Sarasota dog bite victims deserve aggressive legal representation after a traumatic attack. Florida’s strict liability laws protect dog bite victims and hold owners accountable, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior, and if you’ve been bitten, you deserve justice and the compensation that can make you whole again.
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, offers experienced Sarasota dog bite lawyers who fight for maximum compensation. If you’ve been bitten, call us now to schedule a free consultation with no upfront fees. We don’t collect any money from you unless we win your case.
Our firm has served Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, and surrounding areas with more than 40 years of personal injury experience. When you’ve been bitten, call Jack Bernstein for justice and respect.
Were you injured by a dog? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
Why Dog Bite Victims in Sarasota Trust Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys
Victims of dog bites need experienced Sarasota dog bite lawyers who understand Florida’s strict liability laws. We have more than 40 years of experience protecting personal injury victims throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater.
Our team consists of more than 40 professionals, including six experienced attorneys and dedicated support staff. We’re committed to aggressive advocacy, thorough investigation, and personalized attention for dog bite cases.
All of our cases are handled on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we win.
Liability for Dog Bites in Florida
Florida has strict liability for dog bites under Florida Statute § 767.04. Dog owners in Florida are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of prior knowledge or the dog’s history of aggression.
In Florida, victims do not need to prove negligence or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
If the bite was on private property, you must have been lawfully present on that property to file a case. This includes being an invited guest, a postal worker or utility worker, service professional, and other reasons.
No “One-Bite Rule” in Florida
Unlike some other states, Florida does not follow the “one-bite rule.” Owners cannot escape liability by claiming their dog has never bitten someone before. Even a first-time bite holds the owner fully accountable under Florida law.
This protection makes it easier for victims to pursue compensation without proving prior knowledge.
Exceptions To Strict Liability for Dog Bite Cases
There are some exceptions to the strict liability rule. The first is called the “bad dog” sign defense — owners who prominently display a “Bad Dog” warning sign may avoid liability. This defense does NOT apply to children under 6 years old. Dog owners are also not liable if the victim was unlawfully on the property.
In addition, Florida uses what is called comparative negligence statute. This means if the victim holds some culpability for the attack, the owner may not be held liable. If the victim provoked the dog or contributed to the incident, compensation may be reduced. Florida’s modified comparative negligence statute bars recovery if the victim is more than 50% at fault.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
Dog bite injuries range from minor puncture wounds to severe, life-altering trauma. Dog bites can leave lifelong physical and emotional scars, and about half of the 4.5 million dog bite victims annually in the United States are children, according to the CDC.
Children ages 5 to 9 are at highest risk, and children under 4 often suffer head and facial injuries. Injuries can be especially severe when they involve children, elderly individuals, or vulnerable adults.
Physical Injuries From Dog Attacks
As experienced Sarasota, FL, animal attack lawyers, we know injuries can be severe. Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Facial injuries
- Multiple fractures
Permanent scarring and disfigurement, particularly facial scarring in children, is also common. Additionally, many dog bite wounds become infected due to the bacteria in the saliva of the animal, and infections can be life-threatening. Severe attacks may require surgery, skin grafts, or even amputation.
Some victims can also suffer permanent disability requiring ongoing medical treatment and care.
Psychological Trauma and PTSD From Dog Bites
Dog bites can cause significant emotional trauma beyond physical pain. In addition to physical injuries, those who have been bitten by a dog can suffer from psychological wounds as well.
PTSD symptoms can include:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Anxiety
- Avoidance behavior
- Fear of dogs
Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term psychological effects, and scarring can cause depression, low self-esteem, and social anxiety. In addition to recovering compensation for costs associated with physical wounds, victims can recover compensation for psychological injuries and emotional distress as well.
Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims in Sarasota
With more than 40 years in business as a top Sarasota dog bite law firm, we have seen that many victims don’t realize the full extent of the damages that they can claim.
Florida’s strict liability laws help victims recover financial compensation for their full losses.
Victims of dog bites in Sarasota may be entitled to two types of damages: economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages are things to which a dollar amount can be easily attached, for example medical bills, transportation, and lost wages to cover the present and future. Non-economic damages are for concepts such as pain and suffering that a dollar amount cannot be easily attached, but are real, nonetheless.
The average dog bite settlement in Florida ranges from $25,000 to over $400,000, depending on severity. At Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, we fight for maximum compensation in every case.
Economic Damages
Recoverable economic damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Emergency care
- Surgery
- Follow-up treatment
- Lost wages
- Future medical expenses
- Rehabilitation costs
- Prescription medications
- Medical equipment
Economic damages also include lost earning capacity if the injury affects the victim’s ability to work long-term. Documentation of all expenses is critical for building a strong claim.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages can include concepts such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Compensation for permanent disfigurement, scarring, and disability are also considered non-economic damages. Psychological injuries like PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable as well.
