Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers 600 Bypass Dr Suite 224-D Clearwater, FL 33764 personal injury and car accident lawyer in Clearwater

Clearwater Dog Bite Lawyer

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Clearwater Dog Bite Lawyer

Were you or a child injured by a dog in Florida? You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. An experienced Clearwater dog bite lawyer at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you maximize your financial recovery. Call (727) 493-4418 for a free consultation today.

Collectively, our lawyers have over 119 years of experience in personal injury cases like Clearwater catastrophic injuries, premises liability, child injuries, brain injuries, and nursing home abuse in Clearwater, among others. We’ve helped countless clients like you get back on their feet again after an injury.

Don’t hesitate to contact our law office in Clearwater, Florida to learn more about legal representation today.

How Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help After a Dog Bite in Clearwater

After suffering the trauma of a dog attack, you could be left fighting an uncaring insurance company for compensation. Make no mistake–the insurance company is out to pay the minimum compensation possible.

An experienced Clearwater personal injury lawyer can help you fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Our Clearwater personal injury attorneys at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers have been negotiating top-dollar settlements for injured clients since we opened our doors back in 2001. We have the proven track record of success that you want in your corner.

When you choose our team to represent you, we will:

  • Provide sound legal guidance at every turn
  • Conduct our own investigation to gather evidence and prove liability
  • Determine who may be legally responsible for paying your damages
  • Identify all sources of insurance coverage
  • Handle all paperwork and communications with the insurance companies
  • Calculate your case value and negotiate to recover the most compensation possible

We’re passionate about holding careless and reckless people responsible for their actions. If you or a child are struggling with painful dog bite injuries, we’ll do whatever it takes to help you recover the money you need. All you have to do is call to get started today.

How Common Are Dog Bites in Clearwater?

When dog owners are careless, their animals can cause serious injuries. Every year, the CDC estimates that about 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs. About 800,000 of those dog bite injuries are so serious that the victim requires medical care or visits the emergency room.

Of course, some dog breeds are more likely to bite than others, including:

  • Chihuahua
  • English Bulldog
  • Bulldog
  • Pit Bull
  • German Shepherd
  • Australian Shepherd
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Jack Russell Terrier
  • Cocker Spaniel
  • Bull Terrier
  • Pekingese
  • Papillion

According to the Florida Department of Health, about 600 people in Florida are hospitalized with dog bite injuries every year. Unfortunately, kids between the ages of one and nine are at the highest risk of being bitten by a dog in Florida.

What Is My Clearwater Dog Bite Case Worth?

Assessing the value of a personal injury case can be a difficult task. Some damages, such as your medical bills and lost income, are easy to prove. Others are much more difficult.

Our lawyers will assess all relevant factors when determining how much compensation you deserve, including:

  • The nature of your injuries
  • The cost of your medical treatment
  • The length of your recovery
  • How the injury impacts your work
  • How the injury changed your lifestyle
  • Your emotional distress and physical pain
  • Whether you’ll suffer any permanent damage

In cases that are especially complicated, we may even hire expert witnesses who can testify about the value of your case.

What Types of Damages Are Available To Dog Bite Victims in Clearwater?

A serious dog bite injury can haunt you for years to come. Fortunately, you may be entitled to recover compensation from the responsible parties. Dog bite victims in the state of Florida are entitled to recover compensation for their economic and non-economic damages.

Examples of the types of losses you may have sustained include:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Reduced earning potential
  • Physical therapy
  • Reconstructive surgeries
  • Counseling 
  • Property damage
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Physical disfigurement and scarring
  • Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
  • Loss of consortium

Our lawyers have the resources to help you recover the fair compensation you deserve. To learn more about getting the legal advice you need, call our lawyers for a free case review today.

Can I Recover Damages If I’m Being Blamed for a Dog Bite in Florida?

Careless parties rarely want to take responsibility for their actions. One common defense in dog bite cases is that the victim provoked the dog and caused the attack.

Under the modified comparative fault laws in Florida, injured parties can recover partial compensation if they’re partly responsible for their own injuries. However, they cannot recover compensation if they are mostly at fault.

For example, if the insurance company can prove that you were 40% at fault for the attack, your compensation will be reduced by 40%. You’re still entitled to take home 60% of your compensation. However, if you are 51% at fault (mostly responsible), you will not be able to recover compensation.

The shared fault rule is also relevant in dog bite cases that are based on strict liability. If you played a role in causing the dog bite and the insurance company can prove it, your settlement or verdict will be reduced accordingly.

Contributory fault can quickly complicate your case. Our lawyers can defend you if you’re being blamed for your injuries. Just give us a quick call to schedule a free consultation today.

We’ll Fight To Recover Compensation for All of Your Dog Bite Injuries

Depending on the dog’s size and the nature of the dog attack, victims of dog bite injuries can suffer significant injuries.

Our lawyers handle all types of dog bite injury claims, including cases where the victim has suffered:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations 
  • Broken bones
  • Nerve damage
  • Soft tissue damage, including damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Concussions
  • Facial injuries
  • Organ damage
  • Amputations, which can be caused by infection
  • Paralysis
  • Catastrophic injuries
  • Wrongful death of a loved one

It’s always important to see a doctor if you or a child were bitten by a dog. Dog bite wounds can easily become infected and cause much more extensive damage. Once you’ve received treatment, our lawyers can start evaluating your legal claim.

How Do I Establish Liability If I Was Bitten By a Dog in Florida? 

Unlike other states, Florida doesn’t have a one-bite rule. Dog owners can be held financially responsible for damages even if the dog has never bitten anyone in the past. 

Instead of proving that the owner knew the dog was vicious, you’ll have to prove the following:

  • The dog bit you
  • You were lawfully present on private property or public property at the time of the dog bite

The Florida dog bite law is a strict liability law. You won’t have to establish negligence to recover damages in most cases. However, that doesn’t mean that the dog owner doesn’t have any available defenses. 

Possible defenses that the dog owner may assert include:

  • The dog owner put up a “bad dog” sign in a conspicuous location, and the victim was at least six years old
  • The victim was trespassing at the time of the dog bite
  • The victim provoked the animal

Even if one of these defenses is valid, you may be entitled to recover compensation. Our lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers can help you gather the evidence you’ll need to prove your case. To learn more about your legal options, call our Clearwater dog bite attorneys to schedule a free consultation today.

Dog Bite Cases Based on Negligence

If strict liability laws don’t apply in your case, you may be entitled to recover compensation based on negligence. For example, you may be required to prove negligence if the dog attacked you but didn’t actually bite. Negligence is a failure to exercise reasonable caution under the circumstances.

For example, a dog owner may have been negligent if they:

  • Allowed the dog to roam the neighborhood freely
  • Failed to keep the dog confined in a secure area
  • Violated the local leash laws in Pinellas County
  • Failed to post adequate warnings if the dog was classified as a dangerous dog

Owners of dangerous dogs are required to take additional precautions to keep others safe. They can even be subject to criminal penalties if they fail to take adequate precautions and someone gets hurt.

How Long Do I Have To File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite in Florida?

The statute of limitations in Florida gives dog bite victims four years to file a personal injury lawsuit based on strict liability. However, general negligence claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. While there are exceptions to the rule, they are few and far between.

If you were injured and have questions about your legal rights, call our law firm in Clearwater to schedule a free initial consultation today.

Contact a Clearwater Dog Bite Lawyer for a Free Consultation

It never hurts to speak with an experienced attorney after sustaining an injury. If you or your child were bitten by someone else’s dog, our lawyers at Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers are here to help.

Just give us a quick call to schedule a free consultation with an experienced Clearwater dog bite lawyer today.

Our personal injury law firm in Clearwater, FL, also provides:

