Dog attacks can result in injuries, ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones, broken or damaged teeth, head trauma, and deep wounds requiring stitches or plastic surgery. In the worst cases, an aggressive dog attack can lead to death, especially when it involves a pack of violent dogs or when canine aggression is directed at a small child. Our West Palm Beach law office is located at 1645 Palm Beach Lakes Blvd #900, and you can call us any time of the day or night at (561) 566-5021 to schedule your free consultation!
Regardless of the degree or severity of the attack, dog bite incidents can prove to be traumatic events. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we know how much emotional distress and physical damage can be involved and how difficult it may be to understand the situation from a legal standpoint. Florida’s dog laws specify what constitutes a dangerous dog and stipulate the liability of pet owners as well as the rights of anyone harmed by a dog.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in the West Palm Beach area, the legal help you need is just a phone call away. You can discuss your situation with one of our West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers in a free consultation to learn what you should do, what your rights are, and how we can help you get the compensation you may be owed for damages. Call (561) 566-5021 or contact us online to schedule your free, no-obligation case review.
How Are West Palm Beach Dog Bite Cases Handled by the Law?
We are well-versed in the Florida laws that have been created to protect you in the case of an animal attack. You may not realize that you are protected by them should you be harmed by a dog, whether it’s a neighbor’s, a friend’s, or a stranger’s. You may, however, have legal rights which will entitle you to monetary damages for your medical expenses, lost wages or income, emotional trauma, and pain and suffering through the dog owner’s insurance company.
Your claim will typically be filed with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. If the homeowner was renting, the landlord’s insurance may be liable for the dog bite, provided the landlord negligently allowed the dog to remain on the property knowing the dog was dangerous. Dealing with an insurance company can be difficult and frustrating. If the dog owner is a neighbor or acquaintance, dealing with him or her regarding the situation may add further stress. We understand these factors because we manage them during the course of our professional duties nearly every single day. Our job is to relieve you of these stresses and to do everything in our power to get the money you truly deserve.
My case couldn't have been handled better. It was handled in a timely manner - it wasn't rushed. If something ever happened again and I needed an attorney, Steinger, Greene & Feiner would be the first place I would go.
Susan D.
How Florida’s Dog Bite Law Affects Your West Palm Beach Injury Case
Florida has a rather generous dog bite law (F.S. § 767.04) in the sense that anyone who has been bitten by a dog at a physical location they were legally permitted to be has a valid claim. This differs from other states, where the owner of the dog must have somehow known the dog was dangerous or aggressive in order to be held liable.
However, the owner of the dog or their insurer can allege that you are partially at fault for the bite, reducing the maximum amount of damages available. This risk is why hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer in West Palm Beach is so important. They increase your chances of getting the maximum amount of compensation available.
How Often Do Dog Bites Occur in West Palm Beach?
A comprehensive study by the Insurance Information Institute found that in 2018, Florida had the second-highest volume of dog bites in the country. Furthermore, the third-most populous state had a higher rate of dog bite cases per 100,000 residents than California or Texas.
Overall, 1,281 Floridians filed a claim for a dog bite in 2018, equalling six out of every 100,000 state residents.The average total cost in damages for a dog bite injury in Florida was $43,893.
What Do I Do if I Have Been Bitten by a Dog?
Immediately remove yourself from the situation. Do not attempt to fight back against the dog. If the owner is nearby, instruct them to subdue the animal or restrain it.
According to the Cleveland Clinic you should then take the following steps:
- Rinse and wash the wound. Use warm tap water to rinse the wound, and then wash it with mild soap. Run tap water over the wound for another 5-10 minutes.
- Use a clean cloth to slow the bleeding.
- Apply over-the-counter antibacterial ointment, if you have any available.
- Wrap the wound in a sterile bandage or clean strip of cloth.
- Keep the wound bandaged, and see a doctor as soon as possible. For major bites with lots of bleeding or significant damage to limbs, visit your nearest ER.
- Change your bandage at least 1-2 times a day after your doctor has had a chance to examine your wound.
- Watch closely for signs of infection, which include swelling, spreading redness, increased pain, intense itching, fever, and irritation in areas nearby the bite.
- Report the dog bite to local authorities as soon as possible after you have stabilized your wound. You want a legal report, and you may be able to research past incidents involving the same dog owner.
Appointing a West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer can provide you with resources and assistance to investigate your claim, document your damages, and seek the maximum amount of compensation for all losses.
If you speak to insurers do not admit fault or excuse the dog’s behavior for any reason. You want to emphasize that you did nothing wrong, and that the dog’s reaction was unexpected. Our West Palm Beach personal injury attorneys have been fighting for and protecting the interests of individuals and their families through personal injury claims for more than a decade.
Relentless Legal Representation for West Palm Beach Injury Victims
A personal injury can occur in a variety of ways, but almost all have the same results in common. Suddenly, your life is disrupted and possibly jeopardized physically, emotionally, and financially by an accident or incident which could have been prevented.
Why You Need a West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyer
We deal with insurance companies constantly and know how to counteract their delays, denials, and lowball settlement offers. With years of experience and a dedicated legal team of personal injury professionals behind us, we have the knowhow and considerable resources to get the job done. When you work with an attorney at Steinger, Greene & Feiner, we’ll explain to you everything that needs to be done and tenaciously pursue your case. We can make the difference between an inadequate settlement and one that really reflects your losses. You’ll be able to move forward with the financial security needed to recover your health and your peace of mind.
Contact Us for a FREE Consultation
Call our law offices immediately following your dog bite attack to learn what to do to increase your chances of winning your case. We are standing by, prepared to help you with sound legal advice, a solid track record of success, and a focused team of professionals who will fight forcefully for your compensation. Contact us today at (561) 566-5021 or via our online form for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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