Experienced Sarasota dog bite attorneys know how to properly value these intangible losses.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Sarasota
Taking immediate steps after a dog bite is crucial for protecting your legal rights and building a strong case. Victims should act quickly to preserve evidence and meet legal deadlines. Consulting with a Sarasota dog bite lawyer promptly after an incident is essential.
The statute of limitations, or the time you have to file a claim in Florida, is two years from the date of the incident. If you are able, document everything thoroughly from the beginning.
Step 1: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Victims of dog bites should seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor. Dog bites have high infection risk and may require antibiotics, stitches, or surgery. Medical records also serve as critical evidence for your claim.
Victims should see a doctor within 24 hours for any bite that breaks the skin.
Step 2: Report the Dog Bite to Sarasota County Animal Services
Victims should report the dog bite to Sarasota County Animal Services at (941)-861-9500. Reporting the bite creates official documentation and ensures proper investigation. In the meantime, the animal may be quarantined and monitored for rabies.
Animal Services reports also support legal claims by establishing a record of the incident.
Step 3: Document the Incident and Gather Evidence
After you’re safe, you should photograph all the injuries, the scene of the attack, and the dog, if possible. Identify the dog’s owner and get contact information. We also recommend that you obtain witness contact information and written statements as well.
It’s also a good idea to preserve the clothing worn during the attack as evidence.
Step 4: Contact a Sarasota Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you need to consult with the best Sarasota dog bite lawyer you can reach, as soon as possible. A lawyer can investigate the dog’s history and gather additional evidence, and early legal involvement helps protect rights and strengthen the case.
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, offers free, confidential consultations for any dog bite in the state of Florida.
How Our Sarasota Dog Bite Attorneys Build Your Case
Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, conducts thorough investigations to build winning cases. When you come to us, we’ll gather evidence on your behalf, including Sarasota County Animal Services reports, medical records, and witness statements. Our attorneys additionally work with medical experts to document the full extent of injuries.
We’ll also investigate the dog’s history and any prior incidents. Thorough case preparation strengthens negotiation position and courtroom presentation, leading to better outcomes.
Pursuing Compensation Through Insurance Claims
Most dog bite claims are filed through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Florida law often requires these policies to cover dog bite claims.
Our attorneys will handle all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We know all the tricks they use to try and minimize compensation, and we can’t be fooled.
If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, our attorneys are prepared to file a lawsuit and represent you in court. We’ll fight until you win.
Were you injured by a dog? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now.
FAQs
Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, for a Free Consultation
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Sarasota or the surrounding areas, contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, immediately for a free, confidential case evaluation.
In every case, we operate on a contingency fee basis. That means no fees unless we win. Any money we make comes out of your settlement at a standardized rate, so you’ll never have to pay out-of-pocket.
With our 40+ years of experience and proven track record helping personal injury victims, you can’t go wrong. Call us at (941) 822-2222 or complete the online contact form.
Don’t delay, call now. Time is limited under Florida’s two-year statute of limitations, and the longer you wait, evidence may deteriorate, memories may fade, and it may be harder to collect the full amount you are owed.
Were you injured by a dog? Contact Jack Bernstein, Injury Attorneys, now
About Jack G. Bernstein Esq.
Personal Injury Lawyer
For more than 40 years, personal injury lawyer Jack G. Bernstein has protected the rights of individuals who have been injured in a variety of circumstances. Throughout his career, Bernstein has been a strategist thoroughly dedicated to the idea of protecting the rights of his clients. Mr. Bernstein is a member of the Florida State Bar Association, the Hillsborough Bar Association and the Clearwater Bar Association.
Mr. Bernstein has the experience and expertise to handle a wide range of injury cases. Among the types of plaintiffs Mr. Bernstein represents are individuals involved in car accidents caused by drunk drivers or other exhibiting negligence, medical complications resulting from carelessness caused by a physician or a medical facility, including brain injury, bicycle, motorcycle, moped and truck accidents, admiralty law and cruise ship accidents, accidental drownings, all types of wrongful death lawsuits, along with most injury, catastrophic occurrences and legal malpractice issues.
Our firm handles every type of personal injury and accident case, using negotiation and litigation tactics effectively. We handle cases throughout Tampa, Sarasota, St. Petersburg, and Clearwater, FL. With a staff of approximately 40 people, including six lawyers and 34 support personnel, we have the legal resources to get the justice you deserve and the maximum recovery for your losses. Schedule your free consultation today; we are always here to help.
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