Are Dog Owners Liable for Injuries Caused by Their Pets?
One situation that can be particularly traumatizing is a dog bite or attack.
These are situations when “man’s best friend” turn out
to be more dangerous than we believe. While not all dogs are bad, some
have the tendency to be more aggressive. What happens, though, when a
dog bites or attacks someone else and causes serious injuries? Who is
liable in this situation? While there may be plenty of questions concerning
a dog bite injury, our team at The Pittman Firm, P.A. is here to provide
some clarity on the situation.
Our Florida dog bite attorney understands how devastating a dog bit can be. However, we also understand the law and what it means in these difficult matters.
According to Florida Statutes 767.04, if a dog bites a person on public property or while the person is lawfully on a private property (including the dog owner’s property), the owner of the dog is considered liable for any damages sustained as a result of the bite. This is regardless of the dog’s viciousness or the owner’s knowledge regarding history of viciousness or other attacks.
There is something else that needs to be known, though.
In Florida, if someone’s actions or negligence resulted in the dog bite, the owner’s liability will lessen by the percentage that the victim’s negligence contributed to the attack. This could mean that someone was provoking the dog physically or breaking into a private property and was attacked. This could change how liability is determined and how a claim is filed. The negligence exception is only for persons over the age of six.
Dog bites are serious matters that can cause catastrophic injuries to the person who was bitten. Injuries can include lacerations, punctures, damage to tissue or nerves, fractured bones, infections, strains, crush injuries, abrasions, and more. Even worse, the person who was attacked may suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder in which they have a constant fear of dogs after the attack.
If you or someone you love has been attacked in a dog bite accident, it’s important to act quickly. These dog bites or attacks often to young children and teens. Make sure you seek the medical attention you need to help prove that the dog bite caused your injuries and to help you with a potential claim.
Our Florida dog bite attorney at The Pittman Firm, P.A. has experience handling matters relating to dog bite injury cases. We advocate for the rights of injury victims so we can help them navigate the complex claims-filing process and seek the compensation you need and deserve to help cover medical costs, lost wages, rehabilitation, and more. Call us today and learn how we may be able to help you.
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