Injured By A Dog Bite Or Animal Attack In Jacksonville? We Can Help.
Dogs are popular and well-loved pets all over the world. Although well-trained dogs are seldom a source of danger, there are still many cases of dog bite injuries annually. If you’ve been bitten by a dog or attacked by another pet, you will probably need to seek medical care that will cost money and take time. If the injury is serious, you may also miss work.
The law firm of Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux P.A. understands that these injuries can be a source of expense and distress to victims and their families. Our skilled attorneys are equipped to evaluate your case and help you seek compensation.
Florida Dog Bite Law
The state of Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. This means that the owner of a dog is legally liable if the dog should bite someone, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. All that the victim needs to show is that they were not acting in an unlawful manner at the time of the bite. In other words, they weren’t committing a robbery or trespassing on the dog owner’s property. However, the concept of comparative fault does apply, and the victim’s compensation claim can be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs use their teeth to defend themselves against perceived threats, and these are usually the source of injury in a dog bite. Common injuries and health problems related to dog bites and animal attacks include:
- Broken bones and severe bleeding
- Deep wounds that lead to scarring and nerve damage
- Infection, which can spread into the deep tissue and bones, causing osteomyelitis
- Permanent disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
The attorneys of Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux are experienced in the area of dog bite cases and know what to investigate to build a successful outcome for your case.
Potential Liability Of A Third Party
In some dog bite cases, a third party may be held liable for the bite injury. This may include a dog sitter or a family or person who is caring for the dog while the owner is gone. Even a landlord who has a tenant who owns a dog that bites someone may be held liable. These parties may hold insurance policies that can be a source of compensation in a dog bite injury lawsuit.
We Understand All The Complexities Of Dog Bites And Other Animal Attack Cases
Dog bite and animal attack settlements/verdicts can be substantial, which is why big insurance companies have a team of high-powered attorneys dedicated to fighting these claims every step of the way. Their goal is to stall, delay and dismiss your claim. With our decades of experience in personal injury cases, we know how to fight the big insurers’ tactics.
The vast majority of personal injury cases, including dog bite and animal attacks, are settled before going to trial. So, time is of the essence!
Call To Schedule A Free Consultation With An Attorney From Our Firm
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite or an animal attack, call to schedule a free consultation with an experienced personal injury attorney today. The law firm of Finnell, McGuinness, Nezami & Andux and its skilled legal staff understand the seriousness of a dog bite injury and an animal attack injury, and the type of post-injury care you’ll need. We are dedicated to being your advocate. Give us a call at 904-717-7747 and let us represent you.