Wesley Chapel Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can lead to severe physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims in pain and distress and wondering what they can do to hold the dog’s owner accountable. Injuries from dog attacks can vary, and dealing with the aftermath can be overwhelming. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury in Wesley Chapel, it’s important to understand your legal rights. A skilled attorney can help you explore your options and pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional suffering.

With over 50 years of combined legal experience, the team at Zervos & Calta, PLLC knows what it takes to succeed in Florida dog bite claims. If a dangerous dog attacked you, let us help you demand justice, accountability, and compensation from the irresponsible dog owner. Contact us 24/7 for a free initial consultation with a tough and committed Wesley Chapel dog bite lawyer.

Does Wesley Chapel Have Dog Bite Laws?

Under Florida law, animal owners have strict liability for dog bites, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of its aggressiveness. This means that if a dog bites a person in a public space or while the victim is lawfully on private property, the dog owner is responsible for the resulting injuries and losses.

In Wesley Chapel and greater Pasco County, FL, local ordinances align with state laws regarding dog bites. For example, Pasco County requires all dogs four months of age or older to be vaccinated for rabies.

Is There a Leash Law in Wesley Chapel?

In Wesley Chapel, dogs must be under their owner’s control at all times, either on a leash or confined within an enclosed area. These laws help prevent attacks and ensure dogs do not present a danger to others, especially in public spaces where they may encounter strangers or other animals.

What Types of Injuries Can Happen from a Dog Bite?

Dog bites can result in a range of injuries. The severity may vary depending on the dog’s size and behavior, the location of the bite, and the nature of the attack. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to lasting physical and emotional effects. Some typical injuries in Wesley Chapel dog attacks include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations and tears in the skin
• Deep tissue damage
• Broken bones or fractures
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Infection (including rabies or tetanus)
• Nerve damage
• Muscle damage
• Psychological trauma (including PTSD)

The physical impact of a dog bite often requires emergency medical treatment, including surgery and wound care. Some injuries require extended periods of rehabilitation. For many victims, the emotional toll of a dog attack can be just as significant, affecting their confidence and daily life. Victims and their families often face unexpected medical costs and emotional distress as they recover from the incident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Wesley Chapel Dog Bite Injury?

In Wesley Chapel, the dog’s owner can be held liable for injuries resulting from a bite. Florida’s strict liability law states that an owner is accountable for dog bite injuries and other attacks, regardless of whether the animal had previously shown aggressive tendencies or if the owner was aware of the dog’s potential to cause harm. The dog owner may be responsible for compensating the victim for their:

• Medical expenses for treating the dog bite injuries
• Lost wages if they miss work while recovering
• Reduced earning capacity if they cannot earn as much as before the attack
• Physical pain and suffering from the attack and injuries
• Emotional distress and trauma

However, there are exceptions to this strict liability. For example, the dog’s owner may not be liable for dog bites if they have a “bad dog” sign posted or the victim was trespassing.

Can a Property Owner Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite If the Person Bitten Was a Trespasser?

If a dog bite victim was trespassing, the owner’s liability may be significantly limited. In general, property owners owe a lower duty of care to trespassers than they do to visitors they allow on the property. Dog owners are not required to ensure their property is safe for trespassers, but they may still be liable if they acted recklessly or intentionally. If the dog owner knows the dog is dangerous and fails to keep it contained or restrained, they could still be held accountable for injuries the dog causes to trespassers.

What Evidence Is Helpful in a Dog Bite Case?

Florida’s strict liability statute does not require you to prove a dog owner’s negligence. However, there are exceptions to the law, and the dog’s owner may try to avoid responsibility. If you must prove liability, your attorney will gather and review evidence to build a case for holding the responsible party accountable. This evidence includes:

• The dog’s history of aggression or prior bites
• Witness statements from people who saw the animal attack
• Medical records showing the extent of the injuries
• Photos of the scene and your injuries
• Proof there was no “bad dog” sign posted
• Evidence showing you were not trespassing
• Police or animal control reports
• Any relevant local ordinances or laws that the owner violated

Contact a Wesley Chapel Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or someone you love sustained injuries in a Wesley Chapel dog attack, you deserve experienced and knowledgeable legal support to fight for the compensation you are owed. Zervos & Calta, PLLC brings over 50 years of combined legal experience and a “tough as nails” reputation to your dog bite injury claim. We have recovered millions for injury victims, resulting in many satisfied clients like this one:

“Very pleasant experience. The entire staff was attentive and caring all fight for you till the end. They keep you in the loop every step of the way and make you feel like you are their only client. I highly recommend Zervos and Calta for any personal injury needs. Thank you for all your amazing services.”

— Nelson

Contact us today to meet with a Florida dog bite lawyer and learn more about your legal rights and options.