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A dog bite might seem like no big deal to some, but if you’ve ever been injured by someone else’s pet, you know just how painful (and expensive) they can be. Florida law has specific protections for victims of dog bites, and these ensure that you can seek financial compensation for your injuries. Having a knowledgeable dog bite injury attorney at your side is essential for navigating the legal system with ease. The team at J Johnson Law Firm in St. Augustine, FL can help you build your case and earn the compensation you need.
Florida follows the system of “strict liability” when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is generally held responsible if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the animal had a history of aggression or if the owner knew about the dog’s violent tendencies. You don’t have to prove that the owner was negligent, only that the bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property. If you’ve been bitten, you have the right to seek compensation for a variety of damages, including reimbursement for medical costs and lost wages.
Dog Bites Aren’t Always Minor
Most of us have been nipped by our own pets before but being bitten by an animal you don’t know is another matter entirely. Major injuries aren’t uncommon, and our team may be able to help if you have any of the following:
- Puncture wounds or lacerations
- Infections like tetanus or MRSA
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Scarring
- Emotional trauma
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Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in St. Augustine
Your actions immediately following a dog bite can impact your potential legal claim. If you’re attacked, and it’s safe to do so, take these steps:
- Seek Medical Attention—Go to the nearest hospital or urgent care clinic immediately. Seeing a doctor establishes a medical record and catches any internal injuries before they worsen.
- Identify the Dog and Owner—Obtain the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner.
- Report the Incident—Contact the local police department to file an official report.
- Document the Scene—If possible, take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog itself.
- Contact a Legal Professional—Reach out to a dedicated personal injury attorney for dog bites before speaking with the owner’s insurance company.
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Under Florida’s strict liability statute, the owner is almost always liable for damages when their dog bites another person. However, there are a few exceptions that can reduce or eliminate the owner’s liability. If the victim was trespassing on private property at the time of the attack, the owner might not be held strictly liable. Additionally, if the victim provoked the dog by teasing, tormenting, or abusing it, the court may assign a percentage of the blame to the victim under Florida’s comparative negligence rules.
No two animal attacks are exactly alike, and our dog bite injury attorneys have extensive experience representing a wide variety of claims. We commonly work with clients in these types of cases:
- Incidents occurring on sidewalks, beaches, or neighborhood parks
- Bites that happen while visiting a neighbor, attending a social gathering, or lawfully entering an owner’s home
- Attacks on postal workers, delivery drivers, and utility workers who are bitten while performing their job duties
- Cases in which a child was injured by an animal
Recovering from a serious animal attack takes time, energy, and financial resources. You shouldn’t have to pay out of pocket for an injury caused by another person’s pet. At J Johnson Law Firm, we’re proud to help St. Augustine clients find the compensation they need to make a full recovery. While we can’t guarantee a specific outcome, we can fight for your rights every step of the way. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a claim. However, most experts recommend filing as soon as possible to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines.
In many cases, compensation comes from the dog owner’s insurance, not directly out of their pocket. Dog bite claims don’t have to ruin your relationship—you’re simply seeking coverage that they already pay their insurance premiums to handle.
Filing a claim without a dog bite injury attorney puts you at a disadvantage. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and an experienced lawyer can help you negotiate effectively and increase your chances of appropriate compensation.
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