Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers

Seeking Compensation as a Dog Bite Victim

Have you or a loved one been bitten by a dog?

These situations can cause severe, long-term injuries, especially if the victims are elderly individuals or children. However, these incidents are dangerous no matter the age of the victim, as dog attacks are often a surprise.

At Chris Ligori & Associates, our Tampa dog bite lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of those injured by dogs. Our firm has been a tireless advocate for the injured for many years, securing millions for the thousands of clients we have served. There are no fees unless we win your case, and the initial legal consultation is free.

When Can Florida Dog Bite Victims Seek Compensation?

In Florida, dog owners are held strictly liable for damages caused by dog bites, even if the owner had no expectation that the dog would be aggressive. This legal framework makes it much easier to hold dog owners compared to so-called one-bite states. In these states, dog owners can be held liable for a dog bite if their pets had previously been declared dangerous or had previously bit someone.

In short, if a dog bit you, you may have a case for compensation. You should meet with a Tampa dog bite lawyer from Chris Ligori & Associates to discuss what happened and whether you are eligible to file a claim. Chris Ligori has been representing the injured in a wide variety of cases for many years. He is a fourth-generation Floridian and has received the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell. This is reserved for lawyers who have shown the highest level of professional excellence.

One of the advantages of hiring an experienced lawyer is that he or she will be prepared for potential defenses to liability for your injuries. For example, the liable party may claim you provoked the dog. Examples of provoking a dog include:

• Teasing or taunting the dog
• Approaching too fast or invading the dog’s personal space
• Taking away a dog’s food or toys
• Touching a part of the dog that was injured
• Startling a dog with loud noises, unexpected movements or waking a dog up from sleep
• Cornering the dog so it cannot escape
• Overly aggressive play with the dog
• Approaching a dog aggressively or with threatening body language

Another potential defense to liability could be the presence of a “Beware of Dog” sign that was visible to those entering the property. The only exception to this rule is if the victim is under the age of six.

What if a Dog Bite Victim Was Trespassing?

Generally, you cannot hold a Florida dog owner liable for damages if you were trespassing on the property at the time of the bite. Trespassers do not have the same level of legal protection as people who had a right to be on the property.

That said, there are exceptions when trespassers may still have a case, such as in cases involving:

• Intentional Harm: If the property owner intentionally provoked the dog to attack the trespasser, they could be held liable.
• Children: Florida law provides additional protections for children, even if they are trespassing, recognizing that children might not fully understand the concept of trespassing.

How Does Florida Define a Dangerous Dog?

In Florida, a dangerous dog is one that has bitten, attacked, or endangered someone on private or public property or caused serious injury to someone. Dogs can also be considered dangerous if they have killed or severely injured a domestic animal while not on the owner’s property.

Another criteria for dangerous dogs is chasing or approaching someone in a menacing way in a public space without being provoked. One or more witnesses must confirm this in a sworn statement and the incident must be investigated by the appropriate authority.

If you were bitten by a dog that was previously declared dangerous, it may be much easier to prove liability for your damages.

Compensation for Dog Bite Damages

Dog bite injuries are not only physically damaging but can also be emotionally traumatizing, which is why victims should strongly consider legal action to obtain compensation for these damages. A Tampa dog bite lawsuit can include compensation for medical costs, lost wages, long-term rehabilitation, pain and suffering, and more.

The attorneys at Chris Ligori & Associates are deeply committed to protecting the rights of the injured, including those who were bit by dogs. We have the resources to investigate these cases and determine the full value of your damages. Our attorneys have been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers and Super Lawyers.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog, follow these steps to ensure your well-being and protect your legal rights:

• Control the Bleeding: Apply pressure to the wound and clean it with soap and water.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even minor wounds should be evaluated by a healthcare professional to detect or prevent an infection.
• Report the Incident: Notify your local county health department, animal control agency, or police station.
• Document Your Injuries: Take photographs of the injuries and keep records of medical treatments and expenses.
• Consult a Tampa Dog Bite Attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case and guide you through the legal process. Not only can an attorney determine if you have a case, but also advise you on what to do next and how to protect your claim for compensation. This is critical, as injured victims who attempt to go it alone risk making mistakes that hurt their chances of recovering compensation.

Safety Tips for Adults and Children to Avoid a Dog Bite

Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, which is why people should take precautions to avoid dog bites or attacks:

For Adults:

• Never leave an infant or young child alone with any dog, even a family pet.
• Avoid disturbing a dog that is sleeping, caring for puppies or eating.
• Do not look a dog directly in the eyes, as this can be perceived as a threat.

For Children:

• Always supervise interactions between children and dogs.
• Teach children to report stray dogs or dogs acting strangely to an adult.
• If knocked over by a dog, children should roll into a ball, cover their face and stay still.
• Use objects like a backpack or bicycle to shield yourself if a dog appears ready to attack.

Schedule a Free Legal Consultation With a Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer

At Chris Ligori & Associates, we have a deep commitment to helping the injured with the legal process. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions and update you on the progress of your case. We know how stressful these situations are, which is why we do our best to make things as easy as possible for our clients. Let us handle all aspects of your case so that nothing falls through the cracks while your focus should be on recovering from your injuries.

When it comes down to it, our law firm is simply passionate about helping people who have been wronged by another person recover their losses. We believe everyone deserves justice when they’ve been harmed. 

There are no upfront costs or fees with our services and the initial legal consultation is free of charge. Our main office in Tampa is located at 117 South Willow Avenue and is just a few minutes from the University of Tampa.