Ocala Dog Bite Lawyer

Ocala Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one were hurt by someone else’s dog near Ocala, speak with an experienced Ocala dog bite lawyer for help getting fair compensation for your injuries.

At Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our personal injury attorneys will fight to win full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Our legal team also represents clients after Ocala catastrophic injuries, Ocala brain injuries, Ocala child injuries, burn injuries, slip and falls, wrongful deaths, and other types of injuries.

We offer a free consultation so that injured clients can get the legal advice they need. Call us at (352) 351-3258 or contact our Ocala law offices online to schedule yours today.

Why it’s Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Dog Bite Near Ocala

Why it’s Important to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer After a Dog Bite Near Ocala

Dog bites are taken seriously under Florida law. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their pets. Despite this, getting fair compensation isn’t always easy. When insurance companies get involved, you should expect them to do everything they can to pay less than you deserve.

An experienced Ocala personal injury attorney can help you navigate the legal process. We’re here to look out for your best interests and protect your rights.

When you hire Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers, our attorneys will:

  • Investigate to see whether the dog has any history of vicious or aggressive behavior
  • Stand up to insurance companies so that they take your case seriously
  • Consult with experts who can help accurately value your injury claim
  • Negotiate with the insurance company when they try to blame you or your child for the dog’s actions

Navigating the insurance claims process can be much more complicated than you might think. Our lawyers have decades of experience helping clients near Ocala get what they need to move on with their lives. We’re ready to put those skills to work for you.

To learn more about how a lawyer with a proven track record of success can maximize your compensation award, call to arrange a free consultation today.

How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries?

About 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. Some dog bite victims are fortunate enough to walk away unscathed. However, that’s not always the case.

Approximately 1,000 Americans require emergency room care to treat dog bite injuries every day. 

About 14,025 people are hospitalized because of dog bite injuries each year. In 2018 alone, 27,000 Americans underwent reconstructive surgery to correct disfigurement caused by dog bites. Unfortunately, children are much more likely to be bitten by a dog than adults.

Statistically, the dog breeds that are most likely to bite include:

  • Chihuahua
  • Bulldog
  • Pitbull
  • German Shepherd
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Bull Terrier
  • Pekinese
  • Papillon 

The cost of dog bite injuries is substantial. In 2019, homeowners’ insurance companies paid out about $797 million in liability claims stemming from dog bite injuries. On average, the cost of a dog bite-related hospital stay is $18,200.

Understanding the Dog Bite Laws in Ocala, FL

Under Florida law, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs if the victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property. When a dog bites, the owner can be held responsible for compensating the animal attack victim regardless of whether the dog has any past history of vicious behavior. 

Despite this, it isn’t always easy to get the full compensation you deserve. Comparative negligence rules do apply in dog bite cases. 

In other words, the dog owner’s liability for damages can be reduced if you were partly to blame for the attack. For example, if the insurance company blames you for provoking the dog, that could reduce your eventual compensation award.

Are There Any Situations Where a Dog Bite Victim Must Prove the Dog Owner Was Negligent?

Dog owners can escape liability for dog bite injuries by placing a warning sign that includes the words “bad dog.” The sign must be clearly readable. Dog owners who place adequate warning signs are only responsible for damages if you can prove they were somehow negligent.

This exception to the general strict liability rule to victims of dog bites or attacks who are under the age of six.

Florida Dangerous Dog Law

Dog owners can be held criminally responsible for injuries inflicted by their dog if the dog has been classified as “dangerous.” Under Florida law, a dangerous dog is one who has:

  • Aggressively bitten, attacked or endangered, or inflicted serious injury, on a person in the past
  • Severely injured or killed a domestic animal on more than one occasion while off the owner’s property
  • Unprovoked, chased or approached a person on the streets, sidewalks or public spaces in a menacing way or an apparent attitude of attack

Even if this is the case, a dog cannot be classified as dangerous if one of the following was true:

  • The person subject to the initial attack was trespassing
  • The victim was lawfully on the owner’s property, but was tormenting, assaulting or abusing the dog, the dog owner or a family member
  • The dog was protecting someone in the immediate vicinity from an unjustified assault or attack

Owners of dangerous dogs are required to take strict precautions to keep others safe from the dog. The owner must keep the dog in a secure location and place appropriate warning signs so that others know a dangerous dog is present.

If you were attacked by a dangerous dog near Ocala, you have the right to file a personal injury lawsuit to seek compensation for your injury. Give us a call today to learn more about your legal rights and options.

Is There a “One Bite” Rule in Florida?

A one bite rule is a rule that allows dog owners to escape liability if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Florida doesn’t have a one-bite rule. You can pursue your right to compensation even if the dog has never bitten before.

Evidence of a prior bite can, however, be helpful in establishing that the dog owner was somehow negligent.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For My Dog Bite Injuries?

Under Florida’s modified comparative fault laws, multiple parties can be held responsible for damages after a dog bite. That means anyone who’s actions or omissions contributed to the cause of the injuries can be held liable for paying damages.

Responsible parties may include:

  • The dog owner
  • A dog walker
  • Pet sitters
  • Landlords
  • Employers of pet sitters, dog walkers and dog caregivers
  • Property owners

Homeowners’ insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. However, if the dog owner wasn’t a homeowner or doesn’t have insurance, it may be necessary to explore other options for getting fair compensation. 

We’ll Work Tirelessly to Get Fair Compensation For All of Your Dog Bite Injuries

The dog bite itself can cause serious health complications. However, dog bite victims commonly suffer much more extensive injuries. An aggressive dog can easily knock the victim to the ground, causing injuries above and beyond the wound itself. 

Our lawyers handle all types of dog bite injury cases, including those that cause: 

Getting back on your feet after a dog bite injury can be emotionally and physically difficult. You shouldn’t have to worry about financial problems on top of that. Our premises liability lawyers will handle every aspect of your case so that you can work on recovering. Just give us a call today to get started.

Time is Limited to File a Claim

Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations was recently adjusted. You’ll have two years to submit your claim if your dog bite incident was on March 24th, 2023, or later. There is a four-year deadline instead if your incident occurred before that date.

However, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations in some cases. To start the legal process, you only have to make a phone call. Our lawyers are always available to get started on the work needed to preserve your rights.

Damages Available for Dog Bite Victims Around Ocala

When you file an insurance claim based on a dog bite injury, you’re entitled to the same types of compensation you’d get in a personal injury lawsuit or if you were in a car accident. If the insurance company negotiates fairly, it’s often possible to avoid a lawsuit entirely. 

Our lawyers will put together a strong, evidence-backed claim to get compensation for your:

We’ll work with experts to build a strong case for your right to a full financial recovery. If the insurance company doesn’t play fair, our personal injury lawyers are always ready to fight for your rights in court.

Contact an Experienced Ocala Dog Bite Lawyer For a Free Consultation Today

If you or your child were hurt by someone else’s dog in or near Ocala, don’t hesitate to pursue your right to compensation. An experienced Ocala dog bite lawyer at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers can fight for the full amount you deserve. 

When you’re ready to learn more about your right to recover compensation, call our law offices to schedule a free initial consultation. We represent clients near Ocala, Marion County, and across Central Florida.

Our personal injury law firm in Ocala, FL also provides: