Question 1

Does Florida Have a One-Bite Rule?

Accepted Answer

While some states have laws on the books that let an owner avoid responsibility the first time their dog bites someone, Florida does not. Instead of embracing a one-bite rule, Florida’s dog bite rule focuses on strict liability. Florida’s dog bite law, as found in Florida Statute Section 767.04, provides that “the owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.” Dog owners are responsible for harm caused by their animal, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression or the owner’s attempts to prevent the dog from biting another person. Of course, when a dog’s owner is negligent – perhaps by violating St. Petersburg leash laws – that can help to strengthen a dog bite lawsuit.

Question 2

How Do I Win a Dog Bite Lawsuit?

Accepted Answer

When you’ve been bitten by a dog in St. Petersburg, FL, you’ll need to prove the following things to win a legal claim for damages: You were bitten by a dog owned by or under the control of the defendant, and You’ve suffered damages, such as medical expenses, a diminished earning capacity, or emotional distress. Florida law requires you to prove these elements by a preponderance of the evidence. You can offer vet records, police reports, medical records, photographs, video footage, and other evidence to establish liability and your damages.

Question 3

Can Someone Other Than the Dog’s Owner Be Responsible?

Accepted Answer

There are also times when someone other than a dog’s owner might be liable for a dog bite. Most often, this is the case when you’re bitten by a dog in public, while at someone else’s home, or at a local St. Petersburg business. If you can prove that the dog bite was the result of the property owner’s negligence, you can potentially hold them accountable for your damages, too. In these situations, dog bite claims become a matter of premises liability, and it’s up to you to prove that the owner of the premises owed you a duty of care, breached that duty by failing to protect you from a reasonably foreseeable threat to your safety, and that a dog bit you as a result. You’ll also have to prove damages.

Question 4

How Much Money Is My St. Petersburg Dog Bite Claim Worth?

Accepted Answer

It depends. A lot can go into calculating how much money a dog bite claim might be worth. Ultimately, it’ll depend on: The types of injuries you suffered when you were bitten by the dog The severity of those physical wounds Whether you’ll face a permanent impairment or disability Any changes in your income or earning capacity Claims that you bear responsibility for the dog attack Your age and life expectancy before and after the dog attack The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy benefits and limits Things you’ve done to mitigate your injuries The more seriously you’re injured in a St. Petersburg dog attack, the more your life is probably going to change. In turn, the more compensation you might require to cover your financial losses and help you cope with your harder-to-value life changes. Every case is different. Don’t assume your claim isn’t worth pursuing because your dog bite injuries are minor. Even moderate injuries can change the course of your life. You shouldn’t have to struggle with any consequences on your own – not when the dog’s owner is legally responsible for the animal.

Question 5

What Compensation Can Be Awarded to Victims of Dog Bites in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

When you file a dog bite claim in Florida, you can request two types of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are paid to help you handle the financial burdens of your dog bite, such as: Current medical bills Future medical expenses Lost wages Disability Diminished earning capacity Out-of-pocket expenses Rehabilitation Nursing care Non-economic damages are intended to help you deal with more subjective life changes and experiences, such as: Chronic physical pain Emotional distress Loss of enjoyment of life Disfigurement and scarring Pain and suffering Embarrassment PTSD Loss of consortium Our dog bite attorneys in St. Petersburg, FL, are ready to investigate your situation, gather critical evidence to prove your losses, and work hand-in-hand with experts to build a compelling personal injury case on your behalf. We’ll engage in meaningful negotiations with the defense and won’t rest until you’ve been offered a meaningful settlement. If the defense refuses, our respected Florida trial attorneys won’t hesitate to bring your dog bite case to a jury.

Question 6

What if I’m Accused of Provoking the Dog?

Accepted Answer

You can still potentially recover compensation from the dog’s owner if you’re blamed for the dog attack, but your damages will be reduced to reflect your contributory fault. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can be awarded compensation as long as your shared responsibility is not greater than half. The dog’s owner won’t hesitate to accuse you of provoking the dog and instigating the attack. Choose Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers and count on our dog bite attorneys in St. Petersburg to be ready for these tactics. We’ll fight back and work to protect your right to get compensation at every turn.

Question 7

How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in St. Petersburg?

Accepted Answer

Barring any exceptions, you will have two years from the date you were bitten by a dog in St. Petersburg to file a claim with a Florida state court. You have to satisfy the statute of limitations if you want to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your injuries. Once time runs out, the owner can walk away from the incident without having to take any responsibility for the harm their animal has inflicted.

Question 8

What Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Florida?

Accepted Answer

Our dog bite attorneys in St. Petersburg offer contingent-based legal services. Pay nothing to hire our personal injury law firm until we’ve won compensation for your dog bite case. When we win, our attorney fees are simply deducted from the compensation we win for you. If we don’t win, you pay nothing. It’s that simple.

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Why Dog Bite Victims in St. Petersburg, FL Choose Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers