Dogs can become excited and nip you on the hand if you are petting them, but vicious bites cause catastrophic injuries and even death. Dogs are known for protecting their territories and owners, and no dog likes to be pestered or hurt. In many cases, these are defenses an owner can use to avoid liability. But if you are minding your own business and a dog aggressively attacks you, causing catastrophic injuries, the owner faces civil and criminal accountability.
Under federal law, catastrophic injuries are so severe that they render the person unable to engage in gainful employment. If this definition describes you and you are disfigured, lose an ear, nose, or any body part, or are paralyzed or blinded in an attack, an Inverness catastrophic dog bite lawyer offers empathetic and determined representation. Our dog bite attorneys are ready to support your claim for compensation.
Owner Civil Responsibilities After Catastrophic Dog Bites
The state does not have a one-bite rule, and an owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes. A dog owner is responsible for paying more than medical costs for injuries their dog causes. If they are insured, the first step an attorney takes is to negotiate a settlement. Along with medical care, the dog owner will be responsible for wages the injured person will not earn and subjective losses such as intense pain, suffering, the emotional trauma of the attack, loss of the enjoyment of life, and disfigurement.
If insurance negotiations are unsuccessful, our Inverness attorneys aggressively pursue compensation by filing a catastrophic dog bite lawsuit, asking for an adequate amount so an injured person does not have to struggle with future financial challenges.
Exceptions to Strict Liability
An owner is not liable for some dog attacks because they have a credible defense. If the dog is contained on the owner’s property and a trespasser enters despite warnings that a guard dog is on duty, the dog is doing a job protecting property. If the injured party is provoking the dog, making threatening acts toward the owner, or is being abusive to the dog, the owner will not be liable for injuries. Conversely, criminal charges can be levied if the dog is considered dangerous and bites unprovoked.
Limited Time to File a Lawsuit
Florida imposes a Statute of Limitations on filing lawsuits, including for personal injuries such as catastrophic dog bite cases. According to the Florida Statutes Annotated § 95.11, a person has two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. A lawyer in Inverness could file a claim after a catastrophic dog bite within this timeframe.
An Inverness Catastrophic Dog Bite Attorney is Here to Help
Catastrophic dog bites are traumatic and life-altering. Your days will be painful and concentrated on healing. You will be unable to work, and overcoming the psychological damage will take time. While you address your medical issues, you have compassionate and steadfast allies in our attorneys. Most large law firms work on volume and settle your claim with an insurer while assigning you a paralegal instead of an attorney is their business model.
We are a hands-on firm with big city resources and decades of experience. Your attorney works with you throughout your case, keeping you apprised of everything that happens and answering your questions when you have them. Do not settle for being a number. Our Inverness catastrophic dog bite lawyers are ready to meet you and hear your story. Call today.
