Every dog owner should ensure that their pet is healthy, stable, and safe around people. If they are not, it can cause a life-changing injury or even death, especially when the dog bites a child or an older person.
Even small dog bites can be dangerous. Please do not wait to consult a Lake Mary dog bite lawyer about any dog attack you or your close relative may have suffered. Our team of dedicated personal injury attorneys at Rue & Ziffra is here to help you understand your rights, evaluate your options, and pursue the compensation you may deserve for your injuries.
Dogs can cause injuries not just through biting but through clawing, pulling, and force strong enough to knock a person to the ground. They may cause:
Children and senior citizens run the greatest risk of severe injury or death from a dog attack. If a dog attacked you in Lake Mary, you should get an exam and contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as you can, particularly if there is any doubt about the dog’s rabies vaccination status. If a human develops rabies, there is no chance of survival; only immediate treatment can prevent it.
You should also take other dogs, cats, and domestic animals to a veterinarian after a dog bite. They suffer the same dog bite injuries as humans, and the bills to help them recover can cost nearly as much.
The law holds dog owners responsible for almost any attacks on humans and domestic animals in Florida Statutes § 767.04 and § 767.01. When a dog bites a person who is lawfully at a private place or in public in Lake Mary, it does not matter whether the lawyer argues the owner knew about any previous bites. Unlike other states, there is no “one-bite rule.”
The dog owner can still raise some defenses. If the person was partly responsible—for example, by provoking the dog—they cannot claim full compensation. If the owner posted a prominent sign stating possible danger, an injury claimant will need to prove that the owner is responsible for the dog bite before they can recover (unless they are under 6 years old).
Under state law, the owner of a dog considered dangerous has to carry $100,000 worth of liability coverage for any injuries it may cause. Regulations require them to contain the dog on a leash and muzzle it properly.
If a dog kills a person in Florida, that person’s immediate family may have a wrongful death claim. Each survivor would have a claim for what they lost due to their loved one’s death, including damages for mental pain and suffering.
If you survived a dog attack, you could claim damages for:
The owner of an injured animal may have a claim for veterinary costs or the animal’s value. Further damages may be possible if the dog attack resulted from its owner’s malice. A skilled dog bite attorney can determine how much a Lake Mary survivor can recover for all their losses.
At Rue & Ziffra, we have represented Florida injury clients for decades. Our team of local injury attorneys knows how emotionally difficult dog bite claims can be, and we want to help your family get the care and justice they deserve.
Get started today with a free case review appointment and speak with a Lake Mary dog bite lawyer about your situation.
Rue & Ziffra – Your Trusted Personal Injury Lawyers
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