While many people refer to dogs as “man’s best friend,” an attack by one of these animals can quickly turn into a worst-case scenario. Dog bites can result in permanent scarring, disfigurement, chronic pain, and even death. If you suffered injuries due to a canine attack, our skilled personal injury attorneys are ready to help.
You have the right to pursue legal action against the owner of the dog that attacked you. However, this type of claim can be challenging to handle on your own. Let a Cocoa dog bite lawyer evaluate your case and advise you on a legal path forward. At Norden Leacox Accident & Injury Law, our team is not afraid to advocate on your behalf and fight for what is right.
Every jurisdiction handles liability for dog attacks differently. In Florida, state law says the owner of a dog could be held liable for bite injuries if two factors are present. The dog must have a history of biting another person, and that bite must have occurred in a public place or on private property where the victim had the right to be.
When these circumstances are established, the victim of a dog bite has the right to pursue a “strict liability” case against the owner of the animal. Unlike in negligence cases, it is possible for the injured party to recover compensation without needing to prove that the owner’s negligence allowed the bite to happen.
The strict liability standard is only available in cases involving bite injuries. If a dog injures a person in another way—like knocking them to the ground—this legal standard does not apply. Instead, the injured party must establish that owner negligence played a part in the injury. A Cocoa dog bite attorney can analyze the details of an attack to determine the best course of action for a given circumstance.
Different types of compensation are available in a successful dog bite injury case. This compensation relates to the physical, emotional, and financial trauma that comes with the injury. Some of the types of damages that a Cocoa dog bite attorney can recover include:
Many dog bite injuries are serious enough to cause a person to lose time away from work. This could be the result of the injury itself or from secondary infections that lead to further damage.
Medical care following a dog attack can be expensive. For some victims, the necessary treatment for these injuries could last for months or longer. Dog attacks can lead to nerve damage and other conditions that require treatment for the rest of a person’s life. In some instances, reconstructive surgery may be necessary.
Dog bites are known to be painful. Even relatively minor injuries can cause severe pain in the short term. However, in addition to the physical and financial losses individuals can suffer after these attacks are also emotional stressors such as anxiety, PTSD, depression, disfigurement, and an overall decrease in quality of life.
If a dog bit you, our attorneys are here to help. We understand what it takes to hold the owners of dangerous dogs accountable, and we handle these cases without charging any fees upfront. If you are ready to discuss your options during a free consultation, reach out to a Cocoa dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.
