Dog bites can result in serious injuries, including torn skin and muscles, blood vessel damage, nerve damage, facial injuries, and even internal organ damage. Because dogsā mouths are full of bacteria, wounds can also become infected quickly. If you or a loved one suffered serious dog bite injuries, you may qualify for compensation, and a Citra personal injury lawyer from Meldon Law can help you claim it.
Our legal team has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for our clients since our founding in 1971. Our Citra dog bite lawyers have the skills, knowledge, and experience necessary to win your personal injury claim and secure the compensation you deserve for your financial and non-financial losses. Contact us today for a free dog bite claim review.
Our Dog Bite Attorneys Are Tenacious Fighters for Our Clients
About 45% of households in the U.S. own at least one dog, per the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), making these animals very popular pets. While many dogs are cute, friendly, and playful, others are dangerous and potentially vicious, and sometimes, it can be hard to tell which category a specific dog falls into.
If you or your child fell victim to a dangerous dog that you thought was friendly or one that attacked out of the blue, our legal team at Meldon Law will take on your fight like it was our own. When you hire a lawyer from our team for your dog bite case, we will:
- Treat you with compassion and empathy
- Handle your case with honesty and integrity
- Identify the liable party and any applicable insurance policies they hold (such as homeowners or renters insurance)
- File your insurance claim and personal injury lawsuit
- Negotiate with the at-fault partyās insurance provider for maximum compensation
- Fight for your rights in court, if necessary
Our case results include a $150,000 recovery for a woman who suffered deep lacerations and other injuries when a dog attacked her on a jogging trail. While we canāt promise to recover a specific amount of money in your case, we wonāt back down until you get the compensation you deserve.
Our Citra Dog Bite Lawyers Fight on Behalf of Child Victims of Dog Bites
Children are all too frequently victims of dog bites. While our personal injury law firm is proud to represent any injury victim in the Citra area, no matter their age, we are especially proud to fight on behalf of the families of innocent children who suffer injuries due to irresponsible animal owners.
If you want justice for your child and compensation to deal with the financial aftermath of their dog bite-related injuries, we can help. Contact Meldon Law today for a free initial consultation.
Damages You May Recover in a Dog Bite Claim
Your Citra dog bite injury attorney can help you seek various economic and non-economic damages via a personal injury claim or lawsuit. Common dog bite damages may include:
Medical Care Costs
Medical expenses will likely be a large part of your financial recovery after suffering a dog bite. Your dog attack lawyer will fight for a settlement that pays for all your medical bills, including:
- Wound irrigation and debridement
- Stitches
- Skin grafts
- Surgeries
- Rabies or tetanus vaccination, if necessary
- Infection prevention or treatment, such as antibiotics
- Follow-up appointments to monitor healing
- Pain management
- Medications
- Physical therapy
- Mental health care to recover emotionally from the trauma of an animal attack
Professional Losses
Whether you had to take time off work to heal from your wounds or take care of your child and ensure their optimal recovery from an animal attack, you could recover compensation for all your professional losses, including lost salaries, wages, promotions, bonuses, and benefits.
Property Damage
If any of your personal property, such as your phone, clothing, or eyeglasses, was damaged during the attack, you may recover compensation for its repair or replacement.
Pain and Suffering
Dog bites can lead to permanent scarring and disfigurement, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and chronic physical pain due to nerve, muscle, or tendon damage. In some cases, they can also cause Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition can cause stiffness, swelling, muscle spasms, temperature sensitivity, throbbing or burning pain, and decreased mobility.
Whether you are suffering from one or more of these or another physical, emotional, or psychological effect of the dog attack, you should not have to face this challenging situation without support. Your Citra dog bite injury lawyer will pursue a financial reward that fairly compensates you for the harm you have endured.
Florida Laws That May Affect Your Dog Bite Case
Your Citra dog attack attorney can explain any Florida laws that may affect your claim, such as:
Strict Liability
Per Florida Statutes 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for any injuries or damage their animals cause. As long as the dog bit you on public property or when you were legally on private property, you do not have to prove the dog had a history of vicious behavior to hold their owner liable for your losses.
Statute of Limitations
Floridaās personal injury statute of limitations (Florida Statutes Ā§ 95.11) sets a general two-year deadline for taking legal action in a dog bite case. However, if the victim was a child when the attack occurred, you may have more time to file suit. Your personal injury attorney can explain the specific deadline in your case.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers Can Start Working on Your Case Today
At Meldon Law, we are a force to be reckoned with, both outside and inside the courtroom. If a dog attacked you or your child, we want to hear your story and explain how we can help.
We work on a no-win, no-fee basis, so you have nothing to lose. Contact us today for a free consultation and learn more about the benefits of hiring a dog bite attorney from our team.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Lawās knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results haven amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else Iām sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
