Were you or someone you love attacked by someone elseās dog? The dogās owner could be responsible, even if the dog has never attacked anyone before. Meldon Law can investigate your situation and figure out the best way to recover fair damages for your injuries.
Our Tampa personal injury lawyers wonāt back down from a fight. Call now to let one of our dog bite attorneys in Tampa fight for your rights. The initial consultation is free.
How We Protect Dog Bite Victims
As soon as we take on a new client, our legal team knows we have to act quickly to preserve evidence and start building a case. Swift action is important because:
- Evidence may disappear or lose value soon after the accident
- You deserve compensation as soon as possible
- The insurance company may already be looking for ways to undermine your claim or get you to accept less money than you deserve
Our attorneys can protect your rights by using our 50-plus years of experience to handle all legal tasks, including:
- Collecting evidence, such as witness testimony, medical records, and reports from Hillsborough Countyās Animal Control Division of Code Enforcement
- Identifying and contacting the liable party and their insurance company
- Negotiating on your behalf for a fair settlement
- Presenting your case in Hillsborough County Circuit Civil Court (or any other court that has jurisdiction over your case)
Call Meldon Law now to get a free, confidential case review. We can tell you what your rights and options are following a dog bite and outline what steps we might take to protect you.
Compensation Can Help You Pick Up the Pieces After a Dog Attack
Dog bites can end up being very expensive for both the victim and their entire family. The attack and its aftermath could lead to:
- Expensive medical bills
- Short-term loss of wages
- Long-term inability to return to work and earn a living
- Other costs, such as medical-related travel expenses or renovating your home to accommodate a disability
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma or distress
- Loss of independence or the inability to perform certain activities, either temporarily or permanently
In the worst-case scenario, where you a lose a loved one to dog bite injuries, you could end up facing damages like:
- Funeral bills
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of society and companionship
These and other forms of compensation can be critical after an accident. Our personal injury attorneys can pursue the money you and your family deserve. At the same time as we are fighting for your settlement, our team will always be available to address your questions and concerns. You will never feel alone.
What Protections Do You Have Against Dog Bites?
Floridaās dog bite laws, as well as local laws, may both come into play in your case. For example:
- The dogās owner is responsible for unprovoked attacks and can be held liable for your injuries, even if the dog never showed signs of aggression or attacked another person before.
- If the dog was legally classified as ādangerous,ā the owner may face additional penalties for failing to protect you.
- Tampaās Code of Ordinances make it illegal to allow a dog to run around without a leash, destroy other peopleās property, or āendanger the life or health of other animals or persons.ā
These and other laws could give you the right to file a claim or lawsuit against the liable party. However, you have a limited time to do so. It is very important not to delay your case unnecessarily: as soon as you are medically stable, it is a good time to get legal advice from our personal injury attorneys.
Meldon Law takes on a limited number of cases so that we can devote plenty of attention to each one. We want to get started as soon as possible so we have the maximum amount of time to strengthen your case and fight for you.
Get the Compensation You Deserve ā Talk to an Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer Now!
Call UsOur Attorneys Are Waiting for Your Call
For the legal team at Meldon Law, this isnāt just a job: this is our calling. We are committed to protecting the rights of Tampa residents by holding negligent dog owners accountable and fighting for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call today to start on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?
Meldon Law charges a contingency fee, which is a percentage of your final payout. This means you only have to pay us once you win, and you owe us nothing up front. We will discuss what percentage we charge and why before you sign on with our firm.
Is it Worth it to Sue for a Dog Bite?
It is up to you and your family to decide what legal action you want to take following a dog bite. The benefits of filing a claim or lawsuit include:
- Holding the at-fault party accountable for their negligence
- Securing enough money to pay for all accident-related expenses and support your family, even if you are unable to work
- Making Tampa safer by proving that there are consequences for negligence
What Is the Statute of Limitations on Tampa Dog Bite Cases?
If you were attacked by a dog, you likely have up to two years to file a lawsuit against the liable party. This same deadline applies to most wrongful death cases, although the countdown will begin on the day your loved one passed away, not necessarily on the day they were attacked.
Factors unique to your case could affect these deadlines, and there is always a great deal of work to do before we formally file a lawsuit. The earlier you get Meldon Law involved in your case, the better.
"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
