Miami Dog Bite Lawyer

Compensation for a Dog Bite Victim in Miami

According to the Canine Journal, around 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Many people are fond of dogs and love to have pets in their home for companionship. A dog’s behavior can be unpredictable, even if they have never shown an aggressive disposition before. A dog bite could lead to severe injuries. That is why pet owners can be held liable if their dog harms another person.

It can be especially dangerous to encounter an untrained or a stray dog. Children are among the most affected groups. More than half of the dog bites that occur each year happen to children. A dog bite can not only physically harm a child, but can cause lasting trauma and fear in their mind.

Dogs are considered a man’s best friend, but in some cases they may become aggressive to others. Moreover, some dog breeds are bred to be dangerous and aggressive while some owners train their dogs to attack others. A dog owner has a duty to ensure that their dog does not cause any harm to outsiders. You may be liable to receive compensation if a dog has bitten you.

The claim will help you recover medical expenses and other losses related to the attack. An experienced Miami Dog Bite Attorney can help you navigate through the complexities of the legal system. Continue reading to learn more about how you can recover compensation for a dog bite injury in Miami.

Most Common Dog  Bite Injuries

Dog bites can lead to severe and life-changing injuries. Here are some of the common injuries that people often experience:

● Scars, infections, and lacerations
● Physical disfigurement
● Broken bones and decreased mobility
● Eye injuries
● Tetanus and rabies
● Abrasions

One must immediately seek medical attention and get necessary treatment for their injuries. Leaving dog bite injuries untreated can be a critical situation and become more dangerous. In addition to medical treatment, you must also look for an experienced Miami dog attack lawyer to help you file a legal complaint against the dog’s owner.

Miami dog bite laws

Different states have different laws regarding dog bites. In Florida, dog owners are liable for their dog’s behaviour. Whether they are aware of the dog’s viciousness or not, they may be liable for the dog’s behaviour. The dog owners are responsible for the injuries whether they occur in a public place or while the victim is lawfully in a private place. Owners have a responsibility to ensure that their dog does not harm anyone.

When you get hurt because of a dog bite, you should take necessary legal steps to protect your claim. The state follows a strict liability theory, meaning that you do not have to prove all the elements that a typical personal injury case requires to establish negligence. You will not have to prove that the owner intended the dog bite, acted carelessly, or acted in bad faith. For other personal injury cases, like car accidents or slip and falls, you would have to prove negligence.

In Miami, you will not have to prove that someone else was responsible for the act. Instead, you need only show that the dog injury occurred, who owned the dog, and that you have suffered financial or other harm because of the attack. To understand more, you can connect with a Miami dog bite lawyer. They will not only educate you about the applicable laws, but assist with the claim process as well.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Miami

Statutes of limitations play a significant role in the legal process. They state the time frame until you can file a claim. You need to adhere to the deadline to ensure the court will hear your complaint. Missing a deadline can affect your injury claim.

In Miami, Florida, you have a deadline of four years from the date of the incident to file a claim. Therefore, you have a time span of four years from the accident date to make a claim. You can take representation from a reputable Miami dog bite lawyer to file the lawsuit.

Recoverable Damages for Dog Bite Injuries in Miami

Dog bites can be tragic. People may experience financial burden because of treatment expenses. They may incur ongoing medical bills, and the injury could prevent them from returning to work. Moreover, it may lead to emotional trauma and affect the well-being of an individual. When dog bites occur, an individual should get legal consultation. A lawyer will assess your case and can negotiate with the insurance agency to try and obtain a fair settlement. The amount of compensation you will receive, however, depends on the severity of your case and insurance companies do not always deal squarely.

Insurance companies may try to negotiate a low-ball settlement that does not fairly cover all of your damages. In general, an applicant can expect to recover compensation for many of the following types of damages:

● Current and Future Medical Bills:

An individual may have to undergo certain medical treatments and tests when a dog bites them. Not everyone has health insurance or can otherwise afford ongoing expensive medical treatment. The law allows you to recover compensation for current and future medical bills.

Some dog bites can lead to severe injuries, which may lead to further expenses. Ongoing treatment can become increasingly expensive and difficult to bear for an individual. Filing a claim will help a victim get compensation for medical bills. It will ensure that the victim receives the appropriate level of care and treatment after the injury without going financially bankrupt.

● Current and Future Lost Wages:

Victims may be forced to miss work for a few days or several months, depending on the severity of the dog attack. This will affect their earnings and ability to pay for medical treatment and other necessities. In severe cases, dog bite victims may not be able to continue with their previous job due to life-changing injuries. They may have to accept a job that pays them less or may remain unemployed for a while.

It can become challenging for victims of dog bites and other personal injuries to survive in such situations. In dog bite cases, victims can recover compensation for current and future lost wages. It will provide them financial support that helps them continue living their lives.

● Pain and suffering:

Dog bites can lead to long-lasting stress and can even trigger episodes of trauma. This can be challenging for a victim. They may experience episodes of stress, anxiety, and depression for years. Their mental health may be affected, and the victim may require many years of therapy to get over their fear of dogs. They may never be the same again.

The law also addresses the psychological effects of dog bite cases. An individual can recover compensation for the pain and suffering caused by the dog bite injury. You should look for an experienced Miami injury lawyer to find suitable options to handle your claim.

Filing a successful dog bite injury claim in miami

According to data from the Center For Disease Control (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year. This means that a dog bites 1 out of every 73 people. Some dog bite accidents may be minor and may not require medical attention.

Even minor physical injuries can affect the emotional well-being of an individual. The incident may trigger episodes of mental trauma and anxiety. That is the reason why it is crucial to file a claim after consulting with an experienced injury lawyer.

Whether the event was minor or severe, dog bite injuries should never be left untreated. The victim should immediately seek a medical evaluation. The doctors will likely provide medication to avoid infection, and the victim may require vaccination. Moreover, seeking medical attention establishes a record of your injury which will be used later to assess damages.

In serious dog bite cases, hospitalization or additional treatment may be required. Contact a knowledgeable Miami Dog Bite Lawyer to understand your legal options and fight for the compensation you are owed for the injuries that have impacted your life.