Port St. Lucie Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs serve as loving companions for many people throughout the Port St. Lucie area. However, sometimes dogs lose control and act aggressively. They may bite a person or another animal, leading to serious injuries and trauma.

In this situation, you have the option to work with a Port St. Lucie dog bite lawyer to review your legal options. Our legal team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine may be able to help you secure compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. Find out more by reaching out to us.

We Understand the Severity of Dog Bites

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost four and a half million people sustain dog bite injuries every year in the United States. Over 800,000 of these individuals require medical care for their injuries, and nearly half of the injured are children.

Dog bites have a reputation for causing serious injuries that generally require an extensive amount of healing. Many dog bite victims require reconstructive surgery. However, even after their surgeries, they may be left with extensive scarring and long-term pain from nerve damage.

Animal attacks also have severe impacts on the victim’s mental wellbeing. Many people experience long-term issues with panic and fear after an attack, especially children.

Your Steps After a Dog Attack in Port St. Lucie

You must move quickly after an animal attack in Port St. Lucie. The Florida Department of Health recommends that you:

• Immediately get medical attention
• Wash the bite using soap and water
• Do your best to control the bleeding

In addition, it is important that you report the attack. You should contact Animal Control of the City of Port St. Lucie in our area. Animal control agents can provide you with further information about how to respond to a bite, and they may arrive to take the animal into custody in some cases.

You may also want to immediately reach out to a Port St. Lucie dog bite attorney. They will provide you with responsive care and regular case updates. In addition, we can answer your questions, either through phone calls or emails.

Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Florida?

Many people resolve dog bite claims out of court in Port St. Lucie. However, Florida’s legal codes allow you to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner in some cases. In addition, settling with an insurance company or going to court may allow you to secure compensation for your losses.

Our dog bite lawyers can help you determine the ideal way to seek compensation in your situation. Many individuals choose to settle because it often takes less time than going to court. You may also avoid legal fees if you settle with the insurance company.

You can focus on getting better when you contact our attorneys for help after a dog bite.

Florida’s Laws for Dog Bite Cases

Florida has harsh laws to prosecute dog bite cases in Port St. Lucie and other cities. In addition, the state has strict liability regulations, meaning that dog owners may be at-fault for a bite even if they did not know they had an aggressive animal.

Under the legal codes in Florida, you do not have to prove that the dog owner acted negligently to secure compensation for your losses. Generally, you may receive compensation if your dog bite attorney in Port St. Lucie proves that:

• The dog bit you WHILE
• You were in a public area OR
• You were lawfully on someone’s private property

However, even outside of the above situation, you may receive compensation for your losses if a lawyer shows that the dog’s owner acted negligently. Our legal team can review the specifics of your claim to help you secure compensation for your losses.

Seeking Compensation for Losses Caused by a Dog Bite

Our legal team understands the expenses you could face after a dog attack in Port St. Lucie. We can help you track your losses, eventually working to bring you compensation to cover costs for:

• Emergency care
• Reconstructive surgeries
• Rabies treatments
• Antibiotics and pain relievers
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation

We understand that you may not be able to return to work right away after an animal attack. The dog owner may need to cover your lost wages in this situation. You could also sustain more serious injuries, resulting in an inability to perform your previous job.

When working on your claim, we consider all your losses, including those associated with your pain, suffering, and mental anguish. For example, many individuals experience high levels of anxiety or even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after a dog bite.

There Are Deadlines in Florida for Taking Legal Action

We recommend moving quickly after an animal attack. Florida gives you around four years to seek compensation for your losses under Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a). However, you should know that the state does sometimes adjust this statute of limitations.

For example, you may have longer to file a claim if you were attacked as a child or if you did not realize you would experience an injury until some time after the attack. You can learn more about the time you have available by reaching out to a Port St. Lucie dog bite attorney.

We help you understand each step you should take after an animal attack. Then, we prioritize your care and recovery.

Get Help With Your Claim From a Port St. Lucie Dog Bite Attorney Today

Our team at the Law Offices of Anidjar & Levine understands what you are going through after an animal attack. Our Port St. Lucie dog bite lawyers are standing by to help you. Find out more by contacting our law firm today.