Dog bites are unfortunately common incidents that can lead to serious injuries, both physical and emotional. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. At Dermer Law, we understand the distress and pain that come with such injuries, and we’re here to help guide you through the legal process.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can vary in severity, from minor scratches to severe wounds that may require medical treatment. Common injuries from dog bites include:
- Lacerations and Puncture Wounds: These can lead to infections if not treated promptly.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Serious bites can leave permanent scars.
- Infections: Bacteria from the dog’s mouth can lead to serious infections.
- Emotional Distress: Victims, especially children, may suffer from psychological effects such as PTSD or fear of dogs.
The severity of the injury will determine the extent of the compensation you may be entitled to.
Legal Grounds for Filing a Dog Bite Claim
When filing a personal injury claim for a dog bite, it’s essential to establish the liability of the dog owner. Florida follows the “strict liability” rule for dog bites, meaning the owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression. To file a successful claim, consider the following:
- Owner Negligence: If the dog owner failed to take reasonable precautions (e.g., not leashing the dog or securing their property), they may be held accountable.
- Dog’s History: If the dog has bitten someone before, the owner might be considered negligent for not preventing further incidents.
- Proving Liability: Gather evidence such as witness statements, photos of the injury, medical records, and police reports to support your claim.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, there are several important steps to take to protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even minor bites can lead to infections, so it’s crucial to get checked by a doctor.
- Report the Incident: Contact animal control or local law enforcement to report the bite. This helps establish an official record of the incident.
- Document the Injury: Take photos of your injuries and the scene where the bite occurred.
- Get the Dog’s History: If possible, obtain information about the dog, including vaccination records and any history of previous bites.
How Dermer Law Can Help You with Your Dog Bite Claim
At Dermer Law, we’re dedicated to helping you through every step of the process. From gathering evidence to negotiating with insurance companies, we ensure that no stone is left unturned. Our team understands the complexities of personal injury claims and will fight for your right to compensation.
Why Choose Dermer Law?
- Experience with Personal Injury Claims: Our team, led by seasoned attorneys like Jay Dermer and Maxwell Shrem, has extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries.
- Respect and Communication: We treat our clients with respect and maintain open communication throughout the process.
- Compassionate Representation: We care about your well-being and fight for the compensation you deserve to cover medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
Common Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
The compensation you may receive depends on the severity of your injury and other factors. Typical damages include:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: If your injury has caused you to miss work, you may be entitled to compensation for lost income.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the injury.
- Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement: If the injury leads to long-term scarring or permanent disability, additional compensation may be awarded.
Take the First Step Towards Compensation
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite, don’t wait to take action. The experienced team at Dermer Law is here to support you in your pursuit of justice. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve.
