Boca Raton Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

How We Help You Get the Compensation You Deserve

Dog bites happen more often than most people think. Every year, over 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bite injuries, and Florida ranks second in the nation for dog attack claims. These incidents can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and expensive medical bills that turn your life upside down.

When you’re injured by a dog bite in Boca Raton, you have legal rights that allow you to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. Dog owners are responsible for their pets’ actions under Florida law. This means you may be able to recover money for medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses caused by the attack.

We understand how overwhelming it can feel after a dog bite injury. You’re dealing with pain, medical appointments, and worry about bills while trying to heal. Our team at The Landau Law Group knows what steps to take to protect your rights and help you get the compensation you deserve for what happened to you.

Contact us today for a free case consultation. 

Understanding Boca Raton Dog Bite Injury Claims

Dog bite incidents happen more often than many people realize in Boca Raton, and they can cause serious physical and emotional harm. Florida has specific laws that protect victims and help them get compensation for their injuries.

Common Causes of Dog Bites in Boca Raton

Dog bites often happen when people least expect them. Many attacks occur when dogs feel scared or threatened by strangers approaching their territory.

Children are at higher risk because they may not understand how to act around dogs safely. They might run up to unfamiliar dogs or try to pet them without asking the owner first.

Common situations that lead to dog bites include:

• Walking or jogging past homes with loose dogs
• Delivery workers entering properties
• Children playing in yards or parks
• Dogs escaping from their homes or yards
• Poorly trained or socialized dogs

Some dog owners don’t properly control their pets or fail to warn others about aggressive behavior. When owners know their dog has bitten someone before, they have a duty to take extra steps to prevent future attacks.

We see many cases where dogs break free from leashes or jump over fences. Property owners must make sure their dogs cannot escape and hurt innocent people.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause many different types of injuries, from minor cuts to life-threatening wounds. The size and strength of the dog often determines how severe the injuries will be.

Physical injuries from dog attacks include:

• Puncture wounds and deep cuts
• Torn muscles and damaged nerves
• Broken bones from being knocked down
• Infections from bacteria in dog saliva
• Permanent scars and disfigurement

Facial injuries are especially serious because they can require multiple surgeries. Children often suffer face and head injuries because of their height compared to dogs.

Some victims develop serious infections that require hospital stays. Dog mouths contain harmful bacteria that can spread quickly through wounds.

Emotional injuries are just as real:

• Fear of dogs or going outside
• Nightmares and trouble sleeping
• Anxiety in public places
• Depression from permanent scars

We help clients get compensation for both physical and emotional damages. These injuries can affect someone’s life for years after the attack.

Florida Dog Bite Laws

Florida law makes dog owners responsible for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog never bit anyone before. This is called strict liability, and it helps protect victims.

Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners must pay for damages when their dog bites someone in a public place or on private property where the victim has a legal right to be.

Key points about Florida dog bite law:

• Owners are liable even if they didn’t know the dog was dangerous
• Victims don’t have to prove the owner was careless
• The law covers bites on public property and private property where victims belong
• Trespassers have fewer legal protections

There are some exceptions to these rules. If a victim was doing something illegal or provoking the dog, the owner might not be fully responsible.

We know how to investigate dog bite cases and prove that owners should pay for our clients’ injuries. Time limits apply to filing these claims, so it’s important to contact us quickly after an attack.

How a Boca Raton Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help

When you suffer a dog bite injury, we handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing. We investigate your case thoroughly, collect crucial evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.

Investigating Your Dog Bite Case

We start by gathering all the facts about your dog bite incident. Our team visits the scene where the attack happened to look for important details that might help your case.

We interview witnesses who saw what happened. Their statements can prove the dog owner was not being careful with their pet.

We also research the dog’s history. Has this dog bitten someone before? Does it have a record of aggressive behavior? This information helps show the owner knew their dog was dangerous.

