Key West Dog Bite Attorney

If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in Key West, Florida, state law may allow you to recover compensation from the animal’s owner and/or another liable party. The Key West personal injury lawyers at Garvin Injury Law can help you evaluate your legal options and work toward maximum compensation from there.

Our personal injury law firm has more than 50 years of combined experience representing injury victims throughout the State of Florida. We have recovered tens of millions of dollars on behalf of our clients in that time and are confident that we can help you take legal action effectively if you hire us to represent you. 

Call today at (239) 277-0005 to schedule a free consultation. You can also contact us online to learn more about your options.

How Garvin Injury Law Can Help After a Dog Bite in Key West, Florida

Dog bite cases can be more complicated than many people expect. Florida’s strict liability rule applies to most cases, but insurance companies still try and resist paying full value on these claims. Having an experienced Key West personal injury attorney on your side can make the process far easier and protect the value of your case.

Our legal team can help by:

• Investigating how the bite occurred
• Identifying the dog’s owner and all potential insurance policies
• Gathering medical records, photographs, and other evidence
• Working with top-rated expert witnesses as needed
• Calculating the full value of your damages
• Defending you against claims that you provoked the dog 
• Negotiating a settlement that reflects the impact of your injuries
• Filing a lawsuit and taking your case to trial if the insurer refuses to be reasonable

If you have questions about hiring a dog bite attorney in Key West, FL, we can walk you through the process during your free consultation. Reach out today to get started.

How Do Florida’s Dog Bite Laws Work?

As alluded to above, Florida uses a strict liability system to address dog bite cases, which generally makes it easier for victims to seek compensation. Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, a dog owner is responsible for damages when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on private or public property. Unlike many other states, you typically do not have to show that the owner knew the dog was dangerous and had bitten someone before.

However, certain issues can still affect liability, including:

• Whether you were legally on the property
• Whether the dog owner posted proper warning signs
• Whether you were accused of provoking the dog

Our dog bite lawyers can help you present a clear, accurate account of what happened and respond to any attempts to shift the blame onto you.

We Will Fight for Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause far more than small cuts or bruises. Many victims face long-term medical needs that require significant treatment. Children are also at higher risk of severe harm because of their height and vulnerability.

Some of the injuries we can help you recover compensation for include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds
• Infections
• Nerve damage
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Torn ligaments or muscles
• Facial injuries
• Broken bones from being knocked over
• Emotional trauma, including anxiety and PTSD

If the dog was not properly vaccinated, there may also be a concern about rabies or other illnesses, which can complicate medical care. If a loved one was killed due to a dog bite attack, contact our wrongful death attorneys in Key West to get them the justice they deserve.

What Damages Can I Recover After a Dog Bite in Key West?

Florida law allows dog bite victims to pursue two main categories of compensatory damages: economic and non-economic. These aim to address both your financial losses and the personal impact of the attack.

You may be entitled to recover for:

• Medical bills and future medical care
  Rehabilitation
• Lost wages and decreased earning capacity
• Physical therapy 
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In extremely rare cases, punitive damages may be available if the dog’s owner engaged in intentional or extremely reckless conduct. 

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Key West

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your legal claim at the same time.

If you can, keep the following in mind:

• Seek medical attention immediately
• Report the incident to local authorities and animal control
• Photograph your injuries and the area where the attack occurred
• Gather contact information for the dog’s owner and any witnesses
• Do not apologize to anyone about the attack
• Preserve clothing and other damaged items
• Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible

These steps create a clear record of what happened, which can be essential when dealing with the insurance companies.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Florida?

The dog’s owner is usually the primary party responsible. However, depending on the circumstances, additional parties may also share liability. For example, a landlord, property manager, or business owner may face responsibility if they knew a dog posed a danger but failed to take appropriate action.

Florida’s strict liability law applies to owners, but a negligence claim could be filed against other parties as well if they contributed to the attack. Our dog bite attorneys in Key West can review the facts and identify every possible source of compensation that you may be able to recover.

How Much Time Do I Have To File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida?

Florida’s statute of limitations gives most dog bite victims two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this filing time limit can permanently prevent you from recovering compensation.

There are exceptions that can adjust this deadline, but only for specific kinds of circumstances. Speaking with a lawyer early on helps ensure the necessary evidence is preserved and that your claim stays on track.

Contact Our Key West Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation

A dog bite can change your life dramatically in Key West, FL, but know that you may have legal options to pursue compensation. Garvin Injury Law has over 50 years of experience helping clients in this area of the law, backed by tens of millions of dollars recovered, and is ready to get to work on your case next.

Call (239) 277-0005 today or message us online to schedule a free case review with one of our trusted Key West dog bite attorneys.