Experienced Lakeland Dog Bite Lawyers Fighting for Justice
At Slater | Grant, our Lakeland dog bite lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims throughout Polk County. Dog attacks can leave devastating physical and emotional scars, often resulting in expensive medical bills, lost wages, and ongoing trauma. We are here to help victims and their families pursue full compensation from negligent dog owners and insurance companies.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Florida’s Dog Bite Liability Laws
Florida enforces strict liability for dog owners, meaning owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their dogs—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Under Florida Statute § 767.04, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own property.
Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers are highly skilled in navigating the complexities of these laws and can establish liability even when dog owners deny fault. We conduct thorough investigations to uncover evidence, interview witnesses, and build compelling claims that maximize compensation for our clients.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog bites often cause injuries far more severe than simple scratches. Victims may require emergency medical care, reconstructive surgery, or long-term therapy. Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones and nerve injuries
- Facial disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Infections such as rabies or antibiotic-resistant bacteria
- Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Children, due to their smaller size and vulnerability, often suffer disfiguring injuries. Regardless of age or severity, we are committed to securing full and fair compensation for all victims.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Dog Bite Case?
While the dog owner is primarily liable, other parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances. Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers thoroughly investigate to identify all liable parties, which can include:
- Landlords who knowingly allow dangerous dogs on their property
- Property owners who fail to control or secure their dogs
- Dog walkers or pet sitters who lose control of the animal
- Businesses, such as kennels or grooming facilities, responsible for the dog at the time of the attack
Identifying all liable parties ensures that victims receive maximum compensation and are not left bearing costs caused by someone else’s negligence.
Types of Compensation We Pursue
Dog bite victims are entitled to various damages. Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers aggressively pursue all possible compensation, including:
- Medical expenses, including future treatment
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Punitive damages in cases involving egregious negligence
We work with medical experts and financial professionals to fully evaluate your losses and build a comprehensive claim.
Why You Need a Lakeland Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite claims can be deceptively complex. Insurance companies often seek to reduce or deny claims, blaming victims for provoking the dog or trespassing. Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers know how to counter these defenses by:
- Conducting independent investigations
- Collecting thorough medical and legal evidence
- Interviewing witnesses and reviewing surveillance footage
- Negotiating firmly with insurance adjusters
- Taking cases to trial when necessary
With Slater | Grant, you will never face insurance companies alone. We handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing.
Dog Bite Lawsuits and Statute of Limitations in Florida
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can result in losing your right to compensation.
Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers move quickly to protect your claim, preserve vital evidence, and ensure all legal deadlines are met. Contact us promptly for the strongest possible case.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Lakeland, taking the following steps will protect your health and legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention, regardless of injury severity.
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement.
- Take clear photographs of your injuries and the attack location.
- Obtain contact and vaccination information from the dog owner.
- Avoid discussing the incident with insurance representatives before consulting a lawyer.
- Contact Slater | Grant to complete the free case evaluation form.
Our team will guide you through the process with care and professionalism.
We Represent Dog Bite Victims Across Lakeland and Polk County
No matter where your dog bite occurred—whether in a public park, private residence, or neighborhood street—our Lakeland dog bite lawyers have the experience to represent you. We serve clients throughout Lakeland, including:
- Downtown Lakeland
- Lake Hollingsworth
- Southwest Lakeland
- Lakeland Highlands
- North Lakeland
- Kathleen and Crystal Lake areas
Each case receives personalized legal attention tailored to its specific facts and circumstances.
The Importance of Hiring Local Lakeland Dog Bite Lawyers
Choosing a local Lakeland dog bite lawyer from Slater | Grant provides unique advantages. Our intimate knowledge of Polk County’s legal system, local judges, and animal control regulations ensures your case is handled with expertise and efficiency. We maintain strong relationships with medical providers and expert witnesses who can strengthen your claim.
Being local means faster response times, in-person consultations, and dedicated support tailored to your needs. We understand the community and common defenses used in local cases, which gives us a strategic edge in negotiations and trials.
What Sets Slater | Grant Apart
At Slater | Grant, we combine aggressive legal advocacy with compassionate client care. Our Lakeland dog bite lawyers are:
- Experienced in Florida personal injury law
- Trial-ready and not just settlement-focused
- Committed to maximizing compensation for every client
- Available 24/7 for consultations and urgent legal support
- Offering a contingency fee arrangement—no fees unless we win your case
We fight tirelessly to hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure justice for our clients.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
Don’t suffer in silence after a dog bite. If you or a loved one has been injured, let Slater | Grant fight for the compensation and accountability you deserve. Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak with an experienced Lakeland dog bite lawyer today.
Sources
- Florida Statute § 767.04 – Dog Owner’s Liability for Damages to Persons Bitten
Details Florida’s strict liability law for dog bites.
https://www.flsenate.gov/Laws/Statutes/2023/767.04 - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – Preventing Dog Bites
Provides statistics and safety guidelines for dog bite prevention.
https://www.cdc.gov/dogbite/index.html - American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) – Dog Bite Prevention
Expert advice on dog behavior and preventing attacks.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
