Tampa Dog Bite Attorney
Were you attacked by a dog?
Robert Sparks Attorneys represents clients injured by dog bites in Tampa, Florida. We are dedicated to seeing that our clients get the compensation they need to finance the medical care and other help they need to fully recover. Dog bites can cause serious injury including disfigurement and death. What’s worse is that many victims are children. If you or a family member was attacked by a dog, we invite you to contact a Tampa personal injury lawyer from our firm to discuss your case.
Overview of Liability in Dog Bite Case
In Florida, dog owners are held strictly liable for bites caused by their dogs regardless of whether they had cause to know of their dog’s dangerous tendencies. The exception is where the victim antagonized the dog – there, the negligence will be apportioned between the victim and the dog. For example, if the victim is judged 50% negligent and the dog 50% negligent and the victim has a $10,000 claim, the victim will get $5,000.
Florida Dog Bite Statute § 767.04
Florida’s dog bite law is detailed in § 767.04 of the Florida Statutes. It says that anyone bit by a dog can hold the dog’s owner liable to pay damages suffered regardless of the dog’s former viciousness. In some states, attack victims have to prove that the dog had a vicious streak or history of viciousness. That is not required in Florida.
This statute also says that if a person is bitten by a dog because of something they did (such as provoking the animal), they can be held partially responsible for the attack. Anyone trespassing on a person’s property and bitten by a dog does not have the legal right to file a dog bite claim.
Personal Injury Lawyer Representation
The dog bite victim, of course, needs to get immediate treatment; this may require inoculation against diseases carried by dogs. It is also necessary to identify the dog and his owner. Following that, we encourage you to contact a personal injury attorney from our firm. When we take on a case, we thoroughly investigate by interviewing witnesses, contacting the client’s doctor, and more. Our goal is to recover medical expenses, hospitalization costs, emotional pain and suffering, scar removal costs and any loss of income or lost earning capacity for our clients.
There is no attorney fee until we reach a settlement or obtain a verdict in court. Contact us today.
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Read What Our Clients Say In Their Own Words.
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“The professionalism of staff, the promptness of responses to questions, and the overall guidance through the process after my accident was astounding. Rob and Garrett were absolutely AMAZING.”- Daner J.
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“I am very satisfied with the exceptional work that Robert Sparks Attorney has done for me and my case. Garrett Riley handled my case. I really appreciate how communicative and persistent he was.”- Alexis M.
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“The communication with him and his team is fantastic, and you really feel they are with you every step of the way with your case. He is very caring and understanding, and takes initiative and leads the charge with moving your case along.”- Mary A.
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“My cases both had successful outcomes and I am certain that this as a result of his knowledge and work ethic. His attention was primarily focused on my health and well being prior to anything else.”- Melissa E.
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“Although, I have to put a special highlight on Cheryl! She is one of the sweetest and most compassionate people I know. She truly cares about their clients as if they were friends and had know each other for years.”- Nicole S.
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“It was non-stop communication with both Rob and Cheryl. The road was long but this team is adamant and steadfast on their mission and dedication to each client.”- Michelle N.
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“Rob, thank you so much for helping with all of this and know that I hold you and your staff in the highest professional esteem. No matter what was thrown at us, you had an answer that countered.”- Former Client
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“Our family cannot begin to express appreciation for the legal expertise provided by attorney Robert Sparks and his team at Robert Sparks Attorneys!”- Former Client
