Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers
Though dogs are often considered pets, many can be dangerous. Anyone who has ever suffered a dog bite injury knows how serious they can be. Even the teeth of a small dog can puncture deeply into the flesh and cause long-term damage to muscles and ligaments. Bites from large dogs can leave physical and emotional scars that may never heal.
Under Florida law, pet owners maintain strict liability for the actions of the animals under their control. Unlike some states, Florida does not allow every dog one free bite. If you or your child has been bitten in the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area, get medical treatment immediately, then call the personal injury attorneys at Hale & Paulsen, P.A., in Clearwater. We represent clients in dog bite injury insurance litigation cases.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
- Immediately report the attack to your local animal control department
- Seek medical attention, even for a minor bite. Dog's saliva carries bacteria that can cause serious medical problems if it enters your bloodstream.
- Call the police if you feel the dog continues to be an imminent danger to others.
- Record as much as possible about the circumstances of the dog bite or attack. Include location, activities of people in the area and how the owner responded. Be accurate.
- Gather contact information from eyewitnesses.
- Talk to an experienced attorney as soon as possible. Schedule a free consultation at Hale & Paulsen and bring along all relevant information and records you have gathered.
What NOT to Do After a Dog Bite
- Do not engage in an argument with the dog owner or threaten the owner with a lawsuit.
- Do not threaten to destroy the dog.
- Do not attempt to negotiate a settlement on your own.
- Do not try to investigate the incident by interviewing eyewitnesses yourself.
- Do not attempt to take the dog into your own control.
- Do not contact the dog owner's insurance company on your own.
Confidential, Compassionate and Discreet Representation
We understand that most dog bite victims are friends, neighbors or relatives of the dog owner. Most people do not wish to destroy their personal relationship by filing a hostile lawsuit that will result in heavy financial damages to people they know but you also have a right to protect your rights. We are discreet about our approach to seeking full and fair monetary damages, always negotiating only with the dog owner's homeowner's insurance company. In most dog bite claims, there is little or no serious damage to the dog owner's personal finances.
Free Consultation · No Fees Unless You Win · Spanish Interpreters Available
Our Clearwater dog bite injury lawyers advise and represent clients in insurance litigation matters in communities and courtrooms throughout the Tampa-St. Petersburg metro area. Contact us to schedule a free consultation today.
