Key West Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dogs make superb pets and companions; but with dog ownership comes a large responsibility to make sure others are safe around your pet. Certain breeds of dogs may seem more prone to aggression than others, but dog owners are responsible to control their pets at all times. If you are bitten by a dog in Key West, FL, you need to seek treatment immediately. As soon as possible, you also need to seek counsel from a Key West dog bite injury lawyer from Ligori & Ligori.
Dogs can cause significant injuries to the human body. Torn flesh, broken bones, lacerations and infections are just some types of injuries you could suffer. Recovery may leave disfiguring scars that require further treatment. You may also require mental or emotional therapy to recover from the trauma of a dog attack. Ligori & Ligori, Attorneys at Law can help you pursue a claim for compensation against the dog owner that can result in monetary remuneration to cover these and other costs.
Were you Bitten by a Dog in Key West?
Florida State law offers crucial protections for individuals who fall victim to dog attacks, aiming to ensure accountability and restitution for injuries sustained due to canine aggression. Central to this legal framework is Florida Statute 767, which specifically addresses incidents involving dog attacks, while Section 767.04 delineates the liability of dog owners in such circumstances. With few exceptions, this statute imposes strict liability on dog owners, holding them accountable for damages resulting from their dog’s aggressive behavior.
Comprehensive coverage under Florida Statute 767:
- Scope of Liability: Florida law unequivocally establishes the responsibility of dog owners for damages incurred when their dog bites or attacks another person, regardless of prior knowledge of the animal’s propensity for aggression.
- Exceptions and Limitations: While the statute imposes liability in most cases, certain exceptions exist, such as instances where the victim was unlawfully on private property or provoked the dog, which may mitigate the owner’s liability to some extent.
The damages resulting from dog attacks are often severe, encompassing physical injuries, emotional trauma and financial burdens that can significantly impact the victim’s quality of life. These injuries frequently necessitate extensive medical treatments, rehabilitation and psychological counseling, along with potential loss of income due to temporary or permanent disability.
Types of damages pursued in dog bite injury lawsuits:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past, present, and future medical treatments, surgeries, hospitalizations and rehabilitation services required to address injuries sustained in the attack.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the victim’s inability to work during recovery or long-term disability resulting from the dog bite injury.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish and diminished quality of life experienced by the victim as a result of the attack.
- Disfigurement and Scarring: Compensation for visible injuries, disfigurement, or scarring resulting from the dog bite, which can have lasting psychological and social implications.
- Loss of Consortium: Damages awarded to family members for the loss of companionship, support and consortium resulting from the victim’s injuries and related effects on familial relationships.
Navigating the complexities of a dog bite injury lawsuit demands the experience of a seasoned Key West dog bite injury attorney who can effectively advocate for the victim’s rights and pursue maximum compensation on their behalf. Legal representation plays a crucial role in gathering evidence, assessing damages, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, litigating the case in court to secure justice for the victim and promote responsible pet ownership within the community. By holding negligent dog owners accountable for their actions and advocating for enhanced safety measures, legal professionals contribute to the prevention of future dog-related injuries and the protection of public safety.
Dog attacks can be horrifically devastating, both physically and emotionally. If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog in Key West, contact Ligori & Ligori today or call us at 888-254-7119 to arrange a free consultation. You may also text us at this number. Someone is always ready to respond to your needs.