Florida Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites can lead to serious injuries and complex legal issues, especially in Florida where the warm climate and outdoor lifestyle mean more interactions between people and dogs. When someone is bitten by a dog in Florida, it’s important for them to understand their legal rights and the potential avenues for compensation. Florida law provides specific statutes that address the liability of dog owners for bites and other injuries caused by their pets.
Victims of dog bites in Florida may have the right to receive compensation for their injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, navigating the legal framework requires a comprehensive understanding of the state’s statutes and the ability to effectively argue a case in court. This is where a Florida dog bite lawyer becomes instrumental. These specialized attorneys have the experience and knowledge necessary to guide bite victims through the legal process.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Florida
Florida’s dog bite statute, Fla. Stat. § 767.04, imposes strict liability upon dog owners. This means that an owner can be held liable for injuries and damages resulting from their dog biting a person who was either in a public place or lawfully in a private place.
Overview of Florida Dog Bite Law
Under Florida statute section 767.04, dog owners are held responsible for any damages their pets cause if the dog bites someone who is either in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This means owners are liable regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressiveness or a propensity to bite. One exception to this rule is when the victim is partly at fault due to negligence, such as teasing the dog.
In instances where the dog does not bite, but instead causes injury through other actions (like knocking someone over), the case might be evaluated under a different legal theory, such as negligence.
Strict Liability vs. Negligence
Strict liability implies that the dog owner is liable for dog bite damages even if the owner was not directly at fault. For example, even if the dog owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous, the owner would still be responsible for injuries caused by the dog’s bite under Florida law. This is only applicable when the injury is a direct result of a dog bite.
Negligence involves cases where the owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care led to the injury. For example, if a dog owner knows the dog is aggressive and fails to properly restrain the dog, and the dog bites someone, the owner may be found negligent.
- Requires proof that the owner knew, or should have known, about the dog’s dangerous propensities.
- May apply to other injuries caused by the dog, not only bites.