Each year, dogs bite almost 4.7 million people a year in the United States. The Florida Department of Health reports that over 600 people a year seek medical attention due to dog bites.
While loyal and friendly, pit bulls are very protective and territorial and have been known to be especially dangerous to small children. In 2009, pit bulls accounted for nearly 15% of all attacks out of 103 breeds. However, of the top four breeds for attacks, the friendly Labrador counted for 6% and chows came in at fourth with 3%.
Dog Bite Laws Protect Victims
Fortunately for Florida residents, the law is on their side. According to Florida Code Section 767.04: “The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.”
With that in mind, you need a good Tampa dog bite injury lawyer to make your case. The qualified, experienced attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner have your back. With our record of success and work ethic, we’ll do everything we can to see you get the best compensation possible. If you need a Tampa dog bite injury lawyer, call us today for a no-risk, free consultation at (813) 553-5352.
Our Past Case Results
At the end of the day, you’ll choose your Tampa dog bite injury lawyer based on how successful the firm is when cases go to court. Our 40 attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner are assisted by a staff of over 140 paralegals, assistants, and legal secretaries who have successfully fought for victims of everything from car accidents to medical malpractice, including dog bite cases.
Some examples of how much we helped our clients win include:
- $250,000 for a Russian immigrant and entrepreneur involved in an auto accident who required regular rehabilitation visits due to injuries.
- $10 million for an auto accident that resulted in death.
- $2.2 million for a 37-year-old man involved in an auto accident.
My case couldn’t have been handled better. It was handled in a timely manner – it wasn’t rushed. If something ever happened again and I needed an attorney, Steinger, Greene & Feiner would be the first place I would go.
Susan D.
Relentless Legal Representation for Dog Bite Victims in Tampa
Dogs are animals. They can’t help what they do sometimes. Maybe they’re trying to protect their territory. Maybe they’ve been mistreated by their owners and are fearful of humans. If you’re a dog lover yourself, having to sue for compensation after a dog bite can be heartbreaking.
That’s where a qualified Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer is a huge benefit. The attorneys at Steinger, Greene & Feiner have the experience and knowledge to explore all areas when looking for negligence.
Furthermore, they can do the work that a tender-hearted dog lover might not be able to bring themselves to do. We have a skilled legal team that will fight tirelessly to help you recover the compensation necessary for medical injuries caused by a dog bite. Call Steinger, Greene & Feiner at (813) 553-5352 or contact us online to schedule your free, confidential, no obligation consultation with a Tampa personal injury attorney today or visit us at our offices: 5440 Mariner St, Unit 211, Tampa, FL 33609.
Determining Who’s Liable for a Dog Bite Injury
The most important factor in a dog bite case is who is at fault.
If the bite occurred in a public area, Florida law states that the owner is always liable for the dog bite victim’s medical bills. The assumption is the owner should take into account the dog’s aggressiveness and tendency to bite as sufficient reason to take special care with the dog in public spaces.
On the owner’s property, if a proper warning is given that a dog is prone to bite – posted signs, verbal warnings, etc. – liability is not instantly assigned to the dog’s owner and is decided by a case-by-case system. The exception to this is if the victim of the dog bite is six years old or younger. In that case, Florida law says the owner is liable no matter what.
Common Types of Damages Available in a Dog Bite Injury Claim
Victims of dog bites can sue for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
Why Choose Our Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers?
The legal team at Steinger, Greene & Feiner has won a number of cases for victims of dog bite injuries. They have the know-how and tenacity to win your case. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a bite from a dog whose owner is reluctant to pay, call us at (813) 553-5352 to schedule a no-risk consultation. You don’t owe us a penny until you receive compensation. Our Tampa personal injury lawyers fight relentlessly for your settlement and, when necessary, aren’t afraid to take a case in front of a judge and jury.
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