Winter Park Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or someone you love sustained a dog bite injury in Winter Park, it can be a traumatic experience. While dogs are generally loving and very loyal, they can act unpredictably and present a danger to other people. The Center for Disease Control reports that there are around 4.5 million dog bites per year across the country and 800,000 of those resulted in medical care. In many dog bite cases, victims can recover compensation for their injuries. To learn more about your legal options, contact an experienced Winter Park dog bite lawyer.
Florida law makes dog owners strictly liable for any injuries their animal causes you, regardless of whether their dog had acted viciously before this incident or whether the owner had any reason to believe that their dog would behave in a vicious manner. What that means for you as a dog bite victim is that you may recover financial compensation without proving negligence.
Recovering Damages in a Florida Dog Bite Case
Typical damages in a dog bite case include medical treatment, medication, rehabilitation, and/or lost wages. A victim may struggle with various tasks in their daily life, and they may have permanent scarring and residual pain and suffering for the rest of their lives. Even seemingly minor bites can cause significant problems. Dog bites wounds do not heal quickly, and there may be a secondary infection that develops.
Your Winter Park dog bite attorney will help you determine what coverage might be available to compensate you for your damages. Often, the dog owner has a homeowner’s insurance policy that will extend coverage in these situations.
Please do not agree to a settlement with the dog owner or their insurance without first speaking with an attorney. If your doctor tells you that you may need additional surgery in the future or you are thinking about scar revision treatment or surgery, you need to ask for that in your demand. If you agree to settle for a certain amount and sign a release of all claims, you cannot go back and ask for additional compensation. Imagine a situation where you agree to settle, only to find out several weeks later, you have an infection that requires hospitalization.
Be wary of insurance adjusters who offer a settlement early on in the claims process, despite the fact your doctor has not released you. By pushing you to settle early on, they can limit their exposure and save the company money. The dog owner’s insurance adjuster is not on your side or looking out for you, no matter how much they tell you they are.
Contact a Winter Park Dog Bite Lawyer
Speaking with an attorney early on is important. You need a personal injury lawyer who can protect your right and ensure you get fair compensation for your injuries. When you retain Israoui Law, you can concentrate on your recovery while we handle your claim against the dog owner. To learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve after being attacked by a dog, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.