Spring Hill, FL Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are often loyal companions and beloved members of our families, but even seemingly well-behaved dogs have the potential to lash out, bite, or attack. Many dog bites occur for no apparent reason, while others are the result of dog owner negligence. If you’ve been the victim of a dog bite injury in Spring Hill, FL, you might be entitled to financial compensation from the owner of the dog responsible for your injuries.

With more than 60 years of combined experience, the dog bite attorneys of Zervos & Calta, PLLC, are dedicated to protecting the rights and interests of Floridians who have been seriously injured through no fault of their own. When you choose us to help with your Spring Hill dog bite injury claim, you can expect attorneys Angela A. Zervos and Lauren Calta to work closely with you throughout your case.

We care about more than just your legal claim, which is why we regularly check in with you about your physical and emotional recovery. Our extensive experience allows us to help problem-solve even when you face dog bite injuries.

Contact us today for a free initial case review. You can learn more about how an experienced Spring Hill dog bite lawyer can help you demand financial compensation for dog bite injuries.

What Should You Do Following a Dog Bite or Animal Attack?

After you suffer a dog bite or attack, it’s essential to protect your legal right to claim financial compensation for your injuries. Here are some steps you can take:

• Contact the dog’s owner to notify them of your injury. Avoid any heated exchanges, but make sure to get their contact and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information.
• If possible, take photos of the area where the dog bite or attack occurred. When you’re able, photograph your visible injuries.
• See a doctor immediately to get prompt medical treatment. Afterward, follow all of their treatment instructions, including watching for signs of infection from the dog bite.
• Keep copies of any medical bills or other invoices for expenses related to your injuries.
• Take notes about the impact that the dog attack and your injuries have on your physical and mental health.
• Speak to a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. The attorneys at Zervos & Calta, PLLC, can explain your legal options and what steps you can take to seek financial compensation for your injuries.

What Are Some Common Injuries Experienced in Spring Hill Dog Bites?

A few examples of the injuries that dog bite victims experience can include:

• Lacerations and puncture wounds
• Severe blood loss
• Facial and eye damage
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Head and neck injuries
• Damage to ligaments, tendons, and muscles
• Viral and bacterial infections
• Mental trauma, including PTSD, anxiety attacks, depression, and a new or increased fear of dogs

If you experienced any dog bite injuries, you might qualify for financial compensation from the dog owner’s insurer through a Spring Hill personal injury claim.

Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite Injury in Florida?

Florida law imposes strict liability for dog bite injuries. This means that the owner of a dog that injures another person could be held liable for the costs related to those injuries, even if the dog owner committed no negligence leading to the dog bite.

A pet owner can also be held liable for dog bite injuries even when they had no knowledge of prior attacks or the dog’s aggressive tendencies. The claimant only needs to prove that the attack occurred somewhere where they were lawfully present, meaning that trespassers usually can’t receive compensation in a dog bite claim. A dog bite victim might bear some liability for the incident if they provoked the dog.

In some cases, an injury victim might choose to pursue a claim of negligence against the dog owner for a dog bite injury, including if the owner knew that their dog had a history of aggression. Finally, an owner might be held liable if they violated the law, such as the regulations governing dangerous dogs.

Who Will Pay If I Bring a Claim for a Dog Bite in Spring Hill, Florida?

Some victims of dog bite injuries worry about who will pay when the dog that injured them is owned by someone they know, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor. Understandably, they may not want to damage their personal relationships.

If you were bitten by a dog owned by someone you know, you can file a claim for compensation without demanding money from your friend or neighbor directly. Dog bite injury claims are usually handled by the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance company. That means that the insurer will pay any compensation you receive, not the person you know.

Visit our Dog Bite Law Offices in Spring Hill, FL

Our Spring Hill Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help You with Your Claim Today!

Don’t try to pursue a claim for compensation on your own. Our Spring Hill dog bite attorneys can help by:

• Investigating the incident to recover important evidence for your claim, such as police reports and photos from the scene of the attack
• Meeting personally with you to get to know you and understand your needs
• Explaining your legal rights and options and guiding you through the claims process so that you know what to expect at every stage
• Maintaining prompt communication throughout your case to answer your questions and keep you updated on the claim’s progress
• Working with your medical providers to understand the extent of your injuries
• Documenting your expenses and losses so that we are prepared to pursue the fair and full compensation you deserve
• Filing your claim with the dog owner and their insurance company
• Handling negotiations with the adjusters to try to reach a settlement as efficiently as possible
• Pursuing your claim in court, if necessary

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