Florida law regarding dog bite cases is based on strict liability. Strict liability in dog bite cases means the owner is responsible for the dog’s actions, even if the dog has never bitten anyone else.

However, other legal factors often come into play when determining a dog owner’s liability after their animal has bitten another person. For example, did the bite victim provoke the animal in any way, and where did the incident occur? If you have questions about who can be held accountable for a dog bite in Florida, be sure to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.

What Are a Dog Owner’s Legal Obligations in Florida?

Florida law stipulates that a dog owner is liable for any injuries or damage inflicted on another person by their dog. This law applies if the dog is on private or public property as long as the victim is there lawfully.

If a dog bites someone, the animal’s owner is liable for any medical costs and other injury-related damages incurred by the victim. In addition, a dog owner in Florida may also be held liable for any injuries their dog may inflict on another dog or animal.

Florida’s strict liability law comes into play even if the dog has never been aggressive or bitten anyone prior to the incident in question. However, a Florida dog owner may not be liable for someone’s injuries if they post a “Beware of Dog” or “Bad Dog” sign in a conspicuous place. However, this rule does not apply if the victim is under six.

What Type of Injuries Result from Dog Bites?

Even a minor dog bite can result in severe injuries for the victim. Some of the most commonly reported injuries that result from dog bites include:

  • Scars
  • Puncture wounds
  • Broken bones
  • Skin infections
  • Head and neck injuries
  • Eye injuries
  • Facial injuries
  • Lacerations

If a dog bite is left untreated, it could result in a severe infection requiring extensive medical care to prevent other related medical conditions.

What Type of Compensation Can Be Recovered as a Result of a Dog Bite Injury?

If someone’s dog has bitten you, you may be entitled to recover compensation for economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages are awarded to reimburse dog bite victims for money they have paid out of pocket as a result of being injured and may include:

  • Past and future medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Property damage

Non-economic damages are meant to make an injured victim “whole” again with compensation for the intangible losses suffered from the dog bite. Some common non-economic damages include:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional trauma
  • Permanent disfigurement and scarring

Why Should I Hire an Attorney After a Dog Has Bitten Me?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Florida, there are several reasons why you should hire a personal injury attorney, including:

  • The insurance claims process can be complex and challenging to navigate on your own. Having an experienced injury attorney on your side to advise you throughout the process and even take your case to court if necessary provides a great deal of peace of mind.
  • Dog bite injuries can become expensive, especially if there are complications. A skilled dog bite attorney can review your case to determine how much you might be able to recover and will work to get you the financial settlement you deserve for your injury.
  • The dog owner’s home insurance policy usually pays for medical bills and other injury-related expenses. However, insurance companies look out for their bottom line and may try to deny or dispute the claim. Having an attorney to act as your legal advocate will prevent the insurance provider from using deceitful tactics.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog and you’d like to learn more about protecting yourself and your rights, contact RTRLAW for a free, no-obligation case review. Our injury attorneys will review your case and can help you get the compensation you deserve if you’ve been injured by a dog bite. Call toll free 1-833-HIRE-RTR (1-833-447-3787) today.