Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Florida
Cyrus S. Niakan
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Cyrus S. Niakan is a founding partner at Personal Injury of Florida, ranked a Tier 1 “Best Law Firm” by U.S. News – Best Lawyers®.
Cyrus’ talent, hard work, and high ethical standards have been recognized among his peers. He has earned Florida Bar Board Certification in Civil Trial Law, the highest level of recognition for the competency and experience of a civil trial lawyer. In addition, Cyrus maintains an AV Preeminent Rating (the highest rating available from Martindale-Hubbell, the leading independent attorney rating entity) and an AVVO 10/10 rating.
He is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invitation-only trial honorary society composed of less than one half percent of lawyers in the nation. Cyrus has also been selected by U.S. News as among the Best Lawyers in America; The National Trial Lawyers as among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Florida and Top 40 Under 40; Florida Super Lawyers (distinction given to less than 2.5 percent of lawyers in the state); Florida Trend Legal Elite and Top Up & Comer (distinction given to only 132 lawyers statewide); and South Florida Legal Guide’s Top Attorneys.
Cyrus began his legal career as a defense attorney litigating cases on behalf of some of the nation’s largest insurance companies and corporations. During that time he learned how those companies evaluate claims and gained an understanding of the strategies used to defend cases. He now uses those invaluable insights to defend the rights of clients going up against corporate giants.
Cyrus earned his B.S. in Molecular & Cellular Biology and B.A. in English literature from the University of Washington. Cyrus attended law school at the University of Arizona on an academic scholarship.
Outside the courtroom, Cyrus is active within the community by volunteering with Legal Aid of Palm Beach County, Take Stock in Children – Palm Beach County, Misioneros del Camino and served for numerous years on the Board of Directors for 211 of Palm Beach County & Treasure Coast. Cyrus also lectures on expert witness discovery, trucking litigation, insurance coverage, and trial evidence.
Cyrus lives in West Palm Beach with his wife Luisa and two children. He speaks Farsi and Spanish
Michael K. Grife
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Michael K. Grife is a pre-eminent trial attorney, specializing in the areas of Personal Injury and Medical Malpractice. Mr. Grife has dedicated his entire career to exclusively representing the severely injured and loved ones of those who have been killed due to the recklessness of others. He routinely takes on insurance companies and corporate conglomerates, using his knowledge and assets to reverse the playing field in his clients’ favor. Throughout his career, Mr. Grife has served as lead counsel on numerous Multi-Million Dollar and Million Dollar recoveries for his clients.
Mr. Grife founded The Grife Law Firm in 2014 with one goal in mind: to provide top-level legal representation to the injured. To that end, The Grife Law Firm measures its success by the results it achieves for its clients, constantly striving to achieve the highest verdicts and settlement amounts possible.
Mr. Grife believes that the legal profession should be respected, and that is why he elects not to advertise on television or billboards. His boutique law firm in Boca Raton offers all of the assets and skill of a large firm, with the individualized service for our clients that is rarely seen. He further believes that clients should be serviced in a luxurious first-class environment where you will experience The Grife Law Firm difference from the moment you walk in the door.
Giving back to the South Florida community that he loves is a top priority for Mr. Grife. A Florida resident since 2002, Mr. Grife passionately supports animal rescue groups and ocean preservation charities.It his caring and compassion for others that motivates him to serve his valued clients and drives his success.
Tim Shanahan
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Tim graduated from the University of Tampa on a Presidential Scholarship, with a Bachelor’s Degree in Sports Management in 2012. Mr. Shanahan was a Professional Sports Staff Writer for the Tampa newspaper “The Minaret.” During his senior year, he worked full time selling group ticket packages and corporate suites for the Tampa Bay Rays.
Mr. Shanahan then graduated from Stetson University College of Law in Tampa. He served as the Vice President of the Entertainment and Sports Law Association. He also clerked for several firms including Jack Bernstein’s office working on cases involving personal injury, medical malpractice, employment, and sports. He volunteered as a Guardian Ad Litem, advocating for children’s rights.
Tim grew up in New York and excelled in baseball as a pitcher and played on teams through his senior year. Through college, Mr. Shanahan participated competitively in intramural football, basketball and volleyball. He continues to be an avid health and nutrition enthusiast, exercising vigorously on a daily basis.
