Dog Bite Attorney in Pensacola

Working to Hold the Responsible Parties Accountable

Dog owners have a duty to keep others reasonably safe around their pet. When they fail to do so, accidents and attacks can occur. If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog, resulting in serious, life-altering injuries, The Watson Firm, PLLC can help you fight for your rights. We strive to hold dog owners and other responsible parties accountable when their negligence causes you harm. Our Pensacola dog bite attorney is committed to fighting for the full, fair compensation you are owed.

How Do Dog Bite Laws Work in Florida?

The state of Florida recognizes strict liability in regards to dog bite cases. Under strict liability, a dog owner may be held liable for injuries sustained in a dog bite incident whether or not the owner had prior knowledge of or reason to believe that his or her dog might bite another person. In other words, a dog owner is almost always responsible for any injuries his or her dog causes to someone else. Unlike “one bite” rules, the dog does not have to have a history of attacking or biting in order for the owner to be held responsible under strict liability regulations.

Exceptions to this rule include:

• Instances in which the victim of the dog bite was trespassing on private property
• Instances in which the victim of the dog bite provoked the dog in any way

If you were attacked or bitten by a dog while legally in a public or private space and were not provoking the dog in any way (such as poking, hitting, or slapping the dog), you are most likely entitled to recover damages for your injuries and associated costs.

How Dog Bite Claims Work

After being bitten by a dog, it is crucial that you seek medical attention right away. Even if you believe your injuries are relatively minor, it’s wise to have them looked at by a medical professional. In some cases, injuries may not even appear until hours or days later, which is why it’s a good idea to have a doctor perform an examination after the incident. Having official records of medical treatment can also prove beneficial to the outcome of your case.

It is also highly important that you report the dog bite. Failing to do so can result in legal ramifications. To report the incident, you can contact the police or the local county animal control. You may report the dog bite from the medical facility at which you are receiving treatment—in fact, this is probably the easiest and best way to do so.

The next step in filing your dog bite injury claim is to contact an experienced Pensacola dog bite attorney. A skilled legal professional can help you determine if you have a valid claim, as well as what steps you should take next.

Contact our firm at (850) 607-2929 to learn more about how we can help you with your personal injury claim. Free consultations are available.

Let Our Firm Fight for You

A dog bite can be an incredibly frightening experience. You may not only experience physical injuries from the incident—many people, especially children, who are bitten by dogs suffer emotional consequences as well. You may find that you or your child has developed a new fear of dogs or recurring nightmares on top of the physical injuries.

At The Watson Firm, PLLC, we believe that negligent dog owners should be held accountable. If you were attacked or bitten by a dog at a park, while out walking, or even on private property, our firm can help. We provide honest, open communication and compassionate legal counsel you can trust. We can aggressively advocate for your rights, both in and out of the courtroom.

Looking for a reliable dog bite attorney in Pensacola? Turn to the team at The Watson Firm, PLLC. Call us at (850) 607-2929 for a free, confidential case evaluation.