Tampa, Florida Dog Bite Injury Attorney

In most cases, dog owners in Florida are strictly liable for monetary damages when their pet bites or attacks. If you or your child have been bitten by any kind of dog and suffered serious injury, contact Michael J. Meksraitis Chartered, Attorney at Law to discuss a claim for compensation.

Personal injury lawyer Michael Meksraitis has practiced law since 1970, representing many dog bite victims in Tampa, Clearwater, St. Petersburg and the greater Tampa Bay area, and throughout surrounding counties of South Florida. People bitten by a dog can collect for:

• Medical expenses (including reconstruction surgery for disfiguring puncture wounds and lacerations)
• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma
• Punitive damages in some cases if the owner knew the dog was vicious from previous attacks on people.
  The dog does not have to actually inflict a bite wound — dog attack victims may have a claim for damages if the dog chased, cornered or approached them in a menacing way.

Florida Dog Bite Law

Under Florida statute, the property owner / dog owner is responsible for any damage inflicted by an animal attack, including serious injury to humans. It does not matter whether the dog bit anyone before, or if the owner knew the dog was "vicious." Often, the homeowner's insurance policy covers animal attacks and the case is settled out of court. By preparing cases thoroughly, Mr. Meksraitis is able to obtain the maximum settlement for clients, and he is always prepared to go to court if necessary.

There are two exceptions to Florida's strict liability statutes:

• If the dog was teased or tormented before biting, the owner's liability may be reduced or dismissed.
• If the dog owner posted a sign containing the words "Bad Dog," easily readable and in a prominent place, the victim is considered to have been warned. This release from liability does not apply if the dog was off the owner's property or if the victim was under the age of 6.

The law office of Michael J. Meksraitis Chartered has represented many victims of severe dog bite injuries, including a young boy who was playing with a pit bull. The dog turned on the boy suddenly, tearing through the child's cheek and requiring more than 100 stitches and reconstruction of his jaw. In preparing dog bite cases, Mr. Meksraitis investigates whether the dog has attacked other people (in which case it must be registered with authorities as a "dangerous dog."). Certain breeds of dogs are outlawed in some Florida counties.

Contact Tampa, Florida dog bite injury attorney Michael J. Meksraitis if a dog bit you or a family member in an unprovoked attack. We offer a free consultation and case evaluation, and our firm is concerned above all with your medical recovery from your injuries. Our staff is fluent in Spanish.