Dog Bite Lawyer in Destin, Florida

Has a dog bitten you or a family member in Destin, Florida? Dog bite injuries can be painful, costly, and emotionally distressing. You need someone on your side who understands the law and can fight for your rights.

The Bruner Law Firm is ready to help. Our dedicated dog bite lawyers will work hard to secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. We will handle the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. Call us today at (850) 243-2222 for a free initial consultation, and let us pursue the justice and compensation you need to move forward.

Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Destin, Florida

You should hire a lawyer to seek compensation for you after a dog bite in Destin, Florida. Handling everything that follows a dog bite can be overwhelming, but working with a lawyer means you don’t have to face it alone. An attorney can guide you through the legal system, preventing costly mistakes that could harm your case and leaving you free to focus on healing.

An experienced personal injury lawyer understands Florida’s dog bite laws and how to use them to your advantage. They can assess the true value of your claim, accounting for medical expenses, lost income, and emotional trauma. Your attorney can also stand up to insurance companies that attempt to minimize payouts in the name of profit. Without a Destin dog bite lawyer working your case, you might settle for far less than you deserve.

Understanding Florida Dog Bite Laws

Florida law holds dog owners strictly responsible for bite injuries their dogs cause. If a dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, state law holds the dog’s owner liable. This is true regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressive tendencies. This strict liability rule contrasts sharply with “one-bite” laws in other states, where owners are only strictly liable if they knew or should have known about their dog’s aggressive behavior.

However, there is an exception to this strict liability rule. If the owner displays a clearly visible sign with the words “Bad Dog” on their property, they are generally not liable for bite injuries. This exception applies unless the victim is younger than six or the injury resulted from the owner’s negligence.

Steps To Take After a Dog Bite Incident

If you got bitten by a dog in Destin, Florida, you should take steps to protect your health, legal rights, and ability to claim compensation. Here are some critical actions you should take:

• Report the incident to animal control or the police to create an official record of the attack.
• Get contact details from the dog owner and any witnesses.
• Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog if possible.
• Get medical treatment even if the bite seems minor.
• Record details of your medical treatments and expenses.
• Write down your recollection of the incident as soon as possible.
• Consult a dog bite lawyer to obtain legal advice and discuss your options.
• Avoid discussing the incident with the dog owner’s insurance company without legal advice.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You

An experienced lawyer can improve the outcome of your dog bite injury case. They can take the pressure off you by handling complex legal procedures and negotiations while you recover. Here are some other ways a personal injury lawyer in Destin can help with your claim:

• Gathering detailed evidence from the scene of the incident
• Interviewing witnesses to obtain statements that support your case
• Consulting medical professionals to assess the extent of your injuries
• Estimating the total value of your claim to calculate a fair demand
• Communicating with the dog owner and their representatives
• Preparing and filing all necessary claim documents on time
• Negotiating with insurance companies for an appropriate settlement
• Representing you in court if your case goes to trial

Common Injuries from Dog Bites

Dog bite injuries can vary widely in severity and type, depending on factors like the dog’s size, the bite’s location, and the circumstances of the attack. Common examples of dog bite injuries include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Abrasions
• Contusions (bruises)
• Crush injuries
• Avulsions (tearing away of skin)
• Fractures (broken bones)
• Nerve damage
• Soft tissue damage
• Infections
• Scarring
• Disfigurement
• Amputations
• Eye and ear injuries
• Facial injuries
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Compensation You May Be Entitled To

If you suffer a dog bite injury, you may have the right to various types of dog bite compensation in Destin, FL, to help you recover and move forward. Knowing the kinds of compensation available can help you pursue a fair settlement or court award. Depending on the situation, you could be entitled to compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses related to your injury
• Transportation costs for medical travel
• Rehabilitation and psychological counseling costs
• Losses in income and future earning potential
• Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Home modification, assistive device, and household services expenses

Choosing the Right Dog Bite Lawyer in Destin, FL

To choose the right dog bite lawyer in Destin, FL, start by looking for an attorney with substantial experience handling dog bite cases. This experience is a strong indicator that they understand the unique aspects of these claims. Next, check their track record of successful settlements and verdicts. Positive outcomes suggest they are capable of effectively representing clients with similar claims.

When you meet with a prospective lawyer, listen closely to how they communicate with you. Good communication reduces stress and keeps you in the loop. Read reviews and testimonials from previous clients to gauge their satisfaction and experiences, too.

If you need legal help for dog bites in Destin, look no further than The Bruner Law Firm. Our team has over four decades of experience and has recovered millions of dollars in fair compensation for local clients. We’ll fight tirelessly to secure the financial recovery you deserve, too.

FAQs About Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite cases can be confusing and stressful, especially if you are recovering from painful injuries and struggling to pay your bills. Knowing the answers to the following common questions can help you understand your rights and what to expect if you file a claim.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?

In Florida, you have two or four years from the incident date to file a lawsuit for a dog bite injury (depending on whether the injury occurred because the dog’s owner was negligent or the claim is based on statutory liability). If you wait too long to bring your lawsuit, you could lose your right to seek compensation in court. It is essential to start the legal process as soon as possible to ensure you meet this deadline.

Waiting too long could weaken your case, as evidence might disappear, and witnesses can become harder to locate. Consulting a dog bite attorney immediately after the incident is the best way to ensure your lawyer can prepare and file your case within the required time frame.

Can I get compensation if I was bitten by a dog in Destin, FL?

Yes, you can seek compensation if you were bitten by a dog in Destin, Florida. State law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means you can pursue a claim regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression or if the owner knew about it. To obtain compensation, you must prove that the dog bite caused your injuries and that you were lawfully present at the location where the dog bit you.

What if the dog owner claims their pet has never been aggressive before?

In Florida, the law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. This means that even if the dog owner claims their pet has never been aggressive before, they can still be liable for your injuries.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney in Destin, FL?

Many Destin personal injury attorneys, including those at The Bruner Law Firm, work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not have to pay any upfront fees to hire us. Instead, our fee comes from a percentage of any compensation we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you do not owe any legal fees. This arrangement allows you to get legal help without worrying about the cost.

During your free initial consultation, we will explain our fee structure and answer any questions you have. This meeting is also an opportunity to discuss your case with us and determine whether we are the right fit for you.

Contact an Animal Attack Lawyer in Destin, Florida

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Destin, Florida, don’t wait to get the help you need. The Bruner Law Firm is ready to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. Call (850) 243-2222 now for a free initial consultation to learn more.