Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Florida

You try to collect your medical bills from him. You write a letter demanding payment and explain why, and you attach the medical bill receipts to the letter. You demand a response within 10 days. If he does not answer or denies that he owes you, you file a lawsuit in small claims court for your damages.

If you do not have any damages (good insurance coverage, and your daughter doesn't need plastic surgery or psych therapy to help her recover), you chalk it up to 'live and learn' and you don't shop at that guy's business anymore.

I suspect that you have not thought about all the potential damages, and I urge you to explore them (plastic surgery, psych therapy) before you think "she's okay, no harm done." If she needs extensive help, a PI attorney may take your case on contingency.

If she truly is okay (and I hope so), say a 'thank you' prayer to your higher power.

A friend's dog nipped my arm as I was holding my arm up to protect my throat, which the dog was aiming for as he lunged for my jugular. The dog (dalmation) ripped my shirt, gave me a good scare, and a little bite through the flesh of my forearm. I still like dogs, but I don't trust that they won't turn on me in an instant if they are big and trained to be mean. That's the 'live and learn' part.

I would also be concerned about any scarring on your daughter's face. If you don't find that you are getting anywhere, or if your damages are more than the amount for small claims, contact an attorney for additional assistance.

Since this happened at a business premises, you may have a claim against the business. If your daughter received rabbi shots due to this, I would see a lawyer. I handle such case in the south Florida area. I can also refer you to someone if not in my area. Want to know the law? Sign up for our free newsletter on varies areas of the law by sending an email to [email protected] and requesting the newsletter, or go to www.ConsumerLawyerHelp.com.