A dog bite can cause more than a painful wound. A person may need stitches, medication, follow-up care, or time away from work. If you were hurt by a dog, a Tallahassee, FL dog bite lawyer can review what happened, the evidence and losses connected to your injury.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
Get medical attention as soon as possible, especially if the bite breaks the skin. Follow your doctor’s instructions and keep records of treatment, prescriptions, appointments, and medical bills. Photos of the wound can show changes during recovery.
If you can do so safely, write down where the incident happened and what occurred before the bite. Get the dog owner’s contact details and information about the dog. Witness contact information may also help. Keep copies of animal control records, insurance messages, photographs, and other documents related to the incident.
Can a Dog Owner Be Responsible?
Florida law generally makes a dog owner responsible for damages when a dog bites someone in a public place or when the person is lawfully on private property. The law also says that negligence by the person who was bitten can reduce the owner’s liability by the percentage of that person’s negligence. A prominent “Bad Dog” sign may affect liability in some situations, with statutory exceptions.
The attack details still matter. Where the bite happened, whether you were lawfully present, what the owner knew, whether warnings were provided, and how the injury occurred may need review. A claim may involve medical expenses, lost income, pain, scarring, and other losses depending on the facts.
What Evidence Can Support a Claim?
Useful evidence may include photographs, medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, insurance correspondence, and information about the dog. Save receipts and records showing expenses caused by the injury. Keep a written timeline of symptoms, treatment, missed work, and other daily changes that follow the attack.
Evidence can help show the injury and what followed. Attorney Adam Jacobson can discuss the incident and explain relevant legal issues. Acting promptly can help preserve records.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a dog bite?
Can I make a claim if the dog never bit anyone before?
What if I was partly responsible for the incident?
What losses may be connected to a dog bite claim?
How can evidence help after a dog attack?
Talk About Your Dog Bite Injury
A serious bite can affect your health, work, finances, and daily routine. If you are dealing with those problems after an attack, a Tallahassee, FL dog bite lawyer can review the facts and discuss possible next steps with you. Jacobson Injury Firm can help you understand the legal process and information important to your claim.
