DOG BITES

Florida law does not give any dog "one free bite."  

Generally, if a dog bites someone and causes injury there is instant liability and the injured party can sue the dog owner for damages, which can include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering and other damages related to the bite.

However, there are a number of imortant issues to consider. 

The first issue is that the lawsuit should be filed as soon as possible, before the witnesses and/or the dog owner disappear.  In addition, if the lawsuit is not brought within 4 years of the incident, you will lose the right to sue. 

Another issue is how to collect any award granted by the court -- does the dog owner have liability insurance, or if not, do they have sufficient assets or income to pay you?

The Bonham Law Firm can take these cases on a contingency basis, meaning that you do not pay any attorneys' fees unless we are able to recover money for you, and we would take our fees as a percentage of the money we recover for you.  However, you must pay the litigation costs, such as court reporters, filing fees, etc.  Please contact us to make an appointment to discuss your case -- and the sooner the better.