Dog Bites Lawyers in Fort Myers
Dog bites are a serious concern regardless of a dog’s size, age, or breed. While many may assume that certain breeds are more prone to biting, it is actually a dog’s individual history and behavior that determines its likelihood to bite.
From minor nips to vicious attacks, dog bites pose a serious risk, with many Fort Myers residents seeking medical treatment for such injuries each year. Notably, children, along with elderly individuals and home service providers like mail carriers, e-commerce delivery personnel, and meter readers are among the more frequent victims of dog bites.
At Larry Moskowitz, PA, our Fort Myers dog bite attorneys are dedicated to providing personalized attention to each case, ensuring that every client receives the advocacy they deserve. With aggressive negotiation skills honed over decades and considerable trial capabilities, our personal injury lawyer Fort Myers is determined to protect the rights of injured victims.
How Fort Myers Dog Bite Attorneys Prove the Liability of Negligent Pet Owners
Strict Liability for a Dog Bite Injury in Fort Myers
In Fort Myers, FL, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets, irrespective of the animal’s history of aggression. This legal doctrine, known as strict liability, imposes responsibility on the dog owner for any harm inflicted by their dogs, whether or not the owner was negligent or aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
Dog Bite Statute Enforced in Fort Myers
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries or damages inflicted by their dogs on individuals who are lawfully present on public or private property. This statute extends liability beyond just bites to include any injury resulting from a dog’s behavior, such as knocks or scratches.
Proving Liability in Dog Bite Cases
Fort Myers dog bite attorney Larry Moskowitz employs a strategic approach to establish liability in dog bite cases. He swiftly investigates the circumstances surrounding the dog attack, collecting evidence to demonstrate that the dog owner’s negligence or failure to control their pet led to the injury. This evidence may include witness testimonies, surveillance camera footage, medical records detailing the extent of the victim’s injuries, and documentation of prior aggressive behavior exhibited by the dog.
Consulting with Experts
To build a strong claim for damages, Fort Myers dog bite injury lawyer Moskowitz leaves no stone unturned. He thoroughly examines the circumstances leading up to the dog bite, and where necessary, he consults with experts, such as animal behaviorists and veterinary professionals, to prove the dog’s aggressive tendencies and bolster his client’s claims.
Maximizing Damages
In pursuit of justice for his clients, attorney Moskowitz endeavors to maximize damages awarded to dog bite victims. He, along with his legal team, builds a detailed record and documentation of the damages, so that victims receive full compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other applicable damages.
Aggressive Advocacy in Court
As a seasoned litigator, Moskowitz advocates fiercely on behalf of dog bite victims, ensuring that their voices are heard and their rights protected. He is not afraid to take on insurance companies or dog owners in court, relentlessly fighting for fair compensation and holding negligent parties accountable for their actions.
How Attorney Moskowitz Counters the Defendant’s Claim that You Provoked the Dog
From 2023 onwards, Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which dictates that if the injured victim is 50% or more responsible for their injuries, they are barred from recovering any damages from the defendants. This harsh legal principle poses a significant hurdle for dog bite victims seeking compensation, particularly when defendants attempt to shift blame onto the plaintiff by alleging provocation.
Fort Myers dog bite attorney Larry Moskowitz employs a multifaceted approach to counter provocation claims and establish full liability on the part of the defendant. Attorney Moskowitz understands the complexities of dog bite cases and recognizes the importance of presenting strong arguments to refute allegations of provocation.
Gathering Evidence and Witness Testimonies
Attorney Larry Moskowitz begins by gathering evidence and witness testimonies to reconstruct the events leading up to the dangerous dog bite incident. He scrutinizes the circumstances surrounding the encounter, including the dog’s behavior, the plaintiff’s actions, and any relevant factors that may have contributed to the dog or animal attack.
Proving Lack of Provocation
To counter claims of provocation, Larry Moskowitz works to demonstrate that the plaintiff’s actions were reasonable and did not constitute provocation under the law. He will present evidence showing that the plaintiff was lawfully present on the property, engaged in non-threatening behavior, and did not act in a manner that would incite dog attacks.
Hiring Expert Witnesses
In some cases, attorney Moskowitz may enlist the expertise of animal behaviorists or canine experts to provide insights into the dog’s behavior and reactions. These professionals can offer valuable testimony regarding the likelihood of the dog being provoked based on its breed, temperament, and past behavior.
Highlighting Owner Negligence
Another key aspect of Larry Moskowitz’s strategy involves shifting the focus onto the negligence or failure of the dog’s owner to properly control their pet. By highlighting instances of prior aggression, inadequate restraint, or lack of supervision on the part of the owner, attorney Moskowitz aims to hold the defendant accountable for their role in the incident.
Types of Severe Dog Bite Injuries and Infections in Fort Myers
As part of our Fort Myers dog bite legal services, our attorneys at Larry Moskowtiz, PA will represent you for dog bites, animal attack injuries, and any infections resulting from dog bite wounds.
Deep Tissue Lacerations: Dog bites can cause deep tissue lacerations that penetrate multiple layers of skin and muscle, leading to profuse bleeding and extensive damage to underlying tissues.
Nerve Damage: Severe dog bites can also result in nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area. Nerve injuries may require specialized medical care and rehabilitation to restore function and mitigate long-term complications.
Fractures and Bone Injuries: The powerful jaws of certain dog breeds can inflict significant force, resulting in fractures or broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, legs, and face.
Soft Tissue Infections: Dog bites carry a high risk of bacterial contamination, which can lead to soft tissue infections such as cellulitis, abscesses, and septicemia.
Rabies and Tetanus: Dog bites pose a risk of transmitting infectious diseases such as rabies and tetanus, which can have severe and potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated.
Facial Trauma and Disfigurement: Dog bites to the face and head can cause significant facial trauma, including deep lacerations, avulsions, and tissue loss, leading to permanent disfigurement and scarring.
Psychological Trauma: Beyond the physical injuries, severe dog bites can also result in profound psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression.
Get Winning Legal Representation from Our Fort Myers Dog Bite Lawyers
If you have been the victim of a dog bite injury, you need a fierce advocate in your corner. Larry Moskowitz, a seasoned dog bite injury attorney in Fort Myers, is ready to fight tooth and nail to ensure you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. With his extensive trial experience and legal acumen, Larry will skillfully pursue your case until you achieve the financial compensation you are entitled to.
Don’t wait another moment to assert your rights – reach out to Larry Moskowitz, PA today for aggressive representation that gets results. Call us at 866-312-0708 to schedule your free case evaluation.