Dog bites in Florida: Understanding the laws and personal injury ramifications

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 800,000 individuals are injured by a dog bite in the United States each year. Although Florida has laws in place to protect victims of dog bites, it is important to understand the laws and personal injury ramifications should you or someone you know suffer a dog bite.

The first thing to know is that Florida has a strict liability statute. This means that if a person is bitten by a dog, the owner is strictly liable for any resulting damages. In other words, the owner is automatically responsible for any damages caused by the dog, regardless of whether the owner had any knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities.

The second thing to understand is that a victim of a dog bite can file a personal injury lawsuit. In the event of a successful lawsuit, the victim may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

The amount of compensation awarded will depend on the severity of the bite and the extent of the damages suffered.

It is important to keep in mind that Florida statute also allows for “comparative negligence” when it comes to dog bites. This means that if a victim is found to be partially responsible for the bite, the amount of damages awarded will be reduced according to their degree of fault. As such, it is important to be aware of any laws or regulations pertaining to pet ownership in your area.

Finally, it is important to note that the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit in Florida is four years from the date of the bite. Therefore, if you or someone you know has been injured by a dog bite, it is important to speak with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible.

In summary, it is important to understand the laws and personal injury ramifications of dog bites in Florida. A qualified personal injury attorney can help you understand your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.