Outside the practice of law, Tim continues to grow in his faith and attends Bridgepoint Church in St. Petersburg. On Wednesday nights, Tim is a student ministry leader for children in grades six through twelve. Mr. Shanahan serves the Tampa Bay Community regularly through various charities and donation drives, including the children’s backpack drive, Build a Bed, Operation Christmas Child and sock collections.
MARC L. SHAPIRO
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Marc L. Shapiro, Esq. is the founder of The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. With 29 years of experience, Marc L. Shapiro Esq. has served SWFL with integrity, passion, and a commitment to his clients.
Marc practices primarily in the areas of Plaintiff’s personal injury and wrongful death cases, complex commercial real estate litigation, title insurance disputes, foreclosure defense, mortgage law, bank workouts, short sales and commercial and residential landlord tenant disputes. Marc also represents and advises real estate investors and entrepreneurs in their transactional dealings including real estate closings, entity structuring and planning for both tax purposes and asset protection. Marc has been cited in local media on various legal topics and he has appeared on local news stations. Marc also makes frequent appearances on the legal eagle section of the radio show “Real Estate Best Buys”.
JEFF MURPHY
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Jeff Murphy was born in Jacksonville, Florida, and has lived in Tampa since 1972. He graduated from Jesuit High School and attended college at the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to his studies, Jeff played Ivy League football for two years. In 1987, he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree. Jeff was then accepted to the University of Florida, Levin College of Law, where he graduated in 1990 with Honors, and in the top 10% of his class. Upon graduation, Jeff accepted a position with Hill Ward Henderson, one of the most prestigious law firms in Tampa. It was this opportunity that taught him the skills necessary to prosecute and defend lawsuits from beginning to conclusion. He discovered his passion – to use his knowledge of law to help people who have been injured or wronged.
Jeff has 33 years of experience as a trial lawyer and focuses his practice on personal injury and wrongful death cases. Based on the recommendations of other attorneys and judges, Jeff has been awarded an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, which is the highest rating available for both legal ability and ethics. Fewer than 10% of attorneys have achieved this rating.
In 2015, Jeff became part of a legal team that represents almost 200 retired NFL players in the NFL concussion litigation. In 2011, a group of retired football players filed a lawsuit against the NFL, claiming that it was negligent for failing to take reasonable action to protect the players from harm. It has been established through scientific findings that these players suffered repeated head trauma and many of them were left with permanent brain injuries. The NFL has agreed to settle the lawsuit and has set aside at least $1 billion to resolve the claims. Depending on their age and the severity of the injury, the terms of the settlement allow retired players to collect anywhere between $25,000 and $5 million. Jeff is honored to be able to assist players in making a recovery so that they can protect themselves and their family’s future.
Jeff also has experience representing Plaintiffs all over the country. In 2014, he filed a lawsuit against the University of California Berkeley for the death of a college football player. This case was settled by the university for $4.75 million. Jeff also represented victims of the Las Vegas mass shooting that occurred at Mandalay Bay on October 1, 2017. He has the experience and resources necessary to pursue claims anywhere in the United States.
Jeff Starker
Personal Injury/Dog Bite Lawyer
Jeff Starker, lead attorney at Bengal Law: Florida Car Accident Lawyers and Personal Injury Attorneys PLLC, is committed to providing unparalleled personal attention to each client. With a boutique approach and an intentional focus on a low volume of cases, Jeff dedicates the time, attention, and expertise needed to achieve the highest possible value for every case.
With a robust background that spans 26 years, Jeff started his career as an insurance adjuster and insurance defense attorney. His unique journey from working to protect insurance companies to fighting for injury victims equips him with an understanding of the insurance industry’s playbook, a tool he now leverages to fight for his clients.
The accolades and awards Bengal Law has received, including recognition as one of the “Best Personal Injury Attorneys” and “Best Car Accident Lawyers” by Expertise, are a testament to Jeff’s dedication, results, and relentless pursuit of justice. However, the defining characteristic of Jeff’s practice is the direct access he offers. When you call Bengal Law, you’ll speak directly to Jeff Starker. You won’t be shuffled around with a case manager or paralegal – you have Jeff’s direct line and cell phone if you need it.
