Palm Harbor Dog Bite Lawyer | Dangerous Canine Injuries

Despite a reputation for being man’s best friend, dogs can be quite dangerous. Each year, over 4.7 million individuals in the country are injured due to dog bites. If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dog bite, an experienced personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries. Let a Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer for you.

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Individuals of all ages are at risk of being attacked or bitten by a dog, but children and the elderly are most commonly harmed in these situations. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:

Broken Bones
Concussions
Contusions
Dislocations
Facial Injuries
Infections
Lacerations
Psychological Damage

Someone injured by a dog has four years in which to initiate a lawsuit. Failure to commence a lawsuit within this time frame will result in being barred from claiming compensation for injuries. A Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer can help individuals who are interested in filing a claim.

Dog Bites and Determining Who is Liable

In Florida, a dog owner is liable for almost all cases in which a dog bites someone. A dog’s owner is not liable for a bite against a person who was trespassing at the time of the attack, or when the property owners clearly posts a sign warning individuals about the dog’s nature. That sign must contain the words bad dog, or other language that brings awareness to the dog’s violent nature.

Those who can be held liable for a dog attack or bite include dog sitters and walkers, kennel owners who were tasked with overseeing the dog, the landlord that owned the property where the attack occurred, and/or, the owner of the dog that bit the person.

Defenses to Dog Bite Claims

A dog owner has several potential defenses to a dog bite case, including comparative negligence, and the defense that the dog bite victim was trespassing when the bite occurred. The law dictates that if a dog bite victim’s negligence is partially the cause of a dog bite, the injured will receive a compensation amount that is reduced by their percentage of responsibility for the accident. As far as the trespassing defense goes, if a person trespassing on private property without permission was not lawfully on that property, a dog owner will likely be able to raise a successful defense. A seasoned Palm Harbor dog bite attorney can attempt to disprove the defense’s argument, and can try to establish the dog owner’s liability.

Speaking With a Palm Harbor Dog Bite Attorney

A person attacked or bitten by a dog can face substantial obstacles. Fortunately, a Palm Harbor dog bite lawyer can help you navigate the many complicated issues that can arise in a corresponding lawsuit. Call today to discuss your case an attorney that can help. Your lawyer can provide attention and care to you when discussing your case and determining the best legal steps so you can receive the compensation that you deserve.