Dog Bite
FAQs

What should I do if I have been bitten by a dog?

There are three simple steps you should take if you are bitten by a dog:

• Seek medical attention as soon as possible. The shock and confusion following an attack can often mean you are not aware of how serious your injuries are for days or even weeks. Dog bite wounds are prone to infection, so it is important that you see a physician immediately.
• Document the details of the attack. Write down the dog owner’s name, contact information, insurance details, and location where the bite happened. Use this documentation when filing a dog bite report with your local authorities. This report can be useful when filing a legal claim.
• Get the legal help you need. It is common for dog bite victims to face medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.

Am I entitled to compensation for my dog bite injury?

Florida’s strict liability law states that dog owners may be responsible for damages due to dog bites. Dog owners may be held responsible for dog bites when:

• They fail to post signs warning visitors of a dangerous dog
• The owner is aware of a dog’s previous violent behavior
• The attack involved a child under 6 years of age

If you have been bitten by a dog, it is important to know that you have legal rights. A dog bite attorney can assess the details of your case and help evaluate your legal options.

How much is my case worth?

Without first knowing the details of your claim, we cannot determine the value of your case. Value is determined by a number of factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of medical treatment
• The amount of lost wages related to your injury
• Psychological trauma related to the attack
• And more

The legal team at John Bales Attorneys can help determine the compensation you are owed for your injury-related expenses, and we’ll fight to get you the resolution you deserve. Call us today.

How can a dog bite injury lawyer help me?

After a dog bite injury, insurance adjusters may attempt to quickly settle your case to save the insurance company money. This means the settlements they offer you may reflect the best interest of the insurance company, not your own. At John Bales Attorneys, our dog bite injury attorneys can:

• Investigate the details of your claim,
• Gather the medical records related to your injury,
• Calculate the financial impact of your injury, and
• Ensure your legal rights are protected.

You do not have to accept an unfair settlement offer after a dog bite injury. We will do everything we can to build you a strong claim to help you get the compensation you are owed.

Your child was bitten by a dog. Can you collect compensation?

Yes, it is possible to be compensated for your child’s dog bite injuries. Special rules apply when a child seeks a recovery for dog bite injuries:

• Florida’s dog bite laws state that a child under 6 years old is incapable of intentionally causing a dog bite attack.
• If your child is older than age 6, a jury must decide if his/her behavior contributed to the attack.
• As a parent you can be comparatively liable — or partially responsible — if it is determined that your child was not properly supervised at the time of the attack.