Were you bitten by a dog in Boynton Beach, FL? You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Call Green Personal Injury Lawyers at (561) 362-2009 for a free consultation to help you understand your rights and options. Our Boynton Beach dog bite lawyers are here to help you fight for justice.
We have over 12 years of experience and have recovered more than $40 million for clients. Our team knows what it takes to hold negligent dog owners accountable. No matter the breed of dog or the severity of your injuries, we are here to help you pursue justice and the resources you need to heal.
Why Choose Green Personal Injury Lawyers to Help With My Dog Bite Injury Claim in Boynton Beach, FL?
Dog bite claims in Boynton Beach, Florida, can be complex and involve unique areas of the law like strict liability. You need a legal team with a deep understanding of state laws and the resources to go up against insurance companies that will work to minimize your claim.
At Green Personal Injury Lawyers, we take pride in our track record of protecting clients’ rights and securing justice in challenging cases. Here’s what sets our Boynton Beach personal injury lawyers apart:
- Over a decade of experience handling personal injury and dog bite cases across Florida
- Tens of millions of dollars recovered for injured victims and their families
- Recognition from The National Trial Lawyers “Top 100” and Super Lawyers “Rising Stars”
- Local knowledge of Palm Beach County courts, judges, and insurance companies
- Personalized, client-focused service that makes you feel seen and heard
Our attorneys will handle every aspect of your case, from investigating the attack to negotiating with insurers and taking your case to court if necessary. Call us today to schedule a free case review with a Boynton Beach dog bite attorney.
Overview of Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida’s dog bite laws are different from those of many other states. Unlike states that follow a “one-bite” rule, Florida applies strict liability. This means a dog owner can be held liable for a bite even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
A dog owner may be responsible for an attack or bite injury if:
- Their dog bites or attacks someone in a public place, or
- The victim was lawfully on private property when the bite occurred.
Florida also has a comparative fault law that can affect recovery. For example, if the victim was teasing the dog, provoking it, or trespassing at the time of the attack, they could be partially liable for the incident.
What Is My Florida Dog Bite Case Worth?
Every dog bite case is unique, and there is no set formula for determining its value. The value of your case depends on the severity of the attack’s impact on your health, finances, and quality of life.
Factors that can influence the value of your case include:
- The extent of your injuries and whether you require surgery, physical therapy, or long-term care
- The emotional and psychological toll of the attack, including anxiety or PTSD
- Whether you sustained permanent scarring or disfigurement, especially on visible areas such as the face or hands
- Lost income due to time away from work
- The degree of pain and suffering you’ve endured
- Available insurance coverage and policy limits
The best way to understand the potential value of your claim is to consult with a Boynton Beach dog bite lawyer. At Green Personal Injury Lawyers, we will help you track and calculate your damages, working with medical and financial experts to assess your damages.
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
Dog bite victims may be entitled to recover several categories of damages under Florida law. These include both economic and non-economic damages, and in certain extreme cases, punitive damages.
Economic damages cover your financial losses, such as:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Follow-up appointments, medications, and wound care
- Surgeries, including reconstructive or cosmetic procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Transportation costs for medical appointments
Non-economic damages compensate for the personal losses you’ve suffered, including:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, such as nightmares or anxiety
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life and inability to participate in prior activities
- Loss of companionship in cases of fatal dog attacks
Punitive damages may be available if a dog owner’s conduct was intentional or extremely reckless, such as if they intentionally trained a dog to be aggressive or knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to roam without restraint.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Boynton Beach?
Many victims hesitate to contact a lawyer after a dog attack because they worry about the cost of legal representation. Most personal injury attorneys handle dog bite claims on a contingency fee basis.
This means there are no upfront fees to hire an attorney, who will advance all costs necessary to build your case, including expert witnesses and investigations. You only pay for representation at the end of your case — if your lawyer wins compensation for you. If your case doesn’t succeed, you owe them nothing.
Green Personal Injury Lawyers offers contingency fees in all personal injury cases. We also offer free case reviews to help you understand your rights.
Can I Recover Compensation if I Was Partly at Fault for a Dog Bite in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means you can still recover damages even if you were partly at fault for the dog bite, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible. However, in such instances, your compensation will be reduced in proportion to your share of fault.
For example, if your damages are valued at $100,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you would still be able to recover $80,000. But if you are 51% or more at fault, you will not be able to recover any money.
Insurance companies often use this law to their advantage. They may claim that you provoked the dog, ignored warnings, or entered private property unlawfully — all in an effort to reduce your compensation. We will challenge any unfounded allegations of blame and work to ensure you receive full compensation.
What Are Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries?
Dog attacks can result in a wide range of injuries, from puncture wounds to severe disfigurement.
Some of the most common injuries seen in dog bite cases include:
- Deep puncture wounds that damage muscles, tendons, and soft tissue
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive or cosmetic surgery
- Broken bones or fractures, either from the bite itself or from being knocked down
- Nerve damage that results in loss of mobility or sensation
- Severe scarring or disfigurement, often permanent
- Infections, including rabies, MRSA, or tetanus
- Emotional trauma, such as PTSD, phobias, or anxiety around animals
- Fatal injuries in attacks involving children or the elderly
Children are especially vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries, as they are more likely to be bitten on the head, face, or neck.
Who Is Responsible for Paying for Dog Bite Injuries in Florida?
In most cases, compensation for dog bite injuries comes from insurance policies rather than directly from the dog owner. Common sources include:
- Homeowner’s insurance: Many policies cover liability for dog bites, even if the attack occurs away from the owner’s property.
- Renter’s insurance: Similar to homeowners’ coverage, renters’ insurance often includes liability for dog attacks.
- Landlord liability: In some cases, landlords may share responsibility if they were aware of a dangerous dog on the property and failed to take appropriate action.
If the dog’s owner doesn’t have insurance, our attorneys will explore other options, like filing a direct claim against them.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Florida?
Florida law sets strict time limits for filing personal injury lawsuits, including dog bite claims. Generally, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit in civil court. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
There are a few exceptions. If the victim is a minor, the statute of limitations may be extended until after the child reaches age 18. If the attack is fatal, surviving family members typically have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Missing the deadline can bar you from recovering compensation entirely. That’s why it’s critical to contact a Boynton Beach dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the attack.
Contact a Boynton Beach Dog Bite Lawyer Today for a Free Consultation
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Boynton Beach, you have rights. The resulting medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma shouldn’t be your burden to bear.
At Green Personal Injury Lawyers, we bring over 12 years of experience and a proven track record of recovering over $40 million for clients across South Florida. We know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable and fight back against the insurance companies that protect them.
Call us today to schedule a free consultation with a Boynton Beach dog bite lawyer.