Were you bitten or attacked by a dog in Fort Myers, Florida? Our experienced Fort Myers premises liability lawyers can help you pursue maximum compensation from the responsible party.
Injured from a Dog Bite in Fort Myers?
Contact an Attorney at Garvin Injury Law Today
We have 50 years of experience and have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients to date. If you hire us, we’re just as confident in our ability to help you make the most of your claim.
Contact Garvin Injury Law at (239) 277-0005 or reach out online for a free consultation. We can provide you with some initial legal advice regarding your next steps during your free case review.
How Garvin Injury Law Can Help You Recover Compensation After a Dog Bite in Fort Myers, Florida
Garvin Injury Law is an award-winning personal injury law firm that has been in business since 1973. Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers have decades of experience handling even some of the most complex claims in this area of the law, and insurance companies take notice when they see we’re on the other side of the negotiating table.
When you hire us, our legal team will:
- Investigate the circumstances of the attack
- Gather medical records, witness statements, and photographs
- Determine whether the dog owner violated local laws and/or ordinances
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Negotiate a settlement with the insurance companies on your behalf
- Take your case to trial if the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement
You can count on us to help you work toward every dollar you’re owed under Florida law. Contact our dog bite lawyers in Fort Myers, FL, today for a free initial consultation.
Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bite cases. Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites another person, regardless of whether the dog has ever shown aggression or bitten anyone before.
In other words, you don’t need to prove that the owner was negligent (careless) in order to recover damages. Generally speaking, you only need to show that:
- The defendant owned the dog; and
- The dog bit you; and
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time
However, there are exceptions to take note of. The owner may not be held responsible, for instance, if you provoked the dog, trespassed, or ignored a posted warning sign such as “Beware of Dog.”
What Kinds of Compensation Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Fort Myers?
The value of any personal injury claim depends on many factors, including the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact. Our dog bite attorneys in Fort Myers will evaluate all of the facts and circumstances of your case to determine how much compensation you may be entitled to recover.
You may be eligible for damages that include things like:
- Medical expenses and future medical care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional distress
- Disability
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Mental conditions such as PTSD and anxiety
In rare cases that go to trial, you may be able to secure punitive damages as well if you can demonstrate that the at-fault party acted egregiously.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite Takes Place in Fort Myers, FL?
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite takes place can both protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog, be sure to:
- Get medical treatment right away
- Identify the dog’s owner and gather contact information
- Report the incident to local animal control and law enforcement
- Take photos of your injuries and the scene
- Collect names and statements from any witnesses
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster without getting legal advice first
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, contact a Fort Myers dog bite attorney at Garvin Injury Law. We’ll help you file a claim and handle all of the communications so you can focus on your health and recovery.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Fort Myers?
Our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers with Garvin Injury Law work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing in terms of attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Our payment will come as a percentage of the settlement or jury verdict we obtain for you. In most cases, the percentage will be around 33%, but it can vary depending on the complexity of your claim, among other factors. We’ll sign an agreement at the beginning of your case so that you will know what to expect.
How Long Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Claim in the State of Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including those based on dog bites, typically gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
However, note that there are some exceptions that can adjust this time limit for some cases. It’s best to contact an attorney for help as soon as possible so that you can work to ensure your claim is filed on time.
Contact Our Experienced Fort Myers Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were bitten by a dog in Fort Myers, FL, substantial compensation may be available to you from the animal’s owner. Garvin Injury Law has been helping injury victims in Florida for over 50 years and has recovered tens of millions for clients just like you, so we’re well qualified to help you win what you’re due.
Contact our Fort Myers dog bite attorneys today at (239) 277-0005 or online to schedule a free consultation. We’ll guide you through the legal process from start to finish and won’t hesitate to take your case all the way to trial if that’s what it takes.