Dog Bite Attorney in Jacksonville and Orange Park
According to figures from the Center for Disease Control, over 4.5 million dog bites are reported each year in the United States. Dog bites themselves can cause serious damage and require extensive surgery to repair. Even worse, animal bites can easily become infected, leading to additional health problems and recovery times for victims. If you have been bitten by a dog of any size or type, then the following dog bite legal advice can help you learn more about your options.
What Happens when a Dog Bites a Human?
If you have been attacked by a dog, you likely have some injuries and an infection risk to cope with. Learning more about dog bite law by state can help you understand what to expect here in Florida and how the courts handle dog bite cases here. Any dog can bite, and Florida dog bite law means that the owner is generally held responsible for damages caused by his pet. Animal control dog bite procedure may vary by town, but in most cases, the dog catcher will be along to secure the animal if it was running loose or is dangerous.
How Long Do You Have to Report a Dog Bite?
The statute of limitations for a dog bite lawsuit in Florida is four years. That means if you have been bitten by a dog, you need to see a dog bite lawyer sooner rather than later. If you miss this deadline, you may not be able to file at all. Dog bite court cases are decided by Florida’s dog bite law, FLSA 767.04. Under this law the dog’s owner is held liable for your injuries in many cases, whether you have been bitten in public or if you have been bitten in a private home.
How Much Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
How much money can you get for a dog bite? It depends on the circumstances and damages caused. If you were lawfully in a place and the dog bit you, you likely have a case. If you were trespassing, you may not. Speaking to dog bite lawyers near me or looking for dog bite attorneys in the Jacksonville and Orange Park areas is an ideal first step and can help you determine what to do next.
Get Help from a Dog Bite Attorney in Jacksonville
If you have been bitten by a dog, you need to contact a lawyer specializing in dog bites right away. Even if the owner was not aware the dog was dangerous since Florida is a strict liability state, they are still liable for the injuries their dog caused. Dog bite lawsuit settlement amounts vary case by case; the best way to learn about settlement amounts is to speak to an attorney.