Anthony David
Anthony David
1695918895
Winters & Yonker are an extremely knowledgeable car accident attorneys in Tampa. Marc represented me injured in a car crash when I was coming off I-4. He is clearly the best in the field! The entire team at his firm is AMAZING!!!They helped through my whole process always keeping me up to date. They referenced me to the best doctors to assist in my recovery. I always felt comfortable with every part of it specially now in the pandemic time. The stuff is very friendly and always available for you. I specifically like to thank PRE-LITIGATION department. They were passionate, dedicated and professional. Marc worked very hard on my case and did fantastic job!!! I am very pleased with the outcome of my case. The results are outstanding. I highly recommend Marc and his entire Firm. You guys are AWESOME! Thank You to everyone at this firm!
Karla Rogers
Karla Rogers
1695770121
Best lawyer ever! I had an accident gave them a call and like three months later, case Settled and full payout... Excellent service!
Lenette Montalvo
Lenette Montalvo
1695641293
Christopher from Winter and Yonker was amazing. Very nice person to talk to, listen to what I had to say, and even gave his opinion when needed. From start to finish I felt very important and I was impressed by this law firm every one i spoke to made me feel safe and comfortableto. My accident has done a lot of damage to me, and knowing I had an attorney from Winters and Yonker on my side made me feel great. My compensation for my accident is amazing and it will help me in my life. Thank you very much I will definitely recommend this law firm.
coleman vera
coleman vera
1694712772
I went to Winter & Yonker Law Firm for my Tampa car accident case I was involved in. My case manager throughout the process and she took care of me from start to finish. The process was very seamless, I received the medical treatment that I needed immediately and at the very end, concluded with a very rewarding settlement. I've worked with a few law firms from prior accidents and none can compare to the service OR expertise I received from Mr. Yonker.👉 If you're seeking help for an injury related case, I would definitely recommend working with him and their amazing legal staff at Winter & Yonker Firm in Tampa. I will always use this firm for all my Personal Injury Claims! If you are l@@king for an Attorney to give you Top Notch legal help and the MOST money for your Pain & Suffering then take it from me I'm a paralegal and this firm continues to OUTSHINE them all!
Meredith Wilson
Meredith Wilson
1694489029
This was my first personal injury experience. I wanted to choose a law office I could trust. A friend of mine recommended the law offices of Winters & Yonker, Personal Injury Lawyers in Tampa. Through the entire process Attorney Marc Yonkers was helpful and communication was stellar. I never felt out the loop. I felt confident throughout entire process. Which this month (Sept. 2023) they were able to settle my accident case successfully and to my 100% satisfaction. I cannot recommend Winters & Yonker and or Marc any higher. In short they are firm, fair, aggressive, responsive, super smart and know the numerous ins and outs of Personal Injury cases (which can be quite complicated). Upon hiring them you get a law firm that will leave you confident that your case will be handled expertly and with your interests front and center.
Geneva Ramirez
Geneva Ramirez
1694089126
Winters and Yonkers has been a legend of the Tampa Bay personal injury Attorney community for a long time. I was in a car accident recently with my husband, we suffered back and neck pains after two days and thought to get someone’s help. I found Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers through a google search and called them right up. The same day Mr. Winters contacted both of us, listened, and was compassionate to our situation. He helped us through the entire process including getting me seen by a Doctor so we could heal our injuries correctly, and we got our medical bills reduced! Bill Winters, my case manager, and the entire staff were very knowledgeable and exceptional at their work. We would like to express my sincere gratitude to them and recommend them without any hesitation to anybody who needs help, don't try and fight the at fault's insurance on your own. If you're injured and need someone to protect your rights you won't find a better Attorney than Bill Winters at Winters & Yonkers!-Geneva, Tampa FL#personalinjurylawyer #caraccidentlawyer #tampainjuryattorney
Shelley Torres
Shelley Torres
1694088835
Bum Boi
Bum Boi
1693705250
My wife and I are work in Mediation and Arbitration but know nothing about personal injury cases. When a young delivery Truck driver who was distracted by his phone hit us at full speed and rear-ended us as we were stopped in traffic on Wesley chapel. We knew we needed to hire the best lawyers with PI experience and expertise in the Tampa legal community that we could.From our first phone call with Bill Winters and then all the way through Trial preparation then Trial, we never felt any bad about our case because we knew Bill and the entire staff at Winters and Yonker would take care of us.Their dedication, innovation, motivation, reliability, unparalleled intellect, and exceptional skill as trial lawyers make them extraordinary individuals. My experience working with them was nothing short of exceptional. Experiencing a car accident is an ordeal that encompasses fear, trauma, and frustration. It's a life-changing event in anyone's life. There was no amount of money that could ever make me alright, because I would give any amount of cash to not have to go through the nightmare that the car accident was and continues to be.It took almost 2 years from the time of the car crash to go to trial, but ultimately the jury verdict that Bill Winters got for my family was worth fighting for. There were so many times over the course of the three years that we actively realized how amazing it was that we felt no anxiety or concerns or worries about our case, because Bill is truly outstanding!If you or anyone you know gets hurt in a car accident, call Winters and Yonkers RIGHT AWAY! And then rest assured that you, your family, or friends are being cared for by the ABSOLUTE BEST legal team in Tampa Bay. Thank you, Winters & Yonker!
Glenda Litimco
Glenda Litimco
1693536170
