.If a dog bites you, you may be dealing with more than just physical injuries. Dog bites can cause lasting pain, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. When someone else’s dog causes you harm, you have the right to seek compensation. You do not have to handle this situation alone. A qualified Coral Gables dog bite attorney from Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can help you understand your options and work toward the financial recovery you need. It is important to consult with an experienced attorney to navigate the complexities of dog bite cases and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Dog bite claims can get messy when insurance companies step in. Their goal is usually to pay as little as possible, which can leave victims stuck with medical bills and other expenses. Florida’s strict liability statute holds dog owners accountable for bite incidents regardless of the dog’s previous behavior, making legal representation essential. The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia has experience handling dog bite claims in Coral Gables and the surrounding areas. We can help you gather evidence, build a strong case, and fight for a fair settlement. Call 305-845-4470 to schedule a consultation today.
Dog Bite Cases Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia Handles
Dog bite incidents can look different from one situation to the next. At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we’ve handled all kinds of animal bites cases, including:
Severe Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can cause deep lacerations, nerve damage, and even permanent disfigurement. In severe cases, victims may require surgeries, skin grafts, or physical therapy. If you or a loved one has suffered significant injuries due to a dog attack, we can help you pursue compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Dog owners are legally responsible for injuries occurring on both public and private property.
Child Dog Bite Cases
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites due to their size and natural curiosity. Unfortunately, dog bites often result in severe facial injuries that require extensive medical care. Our team understands these incidents’ emotional toll on families, and we work tirelessly to hold negligent dog owners accountable. The prevalence of dog bites in the Miami area highlights the importance of legal representation for victims.
Dog Bites Resulting in Infections
Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, causing infections like cellulitis or, in rare cases, rabies. If an infection leads to prolonged hospital stays or long-term complications, we can help you seek damages for your medical treatment, lost wages, emotional distress, and other related costs that may arise.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD from Dog Attacks
The psychological effects of a dog bite can be as damaging as the physical injuries. Victims may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or a fear of animals. We work with mental health professionals to demonstrate how the attack has impacted your life and include these damages in your claim.
Fatal Dog Attacks and Wrongful Death Claims
In tragic cases where a dog attack results in death, surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. We provide compassionate support and legal guidance to help families seek justice for their loved ones and recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, emotional suffering, and other losses. American bulldogs have been involved in fatal dog bites, underscoring the need for thorough legal action.
Dog Bite Statistics You Should Know
Dog bites are more common than many people realize. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly one in five people bitten by a dog requires medical attention. Additionally, during a recent 10-year period, a total of 468 deaths from being bitten or struck by a dog occurred in the United States, an average of 43 deaths per year. Dog bite incidents are notably prevalent in areas such as West Palm Beach and Fort Lauderdale.
Florida consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite-related insurance claims. The Insurance Information Institute (III) reports that Florida had the second-highest number of dog bite claims nationwide in one recent year, with 1,532 reported incidents. Pit bulls, despite making up only 6% of the dog population, are responsible for over 81% of dog-related fatalities, highlighting the importance of legal representation for victims of such attacks.
How We Would Handle Your Dog Bite Case
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we take a thorough and strategic approach to dog bite claims. Here’s what you can expect when you work with our team:
- Free Initial Consultation – We’ll sit down with you to discuss your case, review the details, and explain your legal options.
- Investigation and Evidence Collection – We gather critical evidence, such as medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and any available video footage.
- Identify the Liable Party – Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the animal’s past behavior. Victims generally do not need to prove negligence due to Florida’s strict liability laws. We’ll identify the responsible party and build a case that clearly demonstrates their liability.
- Calculate Losses – Our team will calculate the full extent of your losses, including current and future medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and any permanent disfigurement. Victims can recover damages without needing to prove the owner’s negligence.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies – We handle all communication with the insurance company, pushing back against lowball offers and fighting for a fair settlement. We emphasize the importance of seeking full compensation for all damages.
- Prepare for Trial if Necessary – While most dog bite cases settle out of court, we are always prepared to present a strong case before a judge and jury if needed.
Our goal is to handle every aspect of your dog bite case with care and professionalism so you can focus on your recovery while we work toward the best possible outcome for you and your family.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bite Cases
Do you have questions about your dog bite claim? Here are some answers to the most common questions we hear:
What is Florida’s dog bite law?
