Understanding Florida Dog Bite Laws After an Attack
Dog attacks can happen without warning and often cause serious physical and emotional harm. In Florida, dog bite injuries are more common than many people realize, especially in residential neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and public spaces throughout South Florida.
Florida law provides strong protections for dog bite victims. Dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. This means injury victims can recover compensation without proving negligence. However, there are certain exceptions and defenses that may impact the victim’s ability to bring a personal injury claim.
Understanding Florida dog bite laws is critical if you were bitten and want to protect your right to compensation. This blog post explains how Florida dog bite laws work, what injury victims should know, and how an attorney can help you with your case.
Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Explained
Florida is a strict liability state when it comes dog bites. This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before.
Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable when:
- A dog bites a person in a public place, or
- A dog bites a person lawfully on private property
The victim does not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or aggressive. The dog owner is considered strictly liable, and the injury victim can bring a dog bite claim.
When a Dog Owner May Avoid Liability
Although Florida follows strict liability laws for dog bites, a dog owner’s liability is not automatic in every situation. There are certain exceptions where a dog owner may not be held liable when their dog bites another person.
The following are instances where the dog owner may not be held strictly liable:
- The victim was trespassing at the time of the bite
- The dog owner posted a clear and visible “Bad Dog” sign at the property, unless the victim was a child under the age of 6
When the victim harassed, provoked or tormented the dog before the bite, the owner can argue they are not liable
Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Florida is a comparative negligence state. This means that if a dog bite victim is partially to blame for the attack, then their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
For example:
- The victim tormented and aggressively attempting to pet someone’s dog.
- It is determined that the victim is 20% at fault for their injuries
- If total damages are $100,000, the victim would recover $80,000 after applying the reduction
Injuries Commonly Caused by Dog Bites
Dog bites can result in many types of severe injuries. Even when a dog does not bite, a victim can be injured from being knocked down by a dog.
Some of the common injuries caused by a dog bite or attack include:
- puncture wounds
- lacerations, scarring or disfigurement
- nerve damage
- tissue damage
- neck and back injuries
Dog bites may also raise a risk of infection. A dog bite can lead to bacterial infections even when the dog has been vaccinated. Victims can even struggle with emotional trauma caused by the experience of a dog bite. This can lead to a dog bite victim suffering from pain and suffering over a long period of time.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Florida
Your actions after a dog bite can affect both your health and your legal claim. Immediate steps help preserve evidence and protect your rights.
After a dog bite, you should:
- Seek medical treatment right away
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement
- Identify the dog owner and obtain their contact information and witnesses
- Obtain statements of witnesses
- Take photos of the injuries and the location where the incident occurred
- Try to avoid speaking with dog owner’s insurance company before speaking with an attorney
How Compensation Works in Florida Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite victims may recover compensation through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters’ insurance. In some cases, other parties may share responsibility, such as landlords or property managers.
Recoverable damages may include:
- Medical bills and future treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Every case is different, and recovery of compensation depends on the facts and severity of the injury.
Why Legal Representation Matters in Dog Bite Cases
Insurance companies often attempt to downplay injuries or shift blame to the victim. Having legal representation levels the playing field.
A dog bite attorney can:
- Investigate liability and insurance coverage
- Gather medical and expert evidence
- Handle all insurance communications
- Negotiate and secure maximize settlement value
- Work with medical experts to determine and document the severity of injuries
- File a lawsuit and litigate your case to when necessary
At DTT Legal, we fight for the rights of dog bite victims by helping them recover the compensation they deserve. If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, contact us today free consultation.
Contact DTT Legal
If you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Florida, learning your legal options is an essential step towards recovery. At DTT Legal, we help dog bite victims understand there legal options, provide experienced legal representation, and compassionate support.
You can count on DTT Legal to fight tirelessly for your rights and pursue the compensation you are entitled to receive. Contact DTT Legal for a free consultation today.