Were you or your child bitten by a dog in Tampa, Florida? Call Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation at (813) 223-6200. Our experienced Tampa dog bite attorneys can help you file a claim against the responsible party for maximum compensation.
Our personal injury law firm has over 119 years of combined experience and has secured tens of millions of dollars for our clients. If you hire us to represent you after a dog bite or attack in Tampa, we’ll work tirelessly to put as much money into your pocket as possible.
Get in touch today to learn more about your legal rights and options. You can receive some initial legal advice about your next steps during your free case review.
Why Should I Choose Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers for Help After a Dog Bite in Tampa?
Dog bite cases in Tampa, FL, can differ from other kinds of personal injury cases substantially, making it important that you have an attorney on your side who knows the ins and outs of this particular area of the law.
Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers has been representing injury victims in Tampa Bay for decades, including in dog bite claims, and has a vast network of resources that we can utilize to your benefit throughout the process.
When you hire our Tampa personal injury lawyers, you can count on:
- Track record of success: Our team has recovered tens of millions of dollars for injured victims throughout Florida.
- Extensive experience: With well over a century of combined practice, we understand the nuances of dog bite claims and know how local courts handle them.
- Aggressive representation: Insurance companies know we prepare every case for trial and won’t accept unfair settlement offers.
- Personalized attention: We will take the time to listen to your story and develop a strategy tailored to your needs.
- Compassionate advocacy: We recognize that a dog attack can be traumatic, and we’ll support you at every step of the process.
Ready to learn more about forming an attorney-client relationship? Contact our Tampa dog bite lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
An Overview of Florida Dog Bite Law
Florida has one of the more victim-friendly dog bite statutes in the country. Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites another person. That means the victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent. The same framework applies to other kinds of dog attacks under Florida Statutes § 767.01.
Unlike some states, Florida does not require you to show that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The owner is responsible if the bite occurred in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property.
Some limited defenses are available. For instance, damages may be reduced if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or acting unlawfully. However, in most cases, owners are legally accountable for the harm caused.
How Much Is My Tampa Dog Bite Claim Worth?
No two dog bite cases are alike. The value of your claim depends on the unique facts surrounding the incident and the severity of your injuries. Our attorneys will carefully evaluate your situation to ensure every loss is considered.
Some of the factors that can affect the value of a dog bite claim include:
- The extent of your physical injuries
- Whether you need surgery or long-term medical treatment
- The impact of scarring or disfigurement on your daily life
- Your lost income and ability to return to work
- The emotional toll of the attack, including PTSD or anxiety
- The strength of the evidence linking the dog owner to the attack
Victims who suffer permanent injuries, such as nerve damage or facial disfigurement, often receive higher awards. The same is true if the attack involved a child or resulted in life-altering consequences.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Dog Bite in Tampa, FL?
Dog bites can lead to severe physical injuries and long-lasting trauma. Florida law allows victims to pursue damages that reflect both their financial costs and the more personal impact of the attack.
Economic damages cover measurable losses, including:
- Hospital bills and ongoing medical treatment
- Reconstructive surgeries and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Medications and medical devices
- Out-of-pocket expenses
Non-economic damages account for the harder-to-quantify consequences, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress, including PTSD or anxiety
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In rare situations, punitive damages may be awarded if the owner’s conduct was especially reckless, such as deliberately training the dog to be aggressive.
We’ll Fight for Compensation Based on All of Your Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can leave victims with serious and sometimes permanent injuries. A single bite can sometimes lead to complications that affect your health for years.
Some of the most common injuries we see in these cases include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
- Eye injuries and vision loss
- Infections such as rabies or tetanus
- Emotional trauma and fear of animals
- Wrongful death of a loved one in extreme cases
Children are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries due to their size and the likelihood of bites to the face or neck. Our firm treats these cases with the seriousness they deserve and will work to secure maximum compensation that reflects the lifelong impact of your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Florida?
Under Florida law, the dog’s owner is the primary party responsible. However, other individuals or entities may also bear responsibility through a negligence claim in certain situations.
Potentially liable parties include:
- Landlords who knowingly allow a dangerous dog on their property
- Property owners where the attack occurred
- Businesses that permitted aggressive dogs on-site
- Caretakers or handlers who had control over the dog at the time
Identifying all possible defendants is critical for ensuring you can recover the full amount you are owed. Our attorneys will carefully investigate to determine every avenue of liability.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Tampa?
You might be worried about whether you can afford a dog bite lawyer in Tampa, especially while facing medical bills and lost wages. However, at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, we handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis.
This means our fee is only a percentage of the compensation we recover for you. If we fail to secure a jury verdict or settlement for you, you’ll pay us absolutely nothing in attorney’s fees. You can also hire us without paying a cent upfront.
What if I’m Being Blamed for the Dog Bite in Florida?
Dog owners and their insurers sometimes argue that the victim provoked the animal or was trespassing. Florida law, however, allows damages to be reduced if the injured person is partially at fault, per its modified comparative negligence statute.
For example, if you are found 20% responsible for provoking the dog, your compensation could be reduced by 20%. However, this doesn’t mean you lose your right to recover altogether, unless the court determines that you were mostly at fault (51% or more).
Our dog bite attorneys are experienced in countering these claims. We’ll gather evidence and witness testimony to show that the dog’s owner should be held fully accountable.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Tampa?
Florida law sets strict deadlines for filing personal injury lawsuits under its statute of limitations. Generally, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file your case in court.
Missing this deadline almost always means losing your right to seek compensation. Some exceptions can apply, but they are rare. Acting quickly gives your attorney time to gather evidence, locate witnesses, and build the strongest possible claim on your behalf.
Contact Our Award-Winning Tampa Dog Bite Attorneys for a Free Consultation
A dog bite in Tampa, Florida, can change your life in an instant, leaving you with serious physical injuries to contend with on top of mounting financial burdens. However, it’s important to remember that you have legal options for recovering compensation, and Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers is ready to help you make the most of your claim.
With more than 119 years of combined experience and tens of millions recovered for our clients to date, you can count on our Tampa dog bite lawyers to get you the results you need.
Contact us today to get started with a free consultation.