Victims of animal attacks and dog bites are not without remedy. In the state of Florida, dog bite victims can recover compensation for future medical treatment, medical bills, pain and suffering, lost income, and emotional trauma. It helps to have our Broward County, FL dog bite lawyer assist you so you can get the most out of your case. Depending on your relationship with the dog owner, they may or may not be cooperative and willing to take responsibility for what happened. But ultimately, by law, a dog owner is liable for the harm and damages that their canine causes. If you have questions about this, don’t hesitate to reach out to The Andres Lopez Law Firm as soon as you can.
Florida law is clear pertaining to animal attacks and og bites. The owner is responsible if their animal bites any person within a public space. Furthermore, a dog owner may be liable even if the bite happens in a private space permitting the victim was present lawfully. This liability means they would have to pay for the injury and damages sustained by the person bitten. Liability is imposed no matter what kind of previous displays of aggression the dog has or has not shown, and regardless of the owner’s knowledge of their dog’s viciousness. Florida is tough on owners of canines, but they are not sympathetic to those who were bitten because of their own behavior. Compensation may be reduced based on the degree of fault of negligence of the victim in the biting incident. For instance, if someone taunts a dog, they may be seen as at least partially liable and their compensation amount could be reduced or their claims against the owner denied.
One of the biggest concerns about dog bites is the risk of infection. This is due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth that could be transferred into the wound. It is vital that dog bite victims thoroughly clean the wound and get medical attention. While rabies is rare, it can be fatal if left untreated or treated too late. Capnocytophaga is a type of bacteria that lives in the mouths of cats and dogs and does not affect most people. But those who have a weakened immune system and are bitten by a dog could be vulnerable. It is concerning if a dog bite turns red, painful, and swollen. This is why our knowledgeable dog bite attorney strongly advises being seen by a doctor after a dog bite incident.
If you or someone you care about was recently bitten by a dog in the state of Florida, now is the time to see a doctor and speak with our FL dog bite attorney. You could be owed compensation from the dog owner for your injuries and other damages. We understand that dog bite attacks can be traumatizing. If you need support at this time and are interested in pursuing monetary restitution for what you have endured, contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today.
Dog bites can be traumatic and often leave victims questioning the safety of certain dog breeds. At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, our Broward County, FL dog bite lawyer frequently encounters clients concerned about the potential danger posed by various dog breeds and seeking advice on what steps to take after a dog bite incident. Let’s delve into whether some breeds are indeed more dangerous and what you should do following a dog bite.
The debate over whether some dog breeds are inherently more dangerous than others is ongoing. Certain breeds, such as Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, often have a reputation for being more aggressive. However, it’s essential to recognize that a dog’s behavior is influenced by numerous factors beyond its breed, including training, socialization, environment, and the owner’s treatment of the animal.
While statistics may show that certain breeds are involved in more biting incidents, this does not necessarily mean that these breeds are inherently vicious. It is crucial to consider each dog’s individual behavior rather than making broad generalizations based solely on breed. Our firm is licensed to practice in both Maryland and Florida, so we have seen our fair share of dog bites and they by no means have all been just from a few breeds.
In the unfortunate event of a dog bite, knowing how to respond effectively can significantly impact your recovery and any potential legal actions. Here’s what to do:
Your health and safety are paramount. Even if the bite appears minor, it’s essential to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infections, and a healthcare professional can properly clean and dress the wound, assess the need for stitches, and determine if you require a tetanus shot or rabies vaccination.
Accurate documentation is vital in dog bite cases. If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner, including names, contact details, and the dog’s vaccination history. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and any other relevant evidence. This documentation can be invaluable when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Reporting the incident to local animal control authorities is a critical step. This helps ensure that the dog’s behavior is officially recorded and that appropriate actions are taken to prevent future incidents. It also establishes an official record of the event, which can be beneficial in any subsequent legal proceedings. If you are okay to do so, you should go ahead and call the police at the scene of the injury so they can arrive and document the scene.
Contacting a Broward County dog bite lawyer is essential in protecting your rights and pursuing compensation for your injuries. At our law firm, we have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide you through the legal process, helping you understand your options and build a strong case. We fight hard for our clients, winning settlements as large as $875,000.
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. Working with a lawyer ensures that you pursue the full extent of damages available to you, holding the responsible party accountable for their pet’s actions.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, The Andres Lopez Law Firm is here to help. Our team understands the challenges you face and is committed to providing the support and legal guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with a Broward County dog bite lawyer, and let us assist you in obtaining the compensation and justice you deserve.
Dog bite cases are more common than many people realize, but there are also a lot of misconceptions surrounding them as a Broward County, FL dog bite lawyer knows all too well. When someone is injured by a dog, it can be confusing to know what rights they have or how the legal process works. Here are five common misconceptions about dog bites that could affect your understanding of how these cases are handled.
One of the most widespread myths is that only certain breeds of dogs, often referred to as “aggressive breeds,” are responsible for dog bites. While some breeds may be more prone to aggressive behavior, any dog, regardless of size or breed, can bite if provoked, scared, or feeling territorial. It’s important to remember that any dog can cause harm under the right circumstances, and breed alone is not a determining factor in whether a dog might bite. If you’ve been bitten, contact a Broward County dog bite lawyer to understand your rights, no matter what type of dog was involved. Our team has won multiple personal injury settlements with some as large as $875,000 so we are ready to fight for you.
Many people believe that a dog owner cannot be held responsible for a bite if it’s the dog’s first time biting someone. This is not true in many jurisdictions. Florida, for example, follows a “strict liability” rule. This means that dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression before.
Not all dog bites result in broken skin, but that doesn’t mean there’s no case. Even without visible wounds, a dog bite can cause significant damage, including bruising, nerve injuries, or emotional trauma. Additionally, the fear and anxiety following a bite can be significant and may also be factored into a claim.
While dog owners often hold some responsibility in dog bite cases, it’s not automatic. If the person bitten was trespassing, provoking the dog, or engaging in illegal activities at the time of the bite, they may share in the blame. Florida operates under a “comparative negligence” rule, which means that a victim’s compensation can be reduced based on their role in the incident. Determining fault can be tricky, which is why working with a qualified lawyer can help you better understand the circumstances of your case. Our experienced team has won settlements as large as $155,000 for personal injury cases, so they are well versed in helping clients in comlex cases.
Many people assume that only severe dog bite injuries result in compensation. However, even minor bites can lead to costly medical bills, emotional distress, and time lost from work. Medical care, follow-up visits, and even therapy may be necessary after a dog bite, and these costs can add up quickly. A lawyer can help you recover the expenses you’ve incurred, even if the injury seems minor at first.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog and are unsure about your next steps, we can help. Our Broward County dog bite lawyer team has experience with these types of cases and can provide guidance. Even if the dog bite did not break the skin, we can still help! Contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm today for a consultation to discuss your case and how we can help protect your rights.
The Andres Lopez Law Firm, PA
7351 Wiles Road
Suite 101
Coral Springs, FL 33067
754-764-6775
Attorney Andres Lopez has over a decade of trial experience. In that time, his work and track record of success has earned him a reputation for being a top trial attorney in South Florida.
Born in La Paz, Bolivia, Andres Lopez and his family moved to Washington, D.C. when he was a child.
Prior to attending law school, Andres Lopez tirelessly worked to give a voice to the people by serving in the White House, the Maryland Governor’s Office and managing the campaign of the first Latino to be elected to public office in Maryland.
Devoted to the legal community, Mr. Lopez serves as a member of The Florida Bar, the Broward County Bar Association, the Broward County Hispanic Bar Association, the Maryland Bar Association and the Florida Justice Association.