Orlando Dog Bite Attorney
Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in Florida
If you or someone you know has sustained a dog bite injury in Orlando or any other place in Central Florida, contact one of our Orlando dog bite lawyers.
Every year, millions of Americans are bitten by dogs. Tragically, most dog bite victims are children under the age of three and frequently result in severe disfiguring scars. And, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida is consistently among the leading states when it comes to dog bites and attacks; in 2020, Florida was home to the second-highest number of dog bite claims in the U.S., right behind California.
All this to say, dog bites are incredibly common in the U.S. and in Florida—but that doesn't mean an attack is any less devastating when it happens to you or someone you love. At NeJame Law, our Orlando dog bite attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial consequences associated with dog and other animal attacks, and we are here to help. This is an incredibly difficult time for you and you family, but our firm is here to guide you through the legal process with compassion and a dedication to securing the justice you need to heal.
Which Damages May Be Recovered In A Dog Bite Claim?
Victims of dog attacks in Florida may be entitled to compensation to cover damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
- Lost wages
- Property damages
- Psychological and psychiatric bills (present and future)
Dog Bites - Common Injuries
Dog bites may be devastating. When dogs bite the pressure they apply with their jaws can cause significant damage to:
- Skin
- Bones
- Muscles
- Tendons
- Blood vessels
- Nerves
- Other body parts
Non-Bite Dog Attack Injuries
Florida's strict liability dog bite statute only covers bite-related injuries. However, if you were injured but not bitten by a dog, you could still have a claim against the dog owner if you can prove that he or she was negligent and that this was the cause of your injuries. In other words, if you were knocked down, scratched, or otherwise injured by a dog that did not bite, you can bring a standard personal injury claim against the dog's owner, keeper, or handler in certain circumstances.
To be able to file a claim for non-dog bite injuries sustained during a dog attack, you will need to prove that:
- You were injured by the dog
- You suffered measurable damages
- The dog owner acted negligently or wrongfully
- The owner's negligent or wrongful conduct was the cause of your injuries
For example, if a person allowed their dog to roam "at large" (that is, off leash) in a public park where dogs must be leashed, and that dog knocked you down, causing you to break your wrist and suffer a concussion due to the fall, you could have a claim against the dog owner. Breaking the leash law and permitting the dog to run free are examples of negligence on the part of the dog's owner and could serve as grounds for a claim.
How Our Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help
The personal injury attorneys at NeJame Law have years of experience handling dog bite injury cases and can help you with yours. We will assist you in finding a qualified team of medical professionals to treat your injury. Our dog bite attorneys will conduct background checks on the dog, contact the homeowner and/or dog owner involved in the incident, investigate liability and insurance issues, and negotiate a potential settlement for your claim. If a settlement is not possible or appropriate, we are fully prepared to litigate your case before a jury.
Dog Bites Liability
Florida follows the strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites.
This means you can hold a dog owner accountable if the following are true:
- You were bitten by the dog, and;
- You did not provoke the dog, and;
- You were lawfully on private property, or;
- You were on public property when the bite occurred.
Note that you do not need to prove that the dog owner was negligent to have grounds for a claim. Even if the dog was on a leash when it bit you, or if the dog had never acted aggressively before, you could still be entitled to compensation for your injuries. As long as you can prove that you were not trespassing when the bite occurred, you likely have grounds for a case.
Although many people are reluctant to file a dog bite claim, especially when the dog was a friend or neighbor's pet, victims of serious attacks deserve justice. Dog bites often cause severe injuries requiring emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and ongoing care. They also commonly lead to immense emotional trauma, anxiety, fear, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). You should not have to simply suffer the physical, emotional, and financial consequences of a dog bite on your own.
Most homeowners' insurance policies cover dog bites. When you file a claim, you typically file it against the insurance company, not the dog owner. Pet owners have these policies for this very reason; you should not hesitate to seek the fair compensation you are owed—and NeJame Law can help.
Dog Bites Statute of Limitations
As with other types of personal injury claims, there is a statute of limitations on dog bite lawsuits in Florida. For injuries that occurred after March 24, 2023, victims have two years from the date of attack/injury to file a civil lawsuit. For injuries that occurred before March 24, 2023, victims have four years from the date of their injury to file a civil lawsuit. There are very few exceptions and, in most cases, if you fail to file a lawsuit within the allowed period, you will lose your right to recover compensation.
The sooner you reach out to our Orlando dog bite lawyers, the better. When you hire our firm, we will immediately begin gathering evidence and putting together a powerful case that outlines the full extent of your damages, including your current and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more. At NeJame Law, we fight for maximum compensation for our clients, all while providing the attentive, personalized support they need and deserve.
Contact our Dog Injury Attorneys in Orlando Today
Nothing can negate the trauma of being bitten by a dog or the incredible loss of losing a child or loved one to a dog attack. At NeJame Law, we believe that dog owners, keepers, and handlers should be held accountable when their pets injure and kill others—and we have seen firsthand how a fair settlement or verdict can allow victims to heal.
We care deeply about our clients and our community. At NeJame Law, we strive to hold dog owners accountable to not only ensure our clients receive the fair compensation they are owed but also to help promote a better, safer community for all. If you were injured or if someone you love died due to a dog bite or attack, turn to our team for the caring advocacy and aggressive representation you need.
