North Port Dog Bite Attorneys

Table of Contents

• Florida Recognizes Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
• Steps to Take if Injured in a Dog Bite Attack
• Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Attack Claim
• Why You Need a North Port Dog Bite Lawyer?
• Dog Bite Injury FAQs
• Call Our North Port Dog Bite Lawyers Today

North Port has many dog-friendly parks and patios where you will encounter dogs. Dogs are man’s best friend until a bite or an attack results in serious injuries.

A North Port dog bite lawyer will fight for your right to compensation when injured in a dog bite attack. The owner of a dog has the responsibility of preventing their pet from attacking others at all times, whether on their own property, out in public, or inside a restaurant or store that allows pets. Call Boohoff Law for your free consultation with our team today.

Florida Recognizes Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases

When it comes to dog bite cases in Florida, the state recognizes strict liability. This means that when a dog bites a person in a public place, the dog’s owner is held responsible for the attack. If the attack occurs in a private place, the law will hold the dog’s owner liable so long as the victim is legally allowed to be there.

On top of that, the previous viciousness of the dog does not matter, nor does the knowledge of said viciousness by the owner when an attack occurs. Strict liability does not apply to dog bite attacks from police dogs, military dogs, or attacks where only property damage is present and no people suffered a dog bite.​

Steps to Take if Injured in a Dog Bite Attack

If you ever find yourself injured following a dog bite attack, the steps you take in the immediate aftermath go a long way in determining the success of any claim you decide to file against the dog’s owner.

Dog bite attacks can happen anywhere, including in public parks in North Port, Florida:

• Blue Ridge Park
• Atwater Community Park
• McKibben Park
• Butler Park
• Oaks Park

After a dog bite attack:

• Call 911
• Let the EMTs evaluate you
• File a police report
• Try to keep the dog owner and dog from leaving the scene
• Take pictures of your injury and the dog
• Ask the dog owner for a copy of the dog’s rabies certificate and other vaccinations
• File a report with the local animal control department
• Go to the hospital
• Follow the instructions for wound care explicitly
• Speak to a North Port dog bite lawyer

It is never a good idea to provoke a dog of any size or breed, even if you and the dog are familiar with each other. If you provoked the dog before it attacked, this can harm your chances of being successful in seeking compensation for your injuries in a dog bite injury lawsuit.

Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Attack Claim

In a dog bite attack claim, the plaintiff can request compensation for their injuries and other damages. They will file the claim against the dog’s owner and their insurance company.

You can claim the following damages for a dog bite attack:

• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of consortium
• Medical expenses
• Rehabilitative expenses
• Loss of future earnings

It is difficult to put a price tag on how much money you can recover in a dog bite attack claim because all of these cases differ. Your North Port dog bite lawyer will need to review the circumstances of the attack and the severity of your injuries and then provide you with an honest review and estimate of the damages you can seek.

Why You Need a North Port Dog Bite Lawyer?

As with all areas of the law, dog bite laws in Florida can be challenging to understand. You are at a better advantage when represented by a North Port dog bite lawyer than when you represent yourself in such a case. A lawyer will do everything possible to ensure that you receive the proper compensation for your injuries when bitten by a dog. Contact Boohoff Law today to schedule a consultation with a member of our team so you can focus on recovery.

Dog Bite Injury FAQs

How can a personal injury attorney help me?

After being injured in a dog bite attack, a North Port dog bite injury lawyer can make a world of difference. An attorney knows how to launch an investigation, acquire copies of all reports filed, speak with witnesses, and build a case for settlement negotiations or take the claim to trial for you.

Can a dog bite become infected?

Yes, a dog bite can become infected if you fail to care for it properly. This is why you should immediately seek medical attention following an attack and heed the instructions provided by the doctor.

What if the victim of the dog bite attack was my child?

Your child has the same rights after a dog bite attack that you do, which means you can seek compensation for their injuries on their behalf. A child’s dog-bite injury might be worth more than an adult’s due to their young age if they suffered permanent disfigurement or paralysis.

How long will it take to settle a dog bite injury case?

Most dog bite injury cases can be resolved in a short matter of time, especially if the dog’s owner has insurance coverage for the dog. Most homeowner’s insurance policies ask if you have a dog in your home and their breed, so the policy will likely cover the dog under that policy or an umbrella policy.

What documents do I need to provide in a claim?

To be successful in a dog bite injury claim, you will need to provide the insurance company with pictures of your injuries, medical records, a police report (if you called the police), and any insurance paperwork.

Call Our North Port Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one suffered an injury in a dog bite attack, you need the experienced representation of a North Port personal injury lawyer by your side. At Boohoff Law, we have decades of combined experience representing victims of dog bite attacks. Do not let the dog owner get away without being held responsible. 

Call our office at (941) 888-0848 or contact us online for your free case consultation today.

North Port Location

14900 Tamiami Trail
North Port, FL 34287
(941) 888-0848