Dog Bite
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Dog Bite Attorneys
Bonardi & Uzdavinis Attorneys-at-Law | (813) 540-2019
Injured by a Dog in Tampa and Florida? Bonardi & Uzdavinis Can Help.
Dog attacks are terrifying and life-altering experiences. If you or a loved one in Tampa were attacked or bitten by a dog and experienced physical or psychological injuries due to it, Bonardi & Uzdavinis Attorneys-at-Law are here to provide expert legal guidance to victims in order to secure justice and fair compensation from these cases.
Let our knowledgeable Tampa dog bite attorneys handle the legal aspects while you focus on recovering. Call now at 813-540-2019 for a complimentary consultation and get on track to a swifter path toward healing!
How Bonardi & Uzdavinis Can Help With a Dog Bite Claim in Tampa
Even the friendliest dogs may act aggressively under certain circumstances. Dog bites frequently leave victims with painful injuries, permanent scarring and emotional trauma – and should an attack take place due to someone’s neglect, the burden should not fall solely on you alone.
Why choose Bonardi & Uzdavinis?
Compassion Meets Skill
When you hire our Tampa legal team, we will:
How we can help you at every stage
- Investigate the dog attack.
- Gather evidence and identify all responsible parties
- Defend your rights if the dog owner tries to blame you for the incident
- Work with medical experts and financial professionals to determine the full value of your claim
- Negotiate with insurance providers to secure maximum compensation
- Take your case to trial if necessary
Many dog bite claims can be covered under an owner’s or renters insurance policy — however, insurers might still refuse to cover them.
With Bonardi & Uzdavinis by your side, you have an advocate who won’t back down from fighting on your behalf.
How Common Are Dog Bite Injuries in Florida?
Dog bites occur far more frequently than many may realize; according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), over 800,000 victims seek medical care annually in America due to bites from canines alone; Florida alone saw 1,200 such insurance claims submitted due to these incidents in 2018.
Financial implications associated with dog bite claims in Florida often surpass $44,000, including emergency treatment expenses such as surgery and therapy, plus recovery service fees.
Tampa residents are no exception. If you’ve been hurt in a dog attack here, don’t wait to learn your rights — contact our team today.
What Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
The value of your Tampa dog bite claim depends on many factors, including:
- The severity of your injuries
- Age of the victim (dog bites to children often lead to higher damages due to long-term trauma and scarring)
- The cost of medical treatment and expected future care
- The impact on your ability to work and earn income
- Any permanent disfigurement or disability
- The emotional distress and psychological damage, such as PTSD or anxiety
Bonardi & Uzdavinis does not believe in offering generic settlement agreements; rather, our legal strategies are tailored specifically for your unique circumstances in order to seek maximum compensation for medical costs or emotional trauma suffered as part of an incident. Put us on your side! We’re ready to fight hard on your behalf for every dollar deservedly awarded you by law.
Damages Available in Tampa Dog Bite Cases
Even the most cautious visitor may suffer an injury because of unsafe conditions. Some of the most common injuries that our clients have suffered include:
Economic Damages:
- Emergency room visits and medical bills
- Ongoing treatment and rehabilitation
- Lost income or reduced earning potential
- Therapy (physical, occupational, and psychological)
- Prescription medications and medical devices
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress, PTSD, or anxiety
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Trauma to children or vulnerable adults
Cases involving fatal dog attacks may qualify surviving family members to file a wrongful death claim, and we approach these matters with care and diligence so as to help bring about justice on behalf of all parties involved.
Can I Still Recover Damages If I Was Partially At Fault?
Yes. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, so even if some blame lies with you for an attack, damages may still be recovered but will be prorated accordingly.
Example of such: An insurance provider for pet owners could claim:
- You were trespassing
- You provoked the dog
- You ignored posted warnings
These are common tactics to reduce payouts. Our Tampa personal injury attorneys know how to challenge these defenses and protect your rights.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries can be far more severe than minor wounds. Many victims experience:
- Deep puncture wounds or lacerations
- Infections, including rabies or sepsis
- Broken bones and nerve damage
- Facial injuries requiring reconstructive surgery
- Scars or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
- Concussions or traumatic brain injuries (TBI) in serious attacks
Whether your injuries are visible or psychological, we believe every harm you’ve suffered deserves to be accounted for.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite in Florida?
Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public or when the victim is legally on private property — regardless of whether the dog had ever shown aggression before.
To succeed under Florida’s strict liability statute, you must show:
- You were bitten by a dog
- You were lawfully present on the property or in public
No “one bite rule” applies in Florida. But if your injury didn’t involve an actual bite — such as being knocked over or chased — then negligence laws may apply. In those cases, proving the dog owner’s failure to act reasonably becomes essential.
Examples of Dog Owner Negligence
Even if strict liability doesn’t apply, you may still recover compensation if the dog owner acted carelessly. Common examples include:
- Letting a known dangerous dog roam free
- Failing to use a leash or secure fencing
- Ignoring leash laws in public areas
- Not posting a warning sign for aggressive dogs
- Leaving a dog unattended around children or strangers
Whether your injuries are visible or psychological, we believe every harm you’ve suffered deserves to be accounted for.
Are There Defenses to Dog Bite Liability in Florida?
Dog owners may try to avoid liability using certain legal defenses. In Florida, these include:
- The victim provoked the dog
- The victim was trespassing
- A “Bad Dog” warning sign was clearly posted and the victim was over age six
Even when these arguments are raised, our attorneys will still assess if other legal avenues exist for compensation such as general negligence or failing to control an animal known for being hazardous.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim?
Florida law gives dog bite victims four years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury suit; any delays could make gathering evidence and finding witnesses more challenging.
If the victim is a minor, there may be additional time limits; nevertheless, it’s always in your best interests to consult an attorney as soon as possible – the sooner we get started on building your case, the stronger it will become.
Talk to a Tampa Dog Bite Attorney Today
Bonardi & Uzdavinis approach every dog bite case with urgency and respect, taking every measure possible to hold negligent parties responsible while getting you the compensation necessary to move on with life after their misdeeds have taken their course.
Reach out today at (813) 540-2019 for your complimentary consultation with an experienced Tampa dog bite lawyer – you won’t owe anything unless we win for you.
Client Testimonials
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Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past current and future)
- Reduced earning potential or loss of income
- Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation
- Home modifications or assistive equipment
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Disfigurement or Disability
- Slippery or Wet Floors
- Spills not cleaned up quickly
- Rugs, mats or carpeting that is not attached to a wall
- Uneven sidewalks and cracked pavement
- Poor lighting obscures hazards
- Handrails or damaged stairs
- Debris or clutter on walkways
- Workplace hazards