Key investigation steps we take:

• Document the exact location and time of the attack
• Check if the dog had proper licenses and vaccinations
• Review any previous complaints about the dog
• Look for security cameras that might have recorded the incident

We work quickly because evidence can disappear over time. The sooner you contact us, the better we can protect your rights and build a strong case.

Gathering Medical and Legal Evidence

We collect all medical records related to your dog bite injuries. This includes emergency room visits, doctor appointments, and any ongoing treatment you need.

Your medical bills show the real cost of your injuries. We make sure nothing gets missed, including future medical care you might need.

We take photographs of your injuries at different stages of healing. These pictures show how serious your injuries were and how they affected your daily life.

Evidence we typically gather:

• Hospital records and ambulance reports
• X-rays, MRIs, and other medical tests
• Prescription receipts and therapy records
• Photos of wounds, scars, and torn clothing
• Work records showing lost wages

We also get copies of police reports and animal control reports. These official documents support your version of what happened during the attack.

Dealing With Insurance Companies

Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible for dog bite claims. We handle all communication with them so they cannot trick you into accepting less money than you deserve.

We know the tactics insurance adjusters use. They might call you right after the attack when you are still upset and in pain. We protect you from these pressure tactics.

How we handle insurance companies:

• Review all insurance policies that might cover your case
• Submit detailed demand letters with supporting evidence
• Negotiate fair settlement amounts based on your actual damages
• Fight lowball offers that do not cover your full losses

We never let insurance companies delay your case or deny valid claims without good reasons. If they refuse to be fair, we are ready to take your case to court to get you the compensation you need.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Injury in Boca Raton

Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen any legal case. Getting medical care, reporting the incident, and documenting everything properly are essential actions that can impact your recovery and compensation.

Seeking Medical Attention

Get medical help right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections and diseases like rabies or tetanus. What looks like a small wound can become a major health problem.

Go to the emergency room or urgent care center immediately. Don’t wait to see if the bite gets worse. Deep puncture wounds, torn skin, or bleeding that won’t stop need professional treatment.

Even small bites need medical attention. Doctors will clean the wound properly and give you antibiotics to prevent infection. They will also check if you need a tetanus shot or rabies treatment.

Keep all medical records and bills from your treatment. We use these documents to show the extent of your injuries and medical costs. This includes emergency room visits, follow-up appointments, medications, and any physical therapy you need.

Take photos of your injuries before and after medical treatment. These pictures help show how serious your injuries were and how they affected your daily life.

Reporting the Dog Bite

Report the dog bite to local authorities within 24 hours. In Boca Raton, contact Animal Control Services or the police department. This creates an official record of what happened.

The report should include important details about the incident. Tell them when and where the bite happened, describe the dog and its owner, and explain what led to the attack.

Get a copy of the incident report for your records. We need this document to build your case and prove the dog bite occurred. The report number helps us track your case with authorities.

If possible, get the dog owner’s contact information and insurance details at the scene. Ask for their name, phone number, address, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information.

Find out if the dog has current rabies vaccinations. This information is important for your medical treatment and shows if the owner followed local laws about pet vaccinations.

Documenting Your Injuries

Take detailed photos of all your injuries as soon as possible. Use your phone to capture clear pictures from different angles. Continue taking photos as your injuries heal to show the recovery process.

Write down everything you remember about the attack while it’s still fresh in your mind. Include the date, time, location, weather conditions, and what you were doing before the bite happened.

Keep a daily journal of how your injuries affect your life. Write about your pain levels, activities you can’t do, work you’ve missed, and emotional effects like fear or anxiety around dogs.

Save all receipts related to your injury. This includes medical bills, prescription costs, bandages, and transportation to doctor visits. Also keep records of lost wages if you missed work because of your injuries.

Get contact information from anyone who saw the attack happen. Witness statements can help prove what really occurred and support your version of events.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite victims can recover compensation for medical costs, lost income, and physical pain. We help clients get money for both current expenses and future needs after a dog attack.