Florida’s dog bite law imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dogs, meaning that the owner is liable regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any previous aggression. However, establishing the dog owner’s negligence can enhance a victim’s claim, particularly if the owner’s failure to manage their dog contributed to the attack.
Why should I seek compensation after a dog bite?
Seeking compensation after a dog bite is important to cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. Dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets, especially if they failed to adhere to safety regulations like leash laws. This legal accountability ensures that victims are not left to bear the financial burden alone.
How much is my dog bite claim worth?
The value of a dog bite claim can vary significantly based on the severity of the injuries, medical costs, and other factors. It is important to seek financial compensation for all related costs, including medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering. An experienced attorney can help you achieve maximum compensation for your claim.
How much is my dog bite claim worth?
The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, emotional distress, and any long-term effects. Serious injuries often result in higher settlements. Non-economic damages are also part of the compensation available to dog bite victims, covering intangible losses and the emotional effects of the injury. Lost wages and future medical needs may also impact the claim’s worth. Our team can review your case, explain your options, and help you estimate its value.
Why should I seek compensation after a dog bite?
Dog bites can lead to significant financial burdens, including hospital bills, ongoing medical care, and lost wages if your injuries prevent you from working. Seeking compensation can help you recover these costs, address emotional distress, and hold the dog owner accountable, which may also help prevent similar incidents in the future. Additionally, dog owners have legal responsibilities for incidents that occur on their property, and they can be held strictly liable for any injuries caused by their dog. It’s important to consider the mental trauma that can result from dog bite incidents, especially for children, as this can significantly impact the valuation of claims.
What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?
Many dog bite victims personally know the dog owner, which can make pursuing a claim feel uncomfortable. Fortunately, most claims are filed against the dog owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy rather than the individual directly. Victims deserve compensation when injured by someone else’s dog, and understanding the legal implications is crucial. We handle these cases with care, discretion, and sensitivity to help preserve relationships whenever possible.
Florida’s strict liability dog bite law establishes that dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their dogs not only in public spaces but also in private places where individuals are lawfully present, such as the owner’s property. This highlights the responsibilities and potential liabilities of dog owners, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s rights and the nuances of the law regarding dog bites.
What is Florida’s dog bite law?
Florida follows a strict liability rule, meaning dog owners are typically responsible for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog has never shown signs of aggression. This strict liability framework under Florida dog bite laws means victims do not need to prove negligence to hold the owner accountable. However, exceptions may apply, such as if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or ignoring clearly posted warning signs about the animal. Unlike states with the one bite rule that require proof of the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggression for liability, Florida holds dog owners liable for injuries regardless of prior behavior, highlighting the advantages of strict liability for victims seeking compensation.
How long do I have to file a claim?
Florida’s statute of limitations typically allows two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. If you wait too long, you risk losing the chance to seek compensation. Contact us immediately to protect your rights and explore your legal options. It is especially important to consult with an attorney in Palm Beach County and Broward County due to the complexities of dog bite cases in these regions.
Why should I choose Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia?
At Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia, we prioritize your recovery and peace of mind. With our experienced personal injury attorneys, you can understand Florida’s dog bite laws and are committed to helping you seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our team of dog bite attorneys in Coral Gables is here to support you through the legal process so you can move forward confidently.
Our law firm has extensive experience in handling dog bite cases in Miami Dade County, providing local expertise and availability for clients affected by animal attacks. It is important to seek legal representation from a law firm experienced in dog bite cases to ensure you recover the possible damages and handle the complexities of Florida’s dog bite laws effectively.
Take the First Step Toward Your Recovery
If you or a loved one has suffered harm in a dog bite incident in Coral Gables, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you reach out, the sooner Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia can begin gathering evidence, building a strong case, and pursuing the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress. Having a dedicated legal team to assist with dog bite claims is important for handling the complexities of such cases and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Additionally, our services are offered on a contingency basis, meaning you incur no fees unless your case is won or settled. Your recovery matters, and our dog bite lawyers in Coral Gables are here to help. Contact us online or call 305-845-4470 today to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Coral Gables personal injury lawyer.