Winters & Yonker law firm did excellent work with my injury case. Luckily, I was referred to Winters & Yonker from a good friend after I was injured in a car accident. I did some initial research about injury lawyers near me, but the reviews for this office really stood out to me in Tampa. I decided to call and after a single phone conversation, the choice was easy to make! Not only was everyone extremely professional, they made the entire process smooth and clear. I was at ease with each step of the way because they were always there to answer my questions and keep me informed of what was happening. All expectations were met and my settlement was exceeded. I got much more than I thought was even possible from the insurance company. I highly recommend the Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers, and their team in Tampa to anyone in need of help after a car, truck, or motorcycle accident. You'll be in good hands!
Dandrea Ikner
Dandrea Ikner
1693513818
This is the best lawyer in town
Nicky Warner
Nicky Warner
1692997375
Max was amazing! He kept me updated throughout the whole process and was extremely easy to talk with. He also explained everything so I can completely understand it. It was an amazing experience. Thank you, Max!
Erika Smith
Erika Smith
1692795764
I had a great experience with them! They truly care about you!! Thank you so much🤗
Jonathan Clem
Jonathan Clem
1692661489
I was injured in a car crash here in town. Since it was essentially a "he said she said" accident case the opposing insurance claimed it was a 50/50 fault. Even though it clearly could not have been my fault. However, Bill worked diligently to get me everything I was needed to get my life back. He worked to get me access to all the doctors I needed and medical treamtment for my neck and back. Plus, a large settlement amount. Bill even took the time to calm me down when I saw the initial amount and cost for seeing my medical bills piling up! He even managed to get them to reduce their bills significantly! Plus, I received as much as possible. Winters & Yonker Personal Injury Lawyers in Tampa provided a great legal service. They were strait forward and honest about the approach, and communicated every aspect of the process. The firm took care of everything. I would 100% without a doubt recommend him if I knew someone that need a personal injury attorney. Given the circumstances of our introduction I hope I never have to, BUT Bill Winters will definitely be my first call if I'm ever injured again!
marie silvers
marie silvers
1692107771
They are the Best! They care about you as a person!
jorden reagan
jorden reagan
1692106640
Everyone on their staff is amazing! Chris and Sara won my case and helped me out with an accident that occurred a few months back. They made the entire process so easy! They called with case updates but not too often where it was constant phone calls. It was just enough to know what was going on the whole time without being bombarded. Thankful for Tayler on their staff who helped inform me on why Winters and Yonker was the best choice to go with!
Kimberly Rushton
Kimberly Rushton
1691849813
Yes, I would highly recommend winners in Yonkers. I worked with Trevor and Trevor was the best. I recommend anyone that ever needs a lawyer to go to them. They are the best.
Pat Pawelkop
Pat Pawelkop
1691761083
Highly recommend. Bill Winters and his staff took time to answer my questions, and handled my case in a timely and professional manner. I almost didn't contact a lawyer over my "small" injury case because I feared it would be so difficult and stressful. But he got me the settlement that my insurance company owed me, and I would never have been able to do that on my own. And with less stress that I anticipated. I'm glad I called them.
Amysway Barton
Amysway Barton
1691599586
Always available
Certified Soul
Certified Soul
1691535470
Winters and Yonker is who you want to go to when you get in a car accident because they will take care of you and won’t let you get low balled on your settlement. I got in a car accident where my back and shoulder was injured and I was referred to a attorney named Trevor. I appreciate Trevor for handling my case and keeping me informed with all the information I needed.
Sean S
Sean S
1687270653
One of the best law firms in Tampa. My family was involved in a serious car accident. We went to that other personal injury firm with the two M's they were trying to make us settle the case quickly and they we're not listening to us with the arrogant attitude that they were the experts and we were just ignorant. We promptly fired them and then hired Winters & yonker. Our settlement was 5 times higher than what the MM wanted to settle for.I would like to thank Winters and Yonkers entire staff for a wonderful experience. They were all very knowledgeable and walked us through the whole process. We really felt like they cared, unlike the other firm.
Linda Robinson
Linda Robinson
1686789803
I’m giving Winters & Yonker a shout out. My mother fell in Winn Dixie afew months ago. Her first choice wasMorgan & Morgan; however, after theinterview with them they decided not to take the case. My perception was that it was not a big enough case for them. I knew that she deserved to be compensated for her injuries, and I had mad faith in Winters & Yonker from using them in the past. They not only took the case but settled it in record time. Thanks Winters and Yonker, and I like to send a special thank you to Christopher Smith, who was never to busy when I needed answers. I would recommend your law firm to anyone. I found you to be ethical, professional, and respectful to my family, but most of all you will fight for the little guy. Much love and respect. God bless you all and your families👏👏👏👏
Reuben Rodriques
Reuben Rodriques
1686354543
Other said it couldn't be done called your law firm and immediately you got on it impressive shocking furthermore you showed integrity did what you had to do though you didn't have to do it and I was shockingly pleased thank you you surprised me had I to choose any other law firm I would not hesitate to call you or share my experience with my friends thank you once again from me and my family amen
Hameed Owens
Hameed Owens
1684355539
PATRICK IS THE GOAT 🐐 I WAS INJURED ON A PROPERTY THAT CLAIM THEY DIDN'T COVER MY INJURY PATRICK SAID BE PATIENT & LET HIM WORK!:& HE DEFINITELY DID JUST THAT!!!: HE CHANGED MY LIFE 🐐💯
Enrique
Enrique
1684002987
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