Florida is one of the dog-friendly states in the US. Wherever you go, you will see a canine just nearby. Dog owners regularly take their canine friends to restaurants with an outdoor patio.
Plus, you will see dogs accompany their human friends on errands. And as summer approaches, you will see dogs running around with families at parks and beaches in Florida.
While these Fido activities are exciting and fun in Florida, they often open potential dog bite scenarios. These dog bites lead to serious injuries, which entitle victims to financial compensation.
If you are faced with a dog bite case, you can seek legal help from Rosen & Ohr, P.A. The attorney here will help to address your questions or concerns about dog bites.
Types of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites may cause various injuries, from severe wounds to minor bruises and scratches that need medical care. Some of the common injuries that result from dog bites are:
- Death
- Infections like tetanus or rabies
- Nerve damage
- Fractures or broken bones
- Lacerations & abrasions
- Puncture wounds
Apart from physical injuries, dog bites may also cause trauma, including PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), fear, and anxiety, to name a few.
Dog Owners and Statutory Strict Liability
Like most other states in the US, Florida uses a legal standard called statutory strict liability in dog bites. According to Section 767.04 of the Florida Dog Bite Statute, every dog owner will be held accountable when their canine friends unlawfully bite someone and cause them injuries.
Under the state’s statutory strict liability, dog owners might still be held responsible for any dog’s bite even if their dogs had never bitten anyone before or exhibited aggressive propensities, like gritting or growling their teeth at passersby. However, any carelessness on a dog bite’s victim may minimize dog owners’ liability.
Statute Exceptions
Although the state’s legislation concerning dog bites imposes strict accountability, there are several situations where dog owners aren’t held responsible if their canine friends attack another individual. These instances include the following:
- If the canine friend was defending his owner
- If the dog bite victim provoked the dog
- If the dog bite victim was on the property unlawfully
Dog Bites on Kids
Unfortunately, children are more susceptible to dog attacks, and bites are often more fatal or serious. In that case, the kid’s parent has the right to file a claim against a wrongful death or dog owner’s claim. Although losses are insurmountable, this opening allows families to recover after such devastating incidents.
Resolving a Dog Bite Injury Claim
If you and a dog bite lawyer you hired prove negligence, a dog’s owner can agree or ordered by the court of law, to give you compensation to cover lost wages, medical expenses, and other damages or losses related to dog bites. With your attorney’s help, your dog bite injury case can easily be solved out of court.
In a Nutshell
Not every bite is serious enough to sue a dog’s owner. However, you don’t need to pay for the losses incurred following the incident, especially if the fault isn’t on your side. With your dog bite injury lawyer’s help, you will get the compensation you deserve.
