Bicycle Accidents Caused by Dogs

Florida law has a time deadline you must meet in making a legal claim to be compensated for being injured by a dog. If you bring the claim after the deadline, then your claim may be worthless.

If you were injured by a dog in Florida, then Florida law gives you 2 years from the date of the dog's attack or bite in order for you to bring a lawsuit against the parties responsible.

If the dog attack happened in another state, then different laws apply and the deadline could be shorter. There is quite of bit of investigation and preparation needed before I can file a legal claim against the owner of the dog which injured you. Please contact me right away for a free, no-obligation, consultation. Don't wait until just before the deadline as it will be too late.

Florida law gives you, the injured cyclist, a right to be compensated by the dog owner or their insurance. Florida law also gives your spouse the right to be compensated. In certain circumstances, your children may also be entitled to compensation as well. Get in touch and we can discuss.

Florida law states that you can recover for your past and future medical bills, past and future loss of wages, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of your life, and mental anguish caused by the accident.

By Florida law, your spouse is entitled to recover “loss of consortium” caused by your dog attack and injuries. Your spouse can recover money to account for the loss of your love, companionship, comfort, physical or romantic relationship, and your help in performing tasks in the parenting and running the household. Florida law states that a child to be compensated when their parent is permanently and totally disabled (unable to work) as a result of a dog attack. The child is entitled to recover for their loss of services, comfort, and companionship with their parent.

Florida statutes say that the "dog owner" is liable to you for the damages caused by their dog.

It doesn't matter if the dog on or off a leash. It doesn't matter whether the dog had a propensity to attack or if the owner knew the dog was dangerous. It only matters if the person owned the dog, and if the dog caused the damage.

If so, the owner essentially "guarantees" that the dog will treat you safely. The dog owner or their insurance company may pay the compensation to you, the injured cyclist. Often, the dog's bad acts are covered by the owner's home insurance.

1. I will investigate the facts of the dog attack.
   I will obtain the police report of the crash, the "animal control" report, talk with eyewitnesses, and inspect your bike. I will try to obtain video that captured the attack.
2. I will will prove the seriousness of injuries.
   ‍I will communicate with your doctors, obtain medical records and employment records. Over more than 37 years, I have developed an excellent professional relationship with many physicians, and will collaborate with them to prove how your injuries have impacted your life, and how they will continue to effect you in the future.
3. I will bring your case to a judge and jury.
   ‍If the dog owner or their insurer will not satisfactorily pay your legal claim, then I look forward to presenting your case to a judge and jury to obtain full justice and compensation for you.