Did you suffer critical injuries after being bit by a dog in Florida? Are you interested in learning more about how you can bring the liable party to justice? If so, we can help. With a Florida dog bite lawyer at GED Lawyers on your side, you can seek to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your damages to the fullest extent of the law.
After a dog bite incident, you likely have medical bills and may have missed time from work while recovering from the incident. We can help you hold the liable party accountable for your damages. You can learn more about the value of your dog bite claim and what to expect from the civil claims or lawsuit process when you contact our office for a free consultation.
Proving Dog Owner Liability in Florida
In most dog bite cases in Florida, dog owners can be held accountable for their pet’s actions. They can also face civil and criminal penalties for their dogs’ violent behavior.
Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means a dog owner will be held accountable for their pet’s actions regardless of whether their dog has shown aggressive or violent behavior. It also means victims do not have to prove the dog’s owner was acting negligently to have grounds for a claim.
Dog owners can be found liable for victims’ injuries if their dog bit or attacked someone on private property as an invited guest or anywhere in public. However, if the dog attack occurred elsewhere, the victim may have to prove the dog owner’s negligence to recover compensation for the damages.
How Florida Dog Bite Victims Can Recover Compensation
Dog bite victims can recover compensation for their damages in several ways. Some legal options that could be available in a Florida canine attack are:
- Intentional tort: Intentional tort dog bite claims involve a dog’s owner intentionally causing their dog to attack the victim.
- Negligence per se: In negligence per se cases, dog owners can be found liable for a victim’s injuries if they violate Florida dog bite laws or other regulations meant to protect the public from dangerous dogs.
- Negligence: Dog owners can be ordered to compensate victims if they fail to uphold their duty of care to the victim. Any instance in which a dog owner would have decided another reasonable dog owner would not have made could be considered grounds for negligence.
- Scienter: More commonly referred to as the “one bite rule,” if a dog has previously shown a propensity toward violence or aggression through a prior attack or bite, the dog’s owner could be ordered to compensate victims for their suffering.
It may not always be clear which option is most appropriate for you based on your case’s circumstances. For this reason, you could consult a Florida dog bite attorney from our firm. Our legal professional can analyze your case’s details and offer advice on how to proceed in your case.
Florida Dog Bite Laws Look Out for the Public
Florida Statutes § 767.13 protects the public from dogs considered dangerous. Some situations in which a dog might be declared dangerous are:
- A dog killing or seriously injuring other animals on multiple occasions
- A dog previously biting or attacking someone else, causing severe bodily injury
- A dog attempting to attack or bite another party
- A dog acting aggressively or chasing someone without provocation
Dog owners with dangerous animals must follow strict regulations and take precautions when bringing their dogs in public or inviting guests to their property. Some requirements dangerous dog owners must follow include:
- Registering the dog with local authorities
- Restraining the animal with a muzzle and leash or harness
- Keeping the dangerous dog in locations marked with dangerous dog warning signs
If you suspect the dog that attacked or bit you is dangerous, you may be entitled to total restitution for your damages. A personal injury attorney in Florida with our firm can help you pursue your claim.
Florida Dog Owner Liability Exclusions
Florida law requires dog owners to be held strictly liable for their pet’s actions. However, dog owners may not face liability or reduce their financial liability in some situations. Some of these liability exclusions may apply when:
- The dog bite victim provokes the dog into acting aggressively
- The dog bite victim trespasses on the dog owner’s property
- The dog’s owner posts visibly “dangerous dog” warning signs
- The dog defends itself or someone else from a potential threat of physical harm
Although dog owners may be able to reduce their financial liability in cases like these, our attorney will be by your side to ensure liability is accurately evaluated in your case.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Cases in Florida
When you are ready to move forward with your Florida dog bite claim, make sure you act before the statute of limitations expires. Per Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a), Florida allows a maximum of four years to pass before the statute of limitations runs out. If your lawsuit is not filed in time, the Florida courts will likely dismiss your case.
Fortunately, when you have a Florida dog bite attorney from GED Lawyers working on your case, the statute of limitations should not affect your ability to move forward with a claim or lawsuit. Our personal injury attorney will work tirelessly to gather the time-sensitive evidence needed to prove liability so you can recover maximum compensation for your damages.
Contact GED Lawyers Today for Help From a Florida Dog Bite Attorney
The dog bite claims process can be overwhelming, particularly if a child has suffered an injury. Make sure you have a legal advocate on your side who can help you feel confident in your decision in your situation.
Reach out to a Florida dog bite lawyer at GED Lawyers for a no-cost, risk-free consultation today. You can get started on your case by completing our online contact form or calling our office.
