Dog Bite & Animal Attack Attorney In West Palm Beach
If you suffered injuries in a West Palm Beach animal attack, you may be able to use Florida’s dog bite statute to hold the dog’s owner liable and recover compensation. To learn more about your rights after a South Florida incident, you should enlist the help of a dog bite lawyer in West Palm Beach. A member of the West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato can take your call today. Dial (954) 633-8270 for your free case evaluation and consultation.
What is Florida Dog Bite Laws and How They Apply to Your Case?
Florida has strict dog bite laws that protect victims even if the dog has never before acted vicious or threatening. Any time an unprovoked dog attacks, the victim may be able to hold the dog owner liable. There are a few exceptions to this rule, and the most significant is that the victim must be on the property lawfully.
In just a few minutes, you can have an animal attack attorney in West Palm Beach and the rest of the team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato on your side. We know how to build a strong case and hold the dog owner accountable. When you trust us with your case, you can expect responsive and prompt communication anytime you need our help or have a concern about your case. Call (954) 633-8270 today to get started.
How does West Palm Beach Dog Bite Attorney Help to Pursue a Payout in Your Dog Bite Case?
The West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato treat clients like family. From the initial consultation through the final day in the courtroom, you are our top priority. We will ensure you know your rights, legal options, and possible outcomes based on your unique situation.
A Personal injury lawyer in West Palm Beach will collect evidence to prove the owner is liable in your case, including requesting an incident report from the Palm Beach County Public Safety Department Division of Animal Care and Control and interviewing witnesses.
If you need an animal attack lawyer in West Palm Beach to help you negotiate a settlement or to represent you in court, the West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer team from the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato is here for you. Call us at (954) 633-8270 now.
What Damages Recoverable in a West Palm Beach Dog Bite Incident?
Dog bite injuries almost always require medical care, even if they appear minor. This is because the risk of infection is very high, and it is important to get the wounds cleaned properly. In addition to puncture wounds, dog bite injuries can include:
- Soft tissue rips, tears, and other injuries
- Tendon, ligament, and muscle damage
- Scarring to the face, neck, and head
- Loss of fingers or other body parts
- Broken bones
- Wound infections including life-threatening septicemia
The cost of treating dog attack injuries is often significant. In addition, you will suffer other losses and expenses. When we pursue compensation, we will go after damages that include:
- Ambulance transportation if used
- Treatment in an emergency department, doctor’s office, or urgent care clinic
- Hospitalization if necessary
- Prescription drugs including painkillers and antibiotics
- Plastic surgery for scarring and other future care costs
- Lost wages and benefits
- Diminished earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the incident
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Wrongful death damages: if your family member passed away from their injuries or a related infection
What Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Lawsuits that Florida Have?
Florida, like other states, limits how long dog bite victims have to take legal action in their cases. If we do not act on your behalf and file a civil lawsuit before this deadline passes, you could lose the right to hold the dog’s owner liable. For this reason, it is imperative that you call Florida dog bite lawyers quickly after an attack.
Our dog bite lawyer in West Palm Beach can handle your consultation over the phone or meet you somewhere that is convenient for you. If you are undergoing treatment for your injuries, we can visit you at any local hospital.
Talk to a West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyers Near Me
If you, your child, or an aging loved one were bitten by a dog in West Palm Beach, you have the legal right to pursue compensation. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our West Palm Beach dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal options and explain the strength of your case. Let us go to work on your behalf today. Call (954) 633-8270 for your free case evaluation.
FAQs:
How much is a West Palm Beach dog bite lawsuit worth?
The average lawsuit worth for a West Palm Beach dog bite claim is $44,760. However, the amount of your settlement can change depending on several factors such as the severity of your injuries, and your financial, emotional, or psychological damage.
Should I get a West Palm Beach lawyer for a dog bite?
Yes, anyone who gets injured in a dog bite accident should promptly call a West Palm Beach lawyer. It is necessary to consult with an experienced lawyer for dog bite cases who can help you win compensation.
If you do not hire a lawyer, there are very few chances for the victim to get an appropriate claim from the insurer. An insurer gives only 10 to 20 percent to the victim of what they would give when the case of the victim is handled by an attorney. Therefore, getting a West Palm Beach lawyer for a dog bite is beneficial.
Should you sue the dog owner after a dog bite in West Palm Beach?
Florida is a strictly liable state where the owner is liable for a pet attack, no matter whether they are aware of the aggressive behavior of their pet or not. If the dog bite causes you serious injuries and the dog owner does not cooperate with you, you must file a lawsuit to get appropriate compensation. In Florida, you get four years to file a lawsuit in a dog bite case.
Also, the victim does not have to prove their injuries when a dog bite is a result of the owner’s negligence.
What to do after a dog bites you?
If a dog bites you, it is essential that you immediately visit your doctor. If the dog bite is intense and gets into your skin, the bacteria from the dog’s mouth can transfer into your body. In such cases, the risk of bacterial infections and rabies persists. In some cases, the broken teeth can get embedded in your wound.
People should see the doctor straight away after the dog bite. They will do the necessary check-ups and suggest the needed treatment.
When should I worry about a dog bite?
The main concern after a dog bites you is you may get a rabies infection. However, since most dogs are now vaccinated against it, the risk of rabies infection is low. However, it can still cause other infections. Therefore, you should immediately seek medical attention after a dog bite.
Visiting a doctor becomes even more necessary when you have a painful wound, uncontrollable bleeding from the wound, swelling, fever, or redness. You must pay a visit within eight hours of the dog bite. The longer you wait, the more the risk of infection.
Read our blog on Dog Bite Injuries:
