Why You Need a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer on Your Side
A dog bite can turn your world upside down in seconds. Whether you were bitten yourself or are caring for a child or loved one who was attacked, the emotional and physical toll can be overwhelming. You may be facing hospital visits, painful treatments, the threat of infection, emotional trauma—and rising medical bills you never expected.
In Florida, the law holds dog owners strictly liable when their pets injure others, but that doesn’t mean the legal process is simple. Insurance companies may try to downplay the severity of the injury or shift blame onto you. Evidence can disappear quickly, and important medical documentation can be lost or overlooked. That’s why having a knowledgeable West Palm Beach Dog Bite Lawyer is not just helpful—it’s essential.
At Zoeller Law, we understand what’s at stake. Our legal team has decades of experience holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping injured victims recover the compensation they deserve. From securing payment for ER visits and future medical care to recovering for pain, suffering, emotional trauma, or even permanent disfigurement—we fight for every dollar you’re owed.
You shouldn’t have to navigate this process alone while you or your loved one is still healing. When you hire Zoeller Law, you gain more than just legal representation—you gain a dedicated team that will stand by you, guide you, and fight relentlessly for your rights. Because healing shouldn’t come with financial fear.
Injured in a Dog Attack? We Can Help Let Us Help You
Injured in a Dog Attack? We Can Help Let Us Help You
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561-689-8180Why Choose Zoeller Law to Handle My Case?
The attorneys at Zoeller Law understand how serious an injury like a dog bite can be. We know such injuries can cause you and your family immense physical, emotional, and financial strain. Our personal injury lawyers in West Palm Beach firmly believe you should not have to shoulder the responsibility of high medical expenses from a dog bite. The legal team at Zoeller Law will work hard to fully investigate your case’s details. We’ll make it as strong as possible and secure the most compensation available.
We are proud of the trust that countless West Palm Beach community members have placed in us. Our extensive record of success includes billions of dollars recovered for our West Palm Beach clients over the years. We’ve been able to help so many get the compensation they deserve because of our skillful and strategic legal representation.
The lawyers at Zoeller Law will work to alleviate your financial stress after a dog bite. We’re confident in our ability to argue your case successfully, which is why you pay us nothing until we’ve won.
Dog Bite Liability
Florida has laws that dictate the liability of the dog owner and the victim in different ways. For dog owners, Florida is a strict liability state. This means that its owner is automatically responsible when a dog bites anyone in a public place. The same goes for a private place, so long as the victim is present on the property lawfully. This liability covers any damages that the bite victim sustains. Liability applies regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or previous attacks. That means owners can be liable regardless of their knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
While Florida holds dog owners liable in most cases, victims of dog bites can also share liability. Florida law states that the owner’s liability can decrease proportionally to the dog bite victim’s negligent behavior. In this case, negligence means that the victim failed to be cautious or behave appropriately around the dog. If a person is purposefully angering, taunting, or harming a dog, they can be partially liable. In that case, the injured person will not receive the full compensation they could otherwise recover.
Dog Bite Risks
Dog bites can be mild or life-threatening, depending on the size and strength of the dog and the victim. Unfortunately, children and older adults have the highest risk of dog bites. Many children do not know how to act around dogs. And many dogs are sensitive to small children, meaning they need constant supervision around kids. This is especially true if the dog and child have never been around each other. If a dog bites a person, injuries may include:
- Cuts or puncture wounds in the skin
- Bruises
- Broken bones
- Scarring
- Infections
- Rabies or other diseases
- Anxiety or a phobia of dogs
- Amputation or permanent loss of mobility
- Wrongful death
- Other forms of pain and suffering
The CDC reports that almost one in five dog bites becomes infected. Moreover, some bacteria in a dog’s mouth can make you sick. Dog bites can cause any of the following diseases or infections:
- Pasteurella is the most common bacteria in over half of infected dog bite injuries. It results in painfully inflamed infections that can cause the joints and glands to swell. This can lead to difficulty in moving. The risk is much higher for people with weak immune systems.
- Rabies is relatively rare, but one of the most serious diseases dog bites can cause. Rabies is a virus that affects the brain and is almost always fatal once symptoms are present. This disease is preventable with vaccination, however. If a dog bites you, make sure to ask your doctor if treatment for rabies is necessary.
- Capnocytophaga is a bacteria that lives in the mouths of dogs, cats, and people. The bacteria is safe for cats and dogs but can be dangerous to humans if it enters the bloodstream through bites or scratches. People with weakened immune systems are at a greater risk for illness due to capnocytophaga exposure.
- Tetanus is a toxin produced by a type of bacteria that lives in a dog’s mouth. Tetanus causes paralysis and is a risk for people who sustain deep dog bite wounds. It is also preventable with a vaccine.
- MSRA is a type of staph infection you can contract through a dog bite, as dogs can carry it without any symptoms. It can cause skin, lung, and urinary tract infections in people. It can even become life-threatening if it spreads into the bloodstream or lungs.
Dog bites can also lead to psychological damage, like increased anxiety around animals or the development of a phobia of dogs. Such conditions can affect a victim’s future quality of life. Dogs are the most popular pet in the United States, and if someone is afraid of them, it can make them hesitant even to leave their home in extreme cases. If a dog bites a young child, the child can more easily develop psychological trauma that can shape the rest of their life.
Compensation for Dog Bites
Depending on the details of your case, you may be eligible for various damages through a dog bite claim. These include:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room visits, doctor’s appointments, and medication
- Lost wages, if you have to miss work while recovering from the attack
- Therapy
- Rehabilitative care
- Property damage resulting from the dog attack, such as damage to clothing
- Lost earning capacity, if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries
- Disfigurement
- Disability
- Pain and suffering
If your loved one passed away due to a dog attack, you may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Through this claim, you could recover compensation for losses, including funeral expenses and loss of support.
In addition to seeking medical help, make sure that you document your injury by taking photos of the incident and your wounds. Write down all information about the incident, and see if witnesses can provide statements about what happened. Then contact a dog bite injury lawyer to build your case.
Contact Zoeller Law Today
A dog bite can change everything. In just moments, you or someone you love may be facing painful injuries, emotional trauma, and growing medical bills. When this kind of harm happens because of an irresponsible pet owner’s negligence, you deserve more than sympathy—you deserve justice.
At Zoeller Law, we understand how overwhelming the aftermath of a dog bite can be. Our experienced West Palm Beach dog bite lawyers are here to help you take back control. We’ll stand by your side to demand accountability from negligent dog owners and pursue the full compensation you’re entitled to for your medical expenses, emotional suffering, lost income, and more.
You shouldn’t have to choose between healing and financial security. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for you.
Reach out to Zoeller Law today. Your case matters. Your recovery matters. And we’re ready to fight for both.