Jeffrey Starker’s commitment to personal service is complemented by a philosophy of treating clients like family. His focus on prompt and attentive communication sets Bengal Law apart from large billboard firms, ensuring that every client receives the personalized care they deserve.
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Florida, Jeff’s unique perspective, inside knowledge, and relentless dedication position him to get you the compensation you rightfully deserve. Allow Jeff Starker to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and hold those responsible accountable. At Bengal Law, it’s not just about accolades; it’s about helping you rebuild your future and making a meaningful difference in your life.
Sunshine State Snarls: Why You Need the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Florida
Florida, the “Sunshine State,” beckons with pristine beaches, vibrant cities, and abundant wildlife. However, even paradise has its perils. Dog bites are a surprisingly frequent occurrence, leaving victims with physical and emotional wounds. If you’ve been unfortunate enough to be bitten by a dog in Florida, securing the services of the best dog bite lawyer can make a world of difference in navigating the legal complexities and securing the compensation you deserve.
The Bite of Reality: Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Florida
Florida operates under a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means dog owners are generally held responsible for any injuries inflicted by their dogs, regardless of the dog’s prior history. However, there are some exceptions and complexities within this law:
- Trespassing: If you were trespassing on private property when bitten, the dog owner’s liability might be reduced or even eliminated.
- Provocation: If you provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or otherwise threatening it, your ability to recover damages might be diminished.
- Comparative Negligence: Florida adheres to a comparative negligence system. This means if you were partially responsible for the incident (e.g., leaving a gate open), your compensation award could be reduced by the percentage deemed your fault.
Beyond the Law: The Ripple Effect of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can have a far-reaching impact beyond the initial trauma:
- Medical Expenses: Dog bites can require extensive medical care, including stitches, rabies shots, antibiotics, and potentially reconstructive surgery. These costs can quickly escalate.
- Lost Wages: Injuries sustained in a dog bite attack can leave you unable to work, leading to lost wages and financial hardship.
- Emotional Trauma: Dog bites can be emotionally scarring, especially for children. Victims might experience anxiety, fear of dogs, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Long-Term Effects: Some dog bites lead to permanent scarring, nerve damage, or limitations in mobility.
Why You Need the Best Dog Bite Lawyer in Florida
Facing a dog bite injury in Florida can be overwhelming. Here’s why retaining the best dog bite lawyer can make a significant difference:
- Understanding Florida’s Specific Laws: While Florida operates under a strict liability statute, there are nuances and exceptions. A lawyer with extensive experience in Florida dog bite cases can navigate the legalities, identify any potential defenses the dog owner may raise, and build a strong case that maximizes your potential compensation.
- Investigating the Incident: A skilled lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation, gathering evidence such as witness statements, animal control reports, and medical records. This evidence is crucial for establishing the dog owner’s liability and the severity of your injuries.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Dog bite claims typically involve dealing with the dog owner’s insurance company. An experienced lawyer knows how to negotiate effectively with insurance adjusters to secure the compensation you deserve for past, present, and future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Maximizing Compensation: Dog bite injuries can be costly. A lawyer can fight to ensure you receive full compensation for all your damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and potential future medical needs.
- Trial Experience: While most dog bite cases are settled out of court, some go to trial. An experienced lawyer with a proven track record in dog bite litigation will be adept at representing you effectively in court if necessary.
Finding the Right Advocate: Resources for Legal Representation in Florida
- Seek Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or colleagues who have faced dog bite injuries and inquire about their lawyers.
- Florida Bar Association: Contact the Florida Bar Association for referrals to qualified personal injury attorneys specializing in dog bite cases. Many bar associations have lawyer referral services available.
- Online Resources: Several online legal directories allow you to search for dog bite lawyers in your specific Florida location based on experience, client reviews, and areas of expertise.
Remember: Dog bite injuries can be life-altering. Don’t underestimate the importance of seeking legal representation. A skilled dog bite lawyer in Florida can be your voice and advocate throughout the legal process, ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and the emotional trauma you’ve endured.