Port Richey Dog Bite Accident Attorney
Florida law empowers dog bite victims to seek compensation from dog owners, but anyone struggling with injuries would benefit from the help of a powerful advocate. Contact attorney Wendy Doyle-Palumbo today. Dog bites cause many complications, with infection and scarring the two most common. Even small bites can lead to big medical bills and time in the hospital. Contact us to schedule a consultation with a Port Richey dog bite accident attorney.
Florida’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
Florida has adopted a statute which gives dog bite victims the ability to seek compensation against the dog owner if they are bitten in public or on private property when lawfully present. This statute might apply if you were bitten:
- While walking on the sidewalk or in a park
- When visiting a friend or neighbor
- While visiting the kennel to pick up your dog
The key consideration is if you were lawfully present on private property. The most common situation is if you were invited to visit someone as a guest, or you had a legal right to briefly enter someone’s property, such as to deliver a package. If you are bitten by a dog, then the owner should be strictly liable for any bites. That means you do not have to show the owner was careless in how they restrained their dog.
There are some exceptions to the strict liability law. For one, your own negligence can reduce or prevent financial recovery. You might have carelessly injured a dog, which then bit you in anger.
Another exception is if you were trespassing. The owner does not have an obligation to protect you in that case, since you were not legally on premises. You might not receive any compensation at all.
An owner can also avoid liability if they post a “bad dog” sign in a prominent location, which serves as a warning to anyone entering the premises. Doing so can eliminate liability if an adult is bitten.
Call our office. We know the law inside and out and can analyze whether you can seek compensation. Many dog owners have homeowner’s insurance which can typically cover a settlement.
Standing Up for Injured Victims
One misconception is that dog bites are minor. But any dog can damage nerves, cause scarring, and give a victim an infection. Larger dogs can maul a person to the point they need surgery or amputation of a limb. There is nothing “minor” about a dog bite. The mental distress caused by an attack is hard to measure.
Call our office to speak with a Port Richey dog bite accident lawyer. Our firm can negotiate a settlement for financial compensation to cover the full cost of medical care, including hospital stays to deal with an infection. You might also receive compensation for lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The average dog bite settlement in Florida is around $50,000, but the amount you receive will depend on the facts of your case.
Port Richey Motorcycle Accident Lawyer
Motorcycle accidents happen in a variety of places, but intersections are a common location. Traffic is congested at intersections, and many drivers are not paying sufficient attention. Motorcyclists can end up getting hurt.
Call an experienced Port Richey motorcycle accident lawyer to go over the accident. Wendy Doyle-Palumbo is an experienced attorney with an imposing roster of clients. She knows that any accident can leave a motorcyclist with life-altering injuries. You deserve compensation, and we can fight to get you money for medical bills and other expenses. Call our office today to speak with a Port Richey motorcycle accident lawyer with our firm.
Negligent Drivers
A careless driver might cause any number of accidents:
- Intersection accidents
- Rear end collisions
- Sideswipes
- T-bone accidents
- “Near miss” accidents which force a motorcyclist off the road
A driver might crash because of distraction. Cell phone use is a common reason why many drivers take their eyes off the road. But fatigue, alcohol, and overwork are other considerations.
If a driver is to blame for the accident, we might submit a claim on their insurance for damages. We might request damages for medical treatment, lost wages, damage to your motorcycle, and pain and suffering. Each case is different. Someone with major injuries might request six or seven figures to cover all damages, whereas less serious injuries usually receive smaller settlements.
Many drivers blame motorcyclists for the crash, and an insurance adjuster might believe them. Bias is pervasive when it comes to these accidents. Too many insurers assume that motorcyclists are daredevils, so they believe any claim you were driving dangerously.
Winning a motorcycle accident case is an uphill climb. Secure our legal services today.
Dangerous Roads
Some motorcyclists crash because of road defects. A pothole or construction debris can upset a motorcycle going along the road, and motorcyclists can be thrown clear. You can suffer injuries when landing in the road or when run over by another motorist.
Seeking compensation in Port Richey for a road defect is a challenge. We might have to submit a claim to the government and follow the tight deadlines for that type of claim.
Motorcycle Manufacturers or Rental Companies
Sometimes mechanical defects on the motorcycle lead to a collision. For example, the brakes could completely fail, or the steering system might malfunction. An accident is almost inevitable when a critical system goes haywire.
Compensation is possible, but we need to identify who is responsible for the defective part. One defendant is the manufacturer, if the product was defective when manufactured. Another possible defendant is a mechanic who performs shoddy repairs.
Confused about Who to Sue? Call Our Office
A Port Richey motorcycle accident lawyer can meet for a complimentary consultation to discuss whether you can submit an injury claim. Hang onto any police report, as well as medical records that you have in your possession. We might review them in a consultation to get a clearer idea of whether you can seek financial compensation. Contact us today to schedule a day and time to meet.