Medical Expenses and Treatment

Dog bites often need immediate medical care and long-term treatment. Emergency room visits can cost thousands of dollars right away.

Common medical costs include:

• Emergency room treatment
• Surgery to repair damaged tissue
• Antibiotics to prevent infection
• Physical therapy sessions
• Plastic surgery for scars
• Mental health counseling

Many dog bite victims need multiple surgeries. The risk of infection makes hospital stays common. Some people need IV antibiotics for days or weeks.

We track all your medical bills from day one. This includes ambulance rides, doctor visits, and prescription costs. Future medical needs also count as damages.

Plastic surgery often happens months after the bite. We make sure these future costs are part of your claim. Mental health treatment can last for years after an attack.

Lost Wages Due to Injuries

Dog bite injuries often keep people out of work for weeks or months. We help you recover money for time missed from your job.

Lost wage compensation covers:

• Days missed during initial treatment
• Time off for follow-up appointments
• Reduced hours due to physical limits
• Lost overtime opportunities
• Sick leave and vacation days used

Some victims cannot return to their old jobs. Construction workers with hand injuries may need different work. We calculate these long-term income losses too.

Self-employed people face special challenges. We work with accountants to prove lost business income. Even missed opportunities count as damages.

Future earning losses matter for serious injuries. If you cannot work the same way again, we fight for that compensation. We use experts to calculate lifetime income losses.

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain and emotional trauma deserve compensation beyond medical bills. Dog attacks cause lasting fear and anxiety that affects daily life.

Pain and suffering includes both physical discomfort and mental distress. Many victims develop a fear of dogs after an attack. Some people avoid parks or walking alone.

Pain and suffering factors:

• Severity of physical injuries
• Length of recovery time
• Permanent scars or disfigurement
• Impact on daily activities
• Sleep problems and nightmares

Children often suffer more emotional trauma than adults. We understand how dog bites affect entire families. Parents may also need counseling to help their children recover.

Scarring on visible areas causes ongoing distress. Face and hand injuries affect self-confidence for years. We fight to get fair compensation for these lasting effects.

Liability in Boca Raton Dog Bite Cases

In Florida, dog owners face strict liability for bites that happen in public spaces or when victims are lawfully on private property. Property owners may also share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the attack.

Owner Responsibility Under Florida Law

Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means dog owners are responsible for injuries their pets cause, even if the dog never showed aggressive behavior before.

Key aspects of owner liability include:

• Owner is liable if the bite happens in a public place
• Owner is liable if the victim was lawfully on private property
• The dog’s bite history does not matter for liability
• Victims must prove they were legally allowed to be where the bite occurred

We see cases where owners try to avoid responsibility by claiming their dog was provoked. However, Florida law protects most victims unless they were clearly trespassing or provoking the animal.

Exceptions to strict liability:

• Victim was trespassing on private property
• Victim was provoking or abusing the dog
• “Bad Dog” signs were clearly posted (may reduce but not eliminate liability)

Even with posted warning signs, we often help clients recover compensation. The signs must be clearly visible and properly placed to provide any protection for owners.

Landlord and Property Owner Liabilities

Property owners and landlords can face liability for dog attacks that happen on their premises. We investigate whether property owners knew about dangerous dogs and failed to take action.

Landlords may be liable when:

• They knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous
• They allowed aggressive dogs despite lease restrictions
• They failed to maintain secure fencing or gates
• They had control over the property where the attack occurred

Property owner responsibilities include:

• Maintaining secure barriers between dogs and visitors
• Enforcing pet policies and lease agreements
• Taking action when they learn of dangerous animals
• Ensuring common areas are safe from aggressive pets

We work with property management companies and landlords to determine their level of responsibility. Many property owners carry insurance that covers dog bite incidents on their premises.

