages Are Recoverable from a Dog Bite Injury?

Depending on the severity of the injury, a victim may be able to recover damages from the dog owner for the following:

Medical Expenses

All medical expenses related to dog attacks, ranging from emergency room visits to reconstructive surgery, can be included. This refers to any future medical expenses that may arise due to the dog bite.

Lost Wages

Any wages lost due to the injury, including any future earnings that may be added to your total compensation from the dog owner. Your lost wages can also include any lost benefits, such as bonuses or vacation time.

Pain and Suffering

Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish suffered due to the injury can be received from dog owners. Examples of pain and suffering are anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Property Damage

Any property damage that resulted from a dog bite incident can be blamed on dog owners. This may include clothing or other items damaged during the attack in most dog bite cases.

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages can be awarded in cases of extreme negligence or where a dog shows a history of violent behavior toward people. Punitive damages are typically awarded to punish the dog owner and discourage similar behavior in the future.

Who Is Responsible for Your Dog Bite Injury?

In most states, dog owners may be liable regardless of whether or not they had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities. This is referred to as “strict liability” and it makes it easier for victims to recover damages without having to prove that the owner was negligent in any way.

Depending on the laws in your state, there may be multiple liable parties for your dog bite injury in addition to dog owners. This could include the owner of the dog, a landlord if the dog was living on a rented property, or even a pet store where the animal was purchased. In some cases, an insurance company may also provide coverage for these types of injuries depending on who holds liability.

In Florida, dog owners are held liable for any attack and resulting injuries inflicted by the animal. According to §767.04 of the Florida Statutes, if an animal causes injuries to a person, the dog owners are directly and strictly responsible for any damages suffered by you. If the pet has a history of aggressive behavior or has been declared by the court to be a dangerous animal, the owner can be held liable for punitive damages as well. The dog attack could have been prevented, and dangerous dogs should never be brought open in public if these dogs bite often. Additionally, if an owner fails to restrain their pet in accordance with local ordinances and laws, they may also face liability for civil damages after a scary dog attack. Victims of dog bite attacks in Florida should seek legal advice and representation to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Dog bite injuries are painful and should never be taken lightly.

Why Do You Need to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?

Hiring an experienced dog bite attorney is the best way to ensure that you receive the full compensation you deserve for your injuries after a horrendous dog attack.

Initial Consultation and Guidance on Your Dog Bite Injuries

Your dog bite attorney will be able to provide a free initial consultation, where they can discuss the details of your case and advise you on your legal options. They will also be able to explain how their services could benefit you, such as helping you understand the laws that apply in your situation and navigating the process of filing a claim.

Gathering Evidence for Dog Bite Injury Cases

An attorney can help gather evidence to prove your case, such as witness statements, medical records, and photos of the injury. Other forms of evidence they might include are previous complaints about the dog, medical expert testimony, and evidence of past dangerous behavior by the dog.

Negotiate With the Other Party

An attorney will also negotiate with the other party or their insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation. Without legal representation, it can be difficult to navigate the complex process of filing a claim and dealing with the other party.

Determine Liability

Your attorney can also help you determine who is liable for your injuries. This can include the owner of the dog, the landlord of the property where the attack occurred, or even a pet store if that’s where the animal was purchased.

Protect You From Costly Mistakes

Dog bite attorneys have the knowledge and experience to avoid common mistakes that can threaten your case. For example, they will know which types of evidence to pursue and how to identify any potential defenses that the defendant may raise. They’ll recommend you don’t talk to insurance companies without speaking to your lawyer first, and they’ll be able to negotiate a settlement that is fair and equitable.

Provide a Fair Defense

A knowledgeable attorney will be able to build a strong case by gathering evidence, including witness statements and medical records. They can also identify any potential defenses that the defendant may raise in order to weaken your case.

Filing and Drafting Documents

Your attorney can help you file and draft all of the necessary documents. From filing a complaint to drafting legal papers, they will be able to handle all of the paperwork involved in your case.

Attorneys Help Educate You on Personal Injury Law

Attorneys can also help you to learn more about the laws that govern personal injury cases in your state. This can be incredibly helpful if you are pursuing compensation for the first time or have concerns about your specific legal rights and options.

Attorneys Estimate Your Damages Fairly

Our attorneys will carefully review your medical bills and records to determine the true value of your damages. We will build a comprehensive report which outlines all of the costs associated with your injury, as well as any potential losses that you may suffer in the future. This report will be used to calculate a fair settlement offer from the liable party.

Speak to a Dog Bite Attorney in Fort Lauderdale

Contact a dog bite personal injury attorney who can help you determine your legal rights and options after a dog attack. Your attorney can also assist with filing a claim for compensation and will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your case. They can help you process and negotiate an appropriate settlement for your dog attack injury, determine liability, build a strong case, file and draft documents, and provide legal advice throughout the entire process. Attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You don’t have to pay our law firm up front, but rather, only when we win your case. To get an idea of how much you might be owed, call Tucker Law in Fort Lauderdale for a free consultation with our certified attorney.

Tucker Law’s main office is located at 800 SE 3rd Avenue, Suite 300 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33316, about 20 minutes from Fort Lauderdale Beach, less than a mile away from Fort Lauderdale Riverwalk, and about 5 minutes away from the Museum of Discovery and Science. Port Everglades is only 15 minutes away. Matthew Sean Tucker, the principal attorney at Tucker Law, is your trusted source for addressing both personal injury and intellectual property matters. With a proven history of expertise and success, Tucker Law ensures your legal representation instills confidence in every aspect of your case. Call Tucker Law today at 1-800-882-5379 with further questions.

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