Florida is known for its strict liability dog bite statute, which is harsher than other states’ one-bite statutes. Here, dog bite victims do not have to prove that a dog owner acted carelessly or knew about their dog’s history of being dangerous. Instead, they just need to establish that they were simply bitten or attacked by their dog to hold them liable. Understanding the specifics of this statute is the first step towards getting the financial compensation you deserve. And with that being said, please read on to discover the types of costs you can recover after your dog bite injury and how a seasoned Miami-Dade County injury lawyer at the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, can help you achieve the maximum payout possible.
What types of costs can I recover after my dog bite injury?
Florida law understands that being made the victim of a dog bite or dog accident does not make you entitled to financial compensation for the cost of your initial emergency room visit alone. Rather, it recognizes that such an incident often results in long-term economic and non-economic damages that may encompass many facets of your life. And so, in your dog bite injury claim, you should fight for recovery from the following, if applicable:
- The wages you lost while you were recovering from your dog bite injuries.
- Your reduced future earning potential, due to your permanent injuries and limitations.
- Your psychological trauma, specifically post-traumatic stress disorder or anxiety around animals.
- The shame and embarrassment you have surrounding your visible scars and bodily disfigurements.
- The restricted mobility you experience due to your chronic pain, which affects your quality of life.
- Your specialist treatments, plastic surgeries, physical therapy sessions, mental health counseling, etc.
What happens if a dog owner tries to argue I am at fault?
Especially if your claimed damages are extensive and anticipated to last for a long time, a dog owner will likely try everything to avoid being made financially responsible. And so, in your dog bite injury claim proceedings, they may attempt to argue that you were partially or fully at fault for the incident.
For example, they may claim that you teased, hot, chased, or startled their dog, which ultimately triggered the attack. Or, that you ignored the “Beware of Dog” sign posted on their premises and entered without warning or invitation anyway. Lastly, you knew or should have reasonably known that their dog had a history of acting aggressively.
Rest assured, you may have sufficient proof, not to mention Florida’s strict liability statute, that is in your favor to shut down these unfounded arguments. Even if the Florida civil court finds you to be partially liable, you may still be eligible to recover a percentage of your damages. This is so long as you are still assigned less than 50 percent of the blame.
We suggest you employ the services of a competent Miami-Dade County injury lawyer from the Law Offices of Gonzalo Funes, PA, if you want the best possible chances at a positive legal outcome. We look forward to serving you.