Commercial properties like stores or offices have higher duties to protect customers. We examine whether businesses knew about dangerous animals and failed to protect visitors.

Dealing With Insurance After a Boca Raton Dog Bite

Most dog bite compensation comes from the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. We help our clients navigate the claims process and fight for fair settlement amounts when insurance companies try to minimize payouts.

Filing a Claim With Homeowner’s Insurance

The first step is identifying the dog owner’s insurance company. We work with you to gather this information and file the claim properly.

Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite injuries. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. The coverage typically ranges from $100,000 to $300,000.

Important documents we help you collect:

• Medical records and bills
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness contact information
• Police or animal control reports
• Proof of lost income

We make sure your claim includes all current and future medical costs. Many dog bite victims need ongoing treatment for infections or scarring.

The insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate your claim. We handle all communication with them to protect your rights.

Negotiating a Settlement

Insurance companies often make low initial offers. We review these offers carefully and negotiate for fair compensation based on your actual damages.

Factors that affect settlement amounts:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical treatment costs
• Time missed from work
• Permanent scarring or disability
• Emotional trauma

We calculate the true value of your case before accepting any settlement. This includes future medical needs and long-term effects of your injuries.

Many cases settle within 3-6 months of filing the claim. We keep you informed throughout the process and explain all settlement offers.

If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we prepare to take your case to court. Most insurers prefer to settle rather than face a jury trial.

Timeline for Dog Bite Injury Claims in Florida

Florida gives dog bite victims two years to file a lawsuit after their injury occurs. Several factors can affect how quickly your case moves through the legal system.

Statute of Limitations

Florida changed its statute of limitations for dog bite cases in 2023. You now have two years from the date of the dog bite to file your lawsuit. This is a shorter timeframe than before.

Missing this deadline means you lose your right to seek compensation. The clock starts ticking on the day the dog attack happened.

We recommend starting your case as soon as possible. Waiting too long can hurt your chances of getting fair compensation. Evidence gets harder to find over time, and witnesses may forget important details.

There are very few exceptions to this two-year rule. Medical emergencies or being mentally unable to file may extend the deadline in rare cases. But these exceptions are hard to prove in court.

What Factors Can Delay Your Case

Several things can slow down your dog bite case. The severity of your injuries affects how long treatment takes. We need to know the full extent of your damages before settling.

Common delays include:

• Ongoing medical treatment
• Disputes about who owns the dog
• Insurance company investigations
• Finding witnesses and gathering evidence
• Negotiations with multiple parties

Complex cases with severe injuries often take longer. If the dog owner disputes liability or claims you provoked the attack, this adds time to your case.

We work to move your case forward quickly while making sure you get full compensation. Starting early gives us more time to build a strong case for you.

Why Choose Us as Your Dog Bite Injury Legal Team

We understand how scary and overwhelming a dog bite can be for you and your family. Our team at The Landau Law Group offers free consultations and personal attention to help you through this difficult time.

What to Expect During Your Free Consultation

When you call us, we will listen to your story without judgment. We know dog bites can cause serious injuries and emotional trauma. Our team will ask questions about what happened and how you were hurt.

During your consultation, we will explain your legal rights in simple terms. We will tell you if you have a strong case against the dog owner. Many people don’t know that Florida law makes dog owners responsible for bite injuries.

We will also discuss what compensation you might receive. This can include money for your medical bills, lost work time, and pain you experienced. We handle all types of dog bite cases, from minor bites to severe attacks.

You won’t pay us anything unless we win your case. This means you can get legal help without worrying about upfront costs. We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation after a dog attack.

Contact The Landau Law Group

Getting help is easy when you work with us. You can call our Boca Raton office or visit us in person. We respond quickly to new cases because we know time matters in dog bite claims.

We will start working on your case right away. This includes gathering evidence, talking to witnesses, and dealing with insurance companies. You can focus on healing while we handle the legal work.

Contact us today to get started with your free case consultation.