As former Florida prosecutors, we’ve tried hundreds of cases and bring a rare insider’s perspective to every case. We understand how cases are built on both sides, which helps us negotiate more effectively, positioning each case for the strongest possible outcome.
Dog attacks represent some of the most gruesome personal injuries that an individual can suffer. Statistics show that every year there is an increase of injuries to persons, resulting from a bite from an aggressive dog. Unfortunately, the majority of dog bite victims are children. Dog bites are traumatic events leading to serious injuries, and multiple deaths are reported each year as a result of the most vicious attacks.
At the Umansky Law Firm, our Orlando dog bite lawyers represent individuals who have suffered personal injury in dog bites or animal attacks caused by the negligence or recklessness of others. Often a dog bite will result in permanent scarring, nerve damage and a significant risk of infection. In addition, most dog bite victims, especially children, suffer psychological damage that lasts well beyond the physical injury.
The state of Florida has a strict liability dog bite statute that states, “the owner of a dog is liable for damages inflicted by his or her dog that bites a person who is either in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner’s property.” Florida Statute 767.04
A dog owner is liable, regardless of whether or not the dog had ever been vicious before; and regardless of whether the owner had reason to believe the dog would behave in a vicious manner.
In addition to physical injuries, many people from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). After being bitten by a dog, a person may not feel or behave normally for a significant amount of time and can become depressed, fearful and extremely anxious around friends, families, or dogs. Sometimes PTSD can start within several months of the dog bite and the severity and duration of PTSD caries.
Although people with PTSD can sometimes resolve it themselves, a mental health professional is often required for healing to occur. It is essential that if you or your child are suffering from some form of post-traumatic stress disorder that you see immediate mental professional help.
When a dog bite occurs, it is essential that measures be promptly taken to collect evidence and enable medical providers and other expert witnesses to evaluate any injuries. At The Umansky Law Firm, we understand that dog bites are serious matters. The filing of a claim can be a complex process and should be handled by experienced dog bite injury attorneys who have the time and resources to gather all of the pertinent data and documentation, make a determination, and file the appropriate claim on behalf of the client and/or their child.
Your health insurance usually covers the cost of treatment for physical or emotional injuries for people bit by dogs. However, the owner of the dog who bit you frequently has to pay for all out of pocket expenses including:
If the dog owner lacks homeowner’s insurance, a lawyer could still work with you to find ways to get the money you need. We would perform an analysis of the owner’s assets, including vehicles and residences, and may file suit if that person is financially capable of providing compensation.
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
The Umansky Law Firm Criminal Defense & Injury Attorneys
