Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyer
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Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, Mesin & Co. is here to help. Our Gainesville dog bite lawyers understand Florida’s strict liability laws and fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable.
Common Causes of Dog Attacks
Dog bites in Gainesville often happen due to:
- Poor supervision of dogs in public areas
- Loose or escaped dogs from yards or homes
- Failure to use a leash as required by city and county ordinances
- Negligent training or handling
These attacks are particularly common in neighborhoods, dog parks, and apartment complexes around Gainesville, Newberry Road, Archer Road, and the University of Florida area.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Common injuries include:
- Deep lacerations requiring stitches
- Deep lacerations requiring stitches
- Nerve damage and muscle tears
- Broken bones (especially in children)
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Infections, including rabies risk
- Emotional trauma and fear of animals
Florida’s Dog Bite Law
- A dog owner can be held responsible even if the dog has never bitten before.
- Victims do not need to prove the owner was negligent.
- There are very few exceptions, such as trespassing or provoking the dog.
Serving Gainesville and Surrounding Areas
- Gainesville
- Alachua
- High Springs
- Newberry
- Archer
- Waldo
- Micanopy and surrounding communities
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Dog owners
Strictly responsible for bites in most cases.
Property owners/landlords
In certain cases, they may also share liability if they knew of a dangerous dog on their property.
Businesses
If a dog attack occurs in a commercial setting, the business may also be held accountable.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Gainesville
Car crashes in Gainesville happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:
- Get medical care immediately. Dog bites can become infected quickly. Go to UF Health/Shands or an urgent care clinic.
- Identify the dog and owner. Get names, contact information, and vaccination records.
- Report the bite. Notify Alachua County Animal Services or Gainesville Animal Control.
- Document the attack. Take photos of the injuries, the dog, and the location.
- Speak with a Gainesville dog bite lawyer. Do not negotiate with the owner or their insurance company on your own.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
- Medical expenses (ER visits, stitches, rabies shots, surgeries)
- Future treatment (plastic surgery, therapy, scar revision)
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Permanent scarring and disability
If a child was attacked, we also account for long-term effects and counseling costs.
Why Hire a Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyer?
Dog bite cases often seem straightforward, but insurance companies frequently try to minimize
payouts. They may argue that you provoked the dog, downplay the severity of your injuries, or
push for a low settlement. We know these tactics. Our Gainesville dog bite lawyers will:
- Investigate the attack and gather witness statements
- Work with doctors to document the full extent of your injuries
- Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
- Take your case to trial if they refuse a fair settlement
Frequently Asked Questions.
Get answers to common questions about your legal case.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. However, the sooner you act, the stronger your case.
What if the dog that bit me belongs to a friend or family member?
You can still file a claim. These cases are usually covered by homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, not paid directly by your friend.
What if I was bitten by a dog at work?
If the attack happened while performing your job duties, you may also have a workers’ compensation claim.
Call a Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, contact Mesin & Co. today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win.
