Despite being labeled man’s best friend, dogs can cause severe harm. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), over 4.5 million Americans are attacked by dogs each year. And with over 56% of Florida households owning pets, the responsibility of dog owners is ever more important.
If a dog has attacked you or a family member, our Plantation dog bite lawyers from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can help you seek compensation for your injuries.
Grounds for a Dog Bite Case in Florida
If a dog has bitten you or a family member, you may be entitled to compensation via a dog bite lawsuit. Florida Statutes § 767.04 hold owners accountable for any damage done by their dogs to a person, domestic animal, or livestock. When owners or temporary sitters fail to restrain their dog, injuring you in the process, you have the right to take legal action against them.
However, dog owners or caregivers might dispute liability claiming that you caused your injuries. They may claim that:
- You provoked the dog
- You were trespassing
- There were dangerous dog signs posted on the property.
When they push back, our dog bite attorneys can still help you claim compensation under Florida’s contributory negligence law. So even if you believe you are partially to blame for your injuries, you could still have a case.
Find a Plantation Dog Bite Lawyer
Near Me (954) 472-7122
Damages Available for a Florida Dog Bite Lawsuit
There is not a set amount you are entitled to when a dog bites you. Instead, your claim will be valued based on the severity of your injuries and the economic and non-economic losses you sustained. Every case is different, but in general, victims can claim:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Loss of income or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
An accurate valuation of your damages and negotiations on your behalf can make or break the results in your case. Our attorneys have collected millions in damages for our clients across Florida, and we are confident that we can pursue top dollar for you.
Chalik & Chalik Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (954) 472-7122
What to Expect in a Plantation Dog Bite Claim
No one is ever prepared to be bitten by a dog. So, you likely will not know how to move forward after being attacked. But your next steps are critical to protecting your right to compensation. So, here are a few steps to take after being bitten by a dog.
Getting Medical Attention
Your health is the priority after being attacked by a dog. A medical professional should see you immediately to get your wounds treated and take preventative action for infectious diseases.
Filing a Report
Plantation Code of Ordinances Sec. 4.8 requires that you file a report with the Broward County Animal Care and Regulations Division within 12 hours of the incident. You can do so by calling 954-359-1313 extension 9297. By reporting dog bites, you can reduce the spread of rabies and the likelihood of another person being bitten.
Hiring a Lawyer
There is a good chance that the dog owner will not want to take responsibility for their dog’s actions. A dog bite attorney in Plantation understands dog bite liability laws and what it takes to build a solid case on your behalf. Our lawyers work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we are successful in settling or winning your case.
Getting Compensation
Many dog bite lawsuits settle out of court, saving both parties the time and money spent pursuing a lawsuit. Our attorneys can negotiate with the other party on your behalf to get sufficient compensation. If we cannot come to an agreement, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to court.
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Florida Law Limits Your Time to Take Legal Action
Because a dog bite lawsuit is a negligence-based claim, you have two years from the occurrence to file a dog bite lawsuit. Although this may seem like plenty of time, it does not account for any time spent negotiating, investigating, or in the hospital.
Additionally, the longer you wait to file a claim, the longer it will take to get compensated, and the more at risk you will be for having your claim thrown out.
Our attorneys can help you keep your claim on track by:
- Getting started right away
- Keeping you updated about the process
- Preventing insurers and other parties from acting in bad faith
- Filing a lawsuit, if needed
For a free legal consultation with a Chalik & Chalik lawyer serving Plantation, call (954) 472-7122
What a Dog Bite Lawyer Serving Plantation Can Do for You
When individuals decide to become dog owners, they accept the responsibility that comes with it. It is a legal and social standard. Therefore, you may suspect that getting compensated for your injuries will be straightforward, but unfortunately, it can be everything but.
If you have been bit, a dog bite lawyer can help you by:
- Investigating the event
- Taking over all communications
- Gathering evidence and eyewitness information
- Calculating your damages
- Filing all paperwork in a timely fashion
- Negotiating a fair settlement
- Taking your case to court, if necessary
Above all, our attorney’s priority is getting you compensation for your injuries. We will provide personalized, one-on-one attention to you during the process, allowing you to recover in peace.
Statistics Show Dog Bites Remain a Serious Problem in Florida
According to the Florida Department of Health, over 600 Floridians are hospitalized yearly due to dog bites. Of those 600, at least two are killed. The study showed children 1-9 at the highest risk of being bitten and most likely bitten on the head or neck.
This study highlights dog owners’ responsibility to restrain their pets and the importance of holding them accountable when they fail to do so.
Get Help with Your Claim from a Plantation Dog Bite Attorney Today
Compensation for your dog bite injuries may seem straightforward, but issues like liability, the statute of limitations, and bad actors can quickly complicate things. Our dog bite lawyers serving Plantation at Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers can simplify your case by representing you in the process. Contact our office today to get help with your case.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik (954) 472-7122
