Yes, in Florida, if you have been attacked or bitten by a dog, you generally have the right to pursue legal action, so long as the owner’s negligence caused or contributed to your injuries. Florida law generally holds dog owners responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. If you are facing the consequences of a dog attack, you may want to look into your legal options. Read on and reach out to our skilled Panama City dog bite attorneys today. Our legal team is here to help ensure you obtain the compensation you need to heal.
Can I Pursue Legal Action for a Dog Attack in Florida?
Keep in mind that in Florida, pet owners are held accountable for the behavior and actions of their dogs. Essentially, if an individual’s dog attacks or causes harm to another person, the dog owner will be held responsible for that behavior.
It is essential to note, however, that in order to successfully bring a claim against a dog owner for a dog bite injury, the injured party must demonstrate that they were attacked in a public place or while they were legally on private property.
In the event that a dog owner can establish that the injured person actually instigated their dog, which caused the bite, a legal claim may not be possible. Furthermore, if the dog bite happened while an individual was trespassing on another’s property when he or she was bitten, then it may not be possible to file a legal claim.
Florida adheres to the “strict liability” rule in most dog bite injury claims. Essentially, this means that a dog owner can face liability for the actions of their animal, even if the dog never showed prior signs of aggression. However, each case will ultimately depend on the facts, evidence, and if any applicable defenses are raised, including that the victim partially contributed to the accident.
Victims of a dog attack in Panama City, Lynn Haven, Callaway, and the surrounding Bay County area may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Hospital bills
- Plastic surgery
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Therapy and counseling
- Permanent scarring
- Pain and suffering
When Can You Sue After a Dog Bite in Florida?
You may be able to sue following a dog attack in Florida if:
- The dog bit or attacked you in a public place
- You were lawful on private property
- You suffered physical harm as a result of the attack
- The owner was negligent or failed to control the animal
- You suffered financial or emotional damages
However, you may have difficulty recovering compensation if:
- You were teasing, tormenting, or otherwise provoking the dog
- You were trespassing
- The owner had a legally compliant warning sign, in certain circumstances
What Does Florida Law Say About Dog Bite Liability?
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners may face responsibility for injuries inflicted by their dogs. As mentioned, in accordance with Florida’s strict liability statute, injured victims do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This law generally applies to:
- Dog bites occurring in residential neighborhoods in Panama City and throughout Northwest Florida
- Apartment complexes
- Public parks
- Commercial businesses
- Sidewalks
- Private property, so long as the victim was lawfully present
Overview of Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida dog bite laws generally:
- Hold owners liable for injuries caused by their animal
- Apply even if the dog never attacked anyone prior
- Allow compensation for medical bills and other damages
- Require victims to show they were legally present on the property
- May reduce compensation if the victim contributed to the accident in accordance with Florida’s comparative negligence rules
What Steps Should I Take After My Injury?
If an injured person wants to seek legal compensation for their dog attack injury, it is imperative that he or she takes a number of steps to ensure they adequately satisfy the burden of proof.
This means that the injured party will not be required to prove that the dog owner was negligent in handling or training his or her dog, which directly caused the incident to occur.
In order to prove this with evidence, the injured party and their attorney will need to analyze the history of the dog to see if any claims were made against it in the past for attacks. If a similar incident occurred before and the dog owner did not improve the dog’s behavior, they can be found liable.
In addition to reporting the dog’s history of violence, there are further pieces of evidence that can strengthen a negligence claim.
Evidence That Strengthens a Dog Bite Claim
- Police reports from the accident
- Medical documentation of the injuries
- Witness statements to confirm the claim
- Security footage of the accident, if it occurred in a public place
- Photos of visible injuries
- Medical records and treatment plans
- Veterinary records
- Documentation to support lost wage claims
- Insurance company communications
What to Do After a Florida Dog Attack
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the attack to local animal control authorities
- Take photos and videos of the scene, including your visible injuries
- Gather the names and contact information of witnesses
- Preserve damaged personal property
- Keep copies of medical records and bills
Contact Our Experienced Panama City Injury Firm
Here at Manuel & Thompson, P.A., we understand the potentially devastating effect that an injury can have on an individual and his or her family, which is why we are dedicated to helping all those who’ve been injured due to no fault of their own. If you have been bitten, attacked, or injured by a dog in Panama City or the surrounding Northwest Florida area, our firm is here to fight for you. To discuss your case with our experienced Panama City personal injury attorneys, contact Manuel & Thompson, P.A. today for your free consultation.
