Hiring A Dog Bite Attorney
Encounters with dogs are common, but sometimes these interactions can lead to unexpected and severe injuries. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, it’s essential to understand your rights and seek proper legal representation. Hiring an attorney with experience handling dog bite cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Contact Tuttle Larsen, P.A. and our Melbourne, FL dog bite lawyer to get started.
Risks And Consequences Of Dog Bites
Dog bites can range from minor nips to severe injuries requiring extensive medical treatment. In some cases, victims may suffer from infections, nerve damage, or psychological trauma which can be long-lasting and challenging to cope with. The financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing care can be overwhelming.
Why You Need A Dog Bite Attorney
The legal aftermath of a dog bite incident can be daunting. A skilled dog bite attorney brings valuable expertise to your case. At our firm, we will work tirelessly so that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve.
Experience and Knowledge: Our experienced attorney understands the nuances of Florida dog bite laws and can build a strong case on your behalf. They know how to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and work with medical professionals to substantiate your claim.
Negotiation with Insurance Companies and Maximizing Compensation: Insurance companies often try to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. Without legal representation, you may be pressured into accepting a low offer that doesn’t cover your full expenses. Our attorneys are experienced with dog bite cases and will negotiate aggressively with insurers. Our goal is for your current and future costs to be fully considered when determining the extent of your losses. We will fight to secure the maximum compensation possible.
Peace of Mind: Dealing with an injury from a dog bite is stressful enough without having to navigate the legal system on your own. Hiring an attorney allows you to focus on your recovery. We will keep you informed at every step, providing reassurance and guidance throughout the process.
Choosing The Right Dog Bite Attorney
When selecting a dog bite attorney, consider Tuttle Larsen, P.A. We offer personalized attention and understand the emotional and physical challenges you’re facing. We are committed to advocating for your best interests and dedicated to achieving a favorable outcome for your case.
A dog bite incident can be a traumatic experience with lasting consequences. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t take on the legal process alone. Choosing the right legal representation from the start can help protect your rights and achieve justice. Reach out to our Melbourne, FL dog bite lawyer at Tuttle Larsen, P.A. today.
Florida’s Strict Liability Rule
Florida is known for its strict approach when it comes to dog bite incidents. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., our Melbourne, FL dog bite lawyer has extensive knowledge of the state’s legal framework and can guide clients seeking compensation after a dog bite incident.
Unlike some states that require proof of negligence or prior aggressive behavior, Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that the owner can be held legally responsible for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s precautions.
What Strict Liability Means For Dog Bite Victims
Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog biting another person, as long as the victim was lawfully present on public or private property. This rule allows victims to recover damages without needing to demonstrate that the dog owner acted negligently. Instead, the focus is on the fact that the dog caused harm, making strict liability an advantageous route for Florida dog bite victims seeking compensation.
However, there are some exceptions. For example, if you were trespassing or engaged in unlawful activity on the property where the bite occurred, the strict liability rule may not apply to your case. In these situations, the dog owner may have grounds to dispute liability. Consulting with our Melbourne dog bite lawyer can clarify how these exceptions may affect your case.
More Common Defenses To Dog Bite Claims
It’s important to be aware of any tactics the defendant may employ so that we can build you a strong claim.
Provocation
While Florida’s strict liability law is clear, dog owners may still attempt to challenge claims by arguing that the victim provoked the dog.
Provocation can be a viable defense if the owner can prove that the victim’s actions directly led to the bite. So, if you intentionally teased or agitated the dog, this may affect your ability to recover damages. Our Melbourne dog bite lawyer can evaluate whether provocation might impact your claim and assist in countering such defenses.
In cases involving young children, however, provocation defenses are generally more limited, as the law recognizes that young children may not understand the risks of interacting with a dog. This nuance in the law often helps protect the rights of children injured by dog bites, especially in severe cases where long-term consequences are a concern.
Beware Of Dog Signs
If the dog owner has placed a warning sign on their property, they may try to argue that the sign served as notice of the dog’s potential for aggressive behavior. For adult victims who were legally on the property, this may serve as a defense and reduce or even bar recovery in certain cases.
However, it’s not always a complete defense. The courts will often consider factors such as where the sign was placed, whether it was visible and understandable, and whether it gave adequate warning to someone entering the property.
An important exception exists for children under the age of six. Florida law typically prevents dog owners from using the “Beware of Dog” sign as a defense if the injured victim is a young child. Courts recognize that young children may not fully understand or be able to read the warning, which makes it unfair to hold them accountable for entering a property with one of these signs. Therefore, if a young child is bitten by a dog, the “Beware of Dog” sign generally will not limit the owner’s liability, allowing parents to pursue compensation more freely.
Get Knowledgeable Legal Guidance
If you’ve suffered injuries from a dog bite, working with our experienced dog bite attorney can help you explore your options under Florida’s strict liability rule. At Tuttle Larsen, P.A., we’re committed to supporting dog bite victims and helping them seek the compensation they deserve. Reach out to us today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist in pursuing fair recovery for your injuries.