Live Oak Dog Bite Lawyer

If you suffered a dog bite injury in Florida, you can hold the animal’s owner financially responsible for your losses. A Live Oak dog bite lawyer with Meldon Law will protect your rights and work tirelessly to get the most out of your claim.

Our legal team is here to empower you with as much knowledge as possible. We will support and guide you through every step of your case while fighting to recover maximum compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and more. Call 24/7 to get started with a free consultation.

Liability for Dog Bite Injuries in Live Oak

Florida’s dog bite laws hold dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. Strict liability means that if a dog bites, the owner is responsible for damages, regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of said viciousness. According to Florida Statutes § 767.04, strict liability applies to individuals who suffer bites in public places or while lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property.

In addition, Florida Statutes § 767.01 addresses dog injuries other than bites. The law states that dog owners are liable for “any damage done by their dogs to a person or any animal.” Courts have interpreted this to mean that owners are strictly liable for all injuries caused by dogs, including scratches or falls.

If your dog attack injury occurred while the animal was under the control of someone other than its owner, such as a dog walker or pet sitter, our Live Oak personal injury attorneys may need to build a case based on negligence. In these situations, we will show that the individual in control did not act reasonably or responsibly, and their behavior caused the dog attack.

Our Live Oak Dog Bite Attorneys Will Fight for Compensation

Dog bite injuries can be severe. Some become infected. Bites can also cause nerve and tendon damage. Victims may need significant medical treatment, which can lead to expensive medical bills and other damages.

While every case is different, if you or someone you love suffered a bite injury, our Live Oak dog bite lawyers can pursue compensation for the following:

• Ambulance fees
• Doctor and hospital bills
• Medical procedures and plastic surgeries
• Prescription drugs and antibiotic treatments
• Mobility aids
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Nursing services
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Trauma, stress, depression, and anxiety
• Reduced quality of life

If your loved one suffered a fatal bite injury, our wrongful death lawyers can seek damages on behalf of the deceased’s estate and surviving family members. Compensation may include medical costs, funeral and burial expenses, lost income, and the loss of your loved one’s support, services, and companionship.

Florida Dog Bite Claim Statistics

The Insurance Information Institute (III) states that Florida had the second-highest number of dog bite claims in the nation in 2023, with 1,532 claims. Furthermore, Florida was in the top 10 for claims payment amounts, with an average cost per claim of $66,615.

Many homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog bites. This is important to note as it means that the dog owner likely won’t be paying you out of their own pocket.

At Meldon Law, our dog bite case results include a $150,000 settlement for a woman who was attacked by a dog while jogging on a trail in her apartment complex. The dog nearly ripped off her ear, and the vicious attack left her with facial lacerations and abrasions.

Proving a Dog Bite Case

Florida’s strict liability laws do not mean getting full and fair compensation for a dog bite injury will be easy. Our attorneys may not have to prove negligence, but they must demonstrate you sustained an injury that led to financial losses and pain and suffering.

Our lawyers may also have to disprove the liable party’s dog bite defenses, which may include:

• Trespassing. If a bite occurs on private property and the victim was trespassing, the owner is not strictly liable. The law states that strict liability only applies to individuals with an expressed or implied invitation or those on a property to perform a duty imposed on them by the state of Florida or the postal regulations of the United States.
• Presence of a “Bad Dog” warning sign. Dog owners are not strictly liable for bite injuries on their property if they prominently display a “bad dog” warning sign. If a sign was present, the victim must prove the owner behaved negligently to obtain compensation. This exception does not apply to victims under age six.
• Victim negligence. A dog owner may claim that a bite victim acted negligently and caused their injury. For example, an owner may accuse a victim of provoking their dog to attack. Under Florida’s comparative fault laws, if a victim is negligent, their recoverable damages will be reduced by their percentage of fault. If a victim’s degree of fault is greater than 50 percent, they cannot recover any compensation.

Our Live Oak dog bite attorneys will stand up to allegations designed to reduce your settlement. We know the tactics insurance companies and opposing counsel use, and we won’t back down.

Skill, knowledge, and experience are the most important things in your case, and we bring that and more to the table. Call the Meldon Law team today for a free consultation.

What Is the Dog Bite Statute of Limitations?

If you or someone you love suffered a dog bite injury, you have two years from the incident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11. If the statute of limitations runs out, you likely cannot sue for damages. If you cannot take legal action, it will significantly reduce your insurance bargaining power.

Contact Meldon Law About Your Dog Bite Injury

At Meldon Law, seeking justice for the injured isn’t just our job; it’s our calling. If a dog bit you or your loved one, we can help you recover the money you need and deserve.

Call today for a free consultation and connect with our Live Oak dog bite lawyers. We take personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so working with us costs you nothing upfront or out of pocket.