Bradenton Dog Bite Lawyer
Bradenton Injury Attorney Helping Victims of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks Get Justice and Compensation for their Injuries
Millions of people in the United States get bitten by dogs every year, sending hundreds of thousands of victims in search of medical attention. Dozens of people tragically lose their lives every year to a vicious animal attack. All too often, Florida winds up as a leader among states with the most dog bite attacks or fatalities.
Dogs are cherished pets and are considered beloved members of the family, so it’s easy to forget how dangerous they can be. Regardless, Florida law is clear, and dog owners are strictly liable for the harm caused when their pets inflict injury on another person. As an experienced and aggressive Bradenton dog bite lawyer, Don Cahall of The Cahall Law Firm can help you recover much-needed compensation after an injurious dog bite and hold dog owners accountable for the actions of the animals in their care. Civil lawsuits can help ensure adequate compensation to deal with medical bills or disability while serving the interests of justice and helping make the neighborhood safer for everyone. Call The Cahall Law Firm for help if you or a member of your family has been hurt by a dog bite in Bradenton.
Owners Are Strictly Liable for Dog Bites in Florida
In some states, dog owners are only liable for dog bites if they had prior knowledge of the animal’s dangerous or vicious propensities. Dogs in those states essentially get “one free bite” that puts the owner on notice that the dog could bite; the owner is not liable for that first attack but could be held liable if the dog subsequently bites someone at a later date.
Florida, in contrast, has a much stricter rule known as “strict liability.” Here, dog owners are strictly liable for the injury when their dog bites a person, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before or if the owner had any reason to think the dog might be dangerous. Dog owners are liable even for that first bite.
Strict liability also means that the owner’s negligence is not an issue. The victim does not have to prove the owner was negligent, and owners can’t escape liability by claiming they used care in the way they kept the animal. Victims only need to prove that they were on public property or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred.
Dog Owners Still Have Limited Defenses to Dog Bite Claims
Dog owners can get out of strict liability for bites that occur on their own property in cases where they had a sign posted in the yard warning people about a “bad dog” on the premises. In these situations, dog bite victims would have to prove the owner was negligent in order to hold the owner liable for the attack. Allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely in an unfenced yard where it could reach the victim might be an example of such negligence. When owners know their dogs might bite, they have a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.
The “bad dog” sign doesn’t work if the victim is less than six years old. Owners remain strictly liable to those youthful victims who can’t be expected to understand the meaning of the sign or the danger of an approaching dog.
Dog Bite Victims Are Entitled to the Full Range of Personal Injury Damages
Dog bites and attacks can be ferocious and cause serious injuries, including multiple fractures, nerve damage, facial lacerations, permanent scarring and disfigurement such as loss of an eye, ear or limb. Life-threatening infections can also result from a deep scratch or bite. Victims might need surgery, long-term wound care, rehabilitation, physical therapy, skin grafts and cosmetic surgery. Victims should be able to recover financial compensation for all of their medical needs, as well as compensation for lost income if they missed work or became disabled, compensation for their pain and suffering, and money damages for psychological injuries such as PTSD or fear of open spaces which can spring from a vicious encounter.
The Cahall Law Firm helps dog bite victims recover the full amount of compensation that is available and reflects the serious nature of their damages. Attorney Don Cahall is passionate about helping others and takes an aggressive approach toward getting the very best result he can in every case. The Cahall Law Firm has a vested interest in you and wants to see you recover to the fullest extent possible.
Help With Dog Bite Injuries in Bradenton
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Bradenton, call The Cahall Law Firm for a free consultation regarding your personal injury claim.
