248 ReviewsHow Can a Dog Bite Attorney Help?
During this challenging time, it’s important to focus on your recovery as you heal both mentally and physically after a serious dog attack. Dealing with insurance companies or the dog owner’s defense attorney can cause significant stress, leaving you feeling overwhelmed and frustrated. When you work with a dog bite lawyer on our legal team, our goal is to make the entire process as low-stress as possible, allowing you to focus on your well-being and moving forward with your life.
At Friedland & Associates, our dog bite attorneys are well-versed in dog bite laws in their respective states. They understand the legal standards for liability, negligence, and defenses available to dog owners. This knowledge ensures that your case is approached with precision and insight.
Our attorneys can help during this time by:
Gathering Evidence
A dog bite attorney at Friedland & Associates will gather evidence, including medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any documentation related to the incident. This evidence supports your claim and strengthens your position during negotiations or in court.
Negotiation and Litigation
Our dog bite attorneys engage in negotiation with insurance companies or, when necessary, file a lawsuit to recover damages. We will gather evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and photographic documentation of injuries, to build a strong case. With expertise in dog bite cases, our attorneys will pursue the compensation you deserve for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional trauma.
Reviewing Homeowner’s Insurance Policies
Dog owners often rely on their homeowner’s insurance to cover liability in case their dog bites someone. However, some insurance policies may exclude coverage for certain breeds or aggressive dogs. It’s important for dog owners to review their insurance policies to understand their coverage.
If the dog’s owner does not have insurance coverage, you may be entitled to pursue compensation in court.
What Are Liability Laws for Dog Bites?
Dog bite laws vary from state to state and can be very complex.
Florida:
Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. This means that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior or had a history of biting. The dog’s owner can be held responsible for the first bite itself, without the need to prove the dog’s prior dangerous propensities.
Comparative Negligence
Florida follows a comparative negligence rule in personal injury cases, including dog bites. This means that if the victim’s actions contributed to the incident, their compensation may be reduced proportionately to their level of fault.
New York:
New York follows a mixed liability rule for dog bite cases. This means that dog owners can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs, but the circumstances of the incident are taken into account. In cases where the dog has shown prior aggressive behavior or the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous propensities, strict liability may apply. However, in cases where the dog had no prior history of aggression, the victim must demonstrate that the owner was negligent in controlling the dog to establish liability.
Comparative Negligence
Similar to Florida, New York also employs a comparative negligence standard. If the victim’s actions contributed to the dog bite incident, their compensation may be reduced in proportion to their level of fault. For instance, if the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property, their own negligence might diminish their potential compensation.
What Are Leash Laws and Local Regulations?
Many municipalities within New York and Florida have specific leash laws and regulations governing pet ownership. Dog owners must follow these laws to avoid potential liability. If a dog attack occurs due to a violation of local regulations, it could impact the owner’s liability in the case.
What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe, often leaving victims with physical and emotional scars.
Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Fractures
- Soft tissue injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Internal damage
In some cases, dog bite victims may require surgery to repair tissue damage, address nerve injuries, or even reconstruct facial features. The risk of infection is a major concern due to the potential introduction of bacteria during the attack.
Victims may also experience emotional distress, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder as a result of the attack.
Should I Report a Dog Bite?
Dog bites should be reported to local authorities, particularly if the bite is severe or causes injury. This reporting can help document the incident and may be important for legal purposes.
What Are the Statutes of Limitations?
In New York, dog bite victims typically have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit seeking compensation.
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, is generally four years from the date of the incident.
Failing to file a lawsuit within the statute of limitations may result in the loss of the right to seek compensation.
Contact Us Today!
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, our dog bite lawyers at Friedland & Associates are here to stand by your side. With a deep understanding of dog bite cases and a commitment to securing fair compensation, we’re here to guide you through the challenges ahead.
Reach out to us today to schedule a free consultation.
