Dog Bite Lawyers in Jacksonville

Compassionate Legal Help for Dog Bite Victims in Jacksonville, FL

A dog bite can be an incredibly traumatic experience, leaving both physical and emotional scars. The injuries caused by a dog attack range from minor cuts to critical wounds such as disfigurement or lifelong disability. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or another animal in Jacksonville, FL, it’s important to know your rights. Florida law holds pet owners accountable for the actions of their animals, and you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.

At Burnetti, P.A., our experienced Jacksonville dog bite lawyers are here to provide the support and advocacy you need during this challenging time. With an in-depth understanding of Florida’s dog bite laws, we are committed to helping you hold negligent pet owners accountable for their actions and recover the compensation you deserve.

Call (888) 444-8508 today or reach out online to speak with experienced Jacksonville dog bite lawyers and fight for the compensation you deserve!

How Serious Are Dog Bite Injuries?

While some dog bites may result in only minor bruises, others can lead to catastrophic injuries that change a person’s life forever. Dog bites are especially severe when they involve children, whose smaller size often leads to more extensive damage. Common dog bite injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Torn ligaments or muscles
• Broken bones or fractures
• Infection or diseases like rabies
• Emotional trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Victims of dog bites might require emergency medical care, surgeries, or even long-term physical therapy. The cost of recovery can become overwhelming, especially if you’re unable to work due to your injuries. This is why securing a skilled dog bite attorney in Jacksonville is essential to protecting your rights and ensuring you receive proper compensation for your losses.

Understanding Florida Dog Bite Laws

Dog bite cases in Florida are governed under strict liability laws, which means that a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their animal, regardless of whether the dog had shown aggressive behavior in the past. According to Florida Statue 767.04, dog owners are liable if their dog bites someone, as long as the victim was on public property or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack.

Unlike some other states, Florida law does not require you to prove the dog owner’s negligence in most cases. However, there are exceptions to this rule. You may not be eligible for compensation if you were trespassing on the dog owner’s property or if it can be shown that you provoked the dog. An experienced Jacksonville dog bite lawyer can carefully review the details of your case to determine your eligibility and fight for your rights.

Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases

There are four main legal theories under which a dog bite victim may pursue compensation in Florida. These include:

1. Strict Liability: Florida’s strict liability statute eliminates the need to prove that the dog owner acted negligently in cases where the victim was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog.
2. Negligence: When statutory strict liability doesn’t apply, victims can still pursue a claim by proving the dog owner was negligent. This involves demonstrating that the owner failed to act reasonably.
3. Negligence Per Se: This applies when a dog owner violates a law or ordinance, such as allowing the dog to roam freely or failing to control the pet in a designated area.
4. Intentional Torts: If the owner intentionally commanded their dog to attack you, they could be held liable under intentional tort laws.

Each injury case has its own unique circumstances that can impact the outcome. At Burnetti, P.A., we leverage our legal expertise to thoroughly investigate each case, identify liable parties, and build the strongest claim possible for our clients.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

The aftermath of a dog bite often leaves victims coping with medical bills, lost income, and the emotional toll of the incident. A successful claim can help you recover compensation for the following damages:

• Medical Expenses – Covering emergency treatment, surgeries, medication, and any rehabilitation needed.
• Lost Wages – Reimbursement for income lost while recovering and compensation for future lost earning potential.
• Pain and Suffering – For physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact the injury has had on your quality of life.
• Permanent Disability or Scarring – Compensation for long-term consequences, such as disfigurement or mobility challenges.
• Property Damage – If personal items were damaged during the attack.

Our Jacksonville dog bite attorneys work tirelessly to calculate the full extent of your losses, holding responsible parties accountable for the harm they’ve caused.

Why Choose Burnetti, P.A. in Jacksonville?

When it comes to dog bite cases, having a knowledgeable and experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Burnetti, P.A., we’ve successfully represented countless personal injury victims across Florida, helping them secure justice and fair compensation for their injuries.

When you choose our team, you can expect compassion, dedication, and top-notch legal representation. Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, including gathering evidence, negotiating with insurance companies, and representing you in court if necessary. We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe us nothing unless we win your case.

Contact a Jacksonville Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to seek legal help. Florida’s statute of limitations allows you four years from the date of the incident to file a claim, but the sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.

Burnetti, P.A. is here to provide the guidance and advocacy you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially from your injuries. Contact our Jacksonville dog bite lawyer today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice.

Call (888) 444-8508 now or fill out our online contact form to schedule your no-obligation consultation. We’re here to fight for you!