Most people love dogs—they’re loyal, playful, and provide great companionship. However, not all dogs are cute and cuddly. Some of them can be vicious, attacking unsuspecting victims without notice or provocation. If a dog injured you, their owner may be strictly liable for your losses; a dog bite lawyer in Fort McCoy, FL, can help you claim damages via a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Our Fort McCoy personal injury lawyers charge no upfront fees to hire our law firm. In fact, you will only pay us if we win your case. Let us put our 50+ years of experience to work for you and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Meldon Law today for a free dog bite claim review.
Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Fort McCoy, FL, Are Tenacious Fighters for Our Clients
Our team at Meldon Law has been helping dog bite victims in Florida since 1971, and we have never been known to back down from a fight. If a vicious dog injured you, our Fort McCoy animal attack lawyers will perform a thorough investigation of your damages and seek a fair settlement on your behalf. We will also ensure you understand the legal process and answer your questions along the way.
Our impressive case results include a settlement for a woman attacked by a dog while jogging. She suffered deep lacerations on her face and legs, and the dog nearly tore off her ear. We were able to obtain $150,000 on her behalf. While we cannot guarantee the same result in your case, our dog bite injury attorneys in Fort McCoy will ensure we account for all your losses and fight for every dollar you deserve.
Hear From Some of Our Previous Clients in Their Own Words
To learn more about our dedication to injured Floridians, consider reading some of our client testimonials, such as these:
- “I have recently had the privilege of being represented by Jeffrey Meldon and his excellent staff following a serious injury. They pursued my case with genuine care and expertise and were extremely supportive during my recovery. I am very grateful to them for doing such a terrific job. I highly recommend Jeffrey Meldon Law.” -Dan H.
- “Jeffrey Meldon handle my mother’s personal injury case personally. He was very personable and made the detailed information easy to understand. He was able to get my mother the biggest settlement for her case.” -Candace M.
How Florida’s Laws May Affect Your Dog Bite Claim
Some states have a “one-bite rule,” meaning a dog must have a recorded history of vicious behavior for the owner to be liable for any injuries it causes. However, Florida has a strict liability law regarding dog bites.
Per Florida Statutes § 767.04, a dog’s owner is liable for any harm their animal causes in a bite attack, regardless of any history of aggressive behavior. As long as you had permission to be on the owner’s property (or if the dog attacked you in public), you can file a claim or lawsuit against the animal’s owner to recover compensation for your damages.
Florida’s statute of limitations (Florida Statutes § 95.11) gives you two years to take legal action against the dog’s owner. However, some exceptions may apply, such as if the victim is a minor. Contact our legal team at Meldon Law today, so our Fort McCoy animal attack attorneys can determine the correct deadline for your case and ensure we have plenty of time to gather evidence before the clock runs out.
Damages Our Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Fort McCoy, FL, Can Help You Claim
If a dog seriously injured you, you may be able to recover the following economic and non-economic damages in a dog bite claim or lawsuit:
- All medical bills related to treating your dog bite injuries
- Loss of wages if you must take time off work to recover
- Physical, mental, and emotional pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and scarring
Important Dos and Don’ts After a Dog Attack in Fort McCoy
According to the Mayo Clinic, you can perform basic first aid for a dog bite at home by washing the area carefully, applying antibiotic ointment, and covering the wound with a bandage.
However, you should seek emergency medical treatment if your wounds are severe, you’re experiencing significant bleeding, or you see any signs of infection. Your doctor may also recommend getting a tetanus shot or testing for rabies if the dog’s vaccination status cannot be verified.
Additional “dos and don’ts” after a dog bite include:
Do:
- Report the bite to Marion County Animal Services, the Marion County Sheriff’s Office, or the Florida Department of Health.
- Get the dog owner’s contact information.
- Ask the owner if their animal is up to date on their rabies shots.
- Take photos of the dog and your injuries, if possible.
- Contact a personal injury law firm for a free consultation.
Don’t:
- Speak to the dog owner’s insurance company before talking to a Fort McCoy premises liability attorney.
- Post about the attack on Facebook, Instagram, or any other social media site.
- Assume you don’t have a valid compensation claim—dog owners in Florida are strictly liable for their animal’s behavior, so you don’t have to prove the dog has a history of vicious behavior to qualify for compensation.
Let Our Dog Bite Attorneys in Fort McCoy, FL, Start Working On Your Claim Today
While you could attempt to handle your dog bite claim alone, we strongly recommend letting a dog bite lawyer in Fort McCoy, FL, help you, especially if you suffered severe injuries. We can handle the entire legal process for you while you recover.
Representing injury victims isn’t just our job—it’s our calling. Contact Meldon Law today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
"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 Law’s 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 I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
