Seasoned Dog Bite Attorneys in West Palm Beach, FL Help Injured Victims Recover Compensation for Medical Bills and Other Losses in Palm Beach County and Throughout Florida
Even the seemingly nicest dog can bite or attack someone seemingly without warning or provocation. If you have suffered injuries after being bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog, you deserve to recover compensation for your medical expenses and other losses. West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers can help you to pursue your case.
Since 2010, the attorneys of Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. have worked to protect the rights and interests of injured victims in West Palm Beach and in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida. We know how intimidating the legal process can seem. That’s why we work hard to handle all the aspects of our clients’ cases, giving them peace of mind that they are in good hands. With our firm, you will never be just a file number. We take the time to get to know you and understand your needs, concerns, and goals, so that we pursue a legal strategy aimed at securing the results you want and deserve.
When you’ve been injured by a dog bite or attack, reach out to our firm for a free initial case review to learn more about how West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers can help you pursue your legal rights and interests.
Dog Bite Laws in Palm Beach County
Under Florida law, dog bite injuries result in strict liability for the dog’s owner. So long as a dog bites someone in public or in a private place where the bite victim was lawfully present, the owner can be held liable for the bite victim’s injuries, regardless of the dog owner’s negligence or lack thereof. Unlike other states, it is not necessary in Florida to prove that a dog owner knew their dog had a vicious or aggressive tendency (such as when the dog had previously bit or attacked another person or animal).
However, the dog owner’s liability for dog bite injuries under certain circumstances, such as if the owner’s dog was provoked into biting or attacking, or for a dog bite that occurs on the owner’s residence if they place a “beware of dog” or similar sign. But Florida law does impose complete strict liability for a dog bite injury where the victim was an unsupervised child.
In Palm Beach County, it is unlawful for a dog to be off the owner’s property unless on a leash or in a cage or crate (except that dogs may be off-leash in dog parks or public beaches that allow dogs). Owners must also obtain a rabies/license tag for dogs older than six months; dogs must wear the license tag on a collar or harness.
How Can a West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyer from Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. Assist You With Pursuing a Claim for Financial Recovery after Being Injured in an Animal Attack
If you choose to pursue financial recovery for medical bills and other expenses and losses you incurred after being injured by someone else’s dog, you can turn to West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers from our firm for help with all the details of preparing and pursuing your legal claim, including:
- Recovering evidence needed to prove your right to receive compensation and the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Identifying the dog’s owner and potential sources of compensation, such as homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies.
- Filing your claims with insurers and aggressively pursuing negotiations to try to reach a settlement that pays you full compensation.
- Taking your case to court and advocating on your behalf at trial if litigation is needed to get you the financial recovery you deserve.
Contact Our Firm Today to Speak to West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyers About Your Case
If you were injured by a bite or attack inflicted by someone else’s dog, contact Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal rights and options for pursuing financial recovery with West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers from our firm.
About West Palm Beach, FL
West Palm Beach is a city in Palm Beach County, Florida, serving as the county seat since the county’s founding in 1909. West Palm Beach was itself incorporated in 1894 as South Florida’s first municipality, preceding the city of Miami by two years. The city’s initial growth during the early 20th century was supported by agriculture, tourism, and the Florida land boom of the 1920s. A second wave of growth in West Palm Beach occurred following World War II, as servicemembers returning from the war who had trained in South Florida chose to resettle in the area. In recent years, West Palm Beach has undertaken efforts to revitalize its downtown areas and to preserve much of the city’s historic architecture and neighborhoods.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dog Bites in Florida
A dog bite lawyer can serve as an important resource for you after you have been bitten by someone else’s dog. In particular, a dog bite lawyer can help if the dog that bit you is owned by someone close to you, such as a family member, friend, or neighbor. A lawyer can handle pursuing your claim for compensation with the dog owner or their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance company so that you don’t have to.
At Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A., our firm represents clients injured by dog bites on a contingency basis. That means that you do not need to pay any money up front to hire our firm for your dog bite lawsuit. Instead, we are paid only when we secure financial compensation for you in a negotiated settlement or by winning your lawsuit at trial.
If you have been bitten by someone else’s dog, the first thing you should do is to locate the dog’s owner (if they were not with the dog). You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible to diagnose the extent of your injuries and begin medical treatment. Remember to keep copies of bills and invoices from your medical treatment, as well as your income statements if you miss time from work because of your injuries. Finally, make time to speak with a West Palm Beach dog bite lawyer from Gonzalez & Cartwright, P.A. to discuss next steps to take in your case.