Dog Bites

West Palm Beach Attorneys Ready to Discuss Your Injury Case

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Frankl Kominsky Injury LawyerA dog bite can cause serious physical harm, as well as emotional trauma. A victim can hold the animal’s owner accountable for the damages caused by their pet. At Frankl Kominsky, our injury lawyers can provide the representation and counseling you need to assert your rights against a dog owner in the West Palm Beach area. We can aggressively pursue the compensation that you deserve if you were attacked and hurt by an animal.

Dog Bites

Millions of adults and children are bitten by dogs each year. Data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) shows that, every year, an estimated 4.5 million individuals in the United States suffer this type of injury. Children account for half of this figure. Those between the ages of five and nine have the highest rate of dog bite injuries.

Approximately 20 percent of these victims need medical attention, according to the CDC. In some cases, a person bitten by a dog may require reconstructive surgery to repair physical damage. A dog bite victim may also suffer permanent scars.

Florida Animal Bite Laws and Liability

Several states let a dog get away with its “first bite.” In other words, a dog owner is not liable for a dog bite unless he or she knew, or had reason to know, that the animal would act in this way. The first bite puts the owner on notice that his or her pet could potentially harm others. While the owner may not be liable for the first bite, he or she is liable for any subsequent injuries.

Florida does not follow the one-bite rule. Instead, the law in this state holds owners liable for any harm caused by their pets, irrespective of whether their vicious propensities were previously known. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, you may hold its owner strictly liable for your injuries. Any negligence of your own may reduce the amount of your damage award, but it will not bar you from recovering damages from the owner in proportion to his or her percentage of fault.

To hold a dog owner strictly liable, you must show that you were in a public space, or lawfully in a private place, when you were bitten. For instance, if you were bitten on the owner’s property, you have to demonstrate that you were there because he or she invited you. However, a West Palm Beach resident may shield himself or herself from absolute liability by placing a conspicuous and readable sign on the property that indicates the presence of a vicious dog. The words “bad dog” may be enough to satisfy this requirement. A dog owner cannot escape liability, however, if the victim is a child under age six.

Leash Law

Even if you cannot hold a dog owner strictly liable for the bite, you may still have an ordinary negligence claim. There is no state leash law, but several Florida counties have implemented these rules. They can impose a duty on a dog owner to restrain his or her pet when it is off the owner’s property. They may also prohibit the owner from tethering the animal in a way that gives it access to public property or someone else’s private property. If a dog owner violates a leash law, and the dog bites a person as a result, the owner may be liable.

You may be able to recover a wide range of economic and non-economic damages for your injuries. By proving your claim, you can seek compensation for any related medical bills, loss in income, pain and suffering, and more. There is a two-year statute of limitations on most injury lawsuits in Florida. You can secure your claim in time by seeking the advice of an experienced lawyer.

Discuss Your Case With a West Palm Beach Accident Attorney

At Frankl Kominsky, we provide diligent representation to dog bite and animal attack victims in West Palm Beach and the surrounding area. Our accident attorneys are tenacious advocates for the injured. We will pursue your claim against a dog owner whose carelessness harmed you. Our clients come from cities throughout Palm Beach County, such as Palm Beach Gardens, Boca Raton, and Delray Beach. Call our office today at (855) 800-8000 or complete our online form to arrange a free initial consultation. Our staff is fluent in Spanish and Creole.

Client Reviews
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I have had experience in the past using other attorneys and law firms however the attorneys and staff at Frankl Kominsky are by far the best experience I have ever had. Thank you for everything this law firm has done. I recommend this law firm to everyone. By Bruce
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This was an amazing injury law firm. Steven and his staff was available when I needed him and were always following up with me. I felt very fortunate that I found them. It is true that this law firm will never settle for less! I fully recommend this law firm to anyone that needs a hardworking and results oriented law firm. By Consuelo
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Mr. Frankl came very highly recommended by two separate peers. I had a handful of lawyers to choose from and I chose him. He moved quick, no nonsense, and very effective. Before I knew it everything was handled and I had a serious burden lifted. If I ever have a problem again, I am going straight to him. It is that simple. By Kelly
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I called Mr. Frankl and his firm about a motorcycle accident case and he helped me through the entire process. Mr. Frankl made me feel like my situation mattered to him and didn't treatment me like just another file in a file cabinet. He is smart, energetic and a true fighter. I am glad to call him my lawyer and I highly recommend Frankl Kominsky for your personal injury case. By A Personal Injury Client
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Mr. Frankl was such an asset to have on my team while I picked up the pieces following an accident. Right from the beginning he assisted handling the insurance companies, rental car companies, auto body shops, police reports, it was incredible. His guidance allowed me to focus on the most important thing and that was my medical condition & recovery. Should you find yourself in this unfortunate situation do yourself a favor & trust this man & his expertise. By Damon