An Overview Of Dog Bite Laws In Florida

Dog bite cases are very factually driven. If you go up to someone’s house and their dog bites you, then that’s a good case. If you did nothing to provoke the dog, you’re not going to be liable for any comparative negligence, and homeowner’s insurance will be liable. Dogs aren’t supposed to attack people and the owners of the dog should have the dog properly restrained.

How Severe Must A Bite Or Injury Be In Order To Make A Viable Personal Injury Claim?

In my practice, we only take cases with serious, significant injuries, but you have a right to make a claim for a non-serious injury. If you get six dog haters on the jury, they may still give you a potentially large verdict. We are dog ”lovers” as are most people and we only take significant injury or scarring cases.

Who Is Liable In A Dog Bite Injury Claim?

The owner of the dog or the person who allowed the dog to be in a position where it could harm someone is liable. Most cases without insurance coverage are not worth anything. The perfect dog case is a serious dog bite where the person who owns the dog also owns the premises and has homeowner’s insurance that doesn’t exclude dogs.

Are There Any Circumstances Where The Pet Owner Would Not Be Liable For A Dog Bite In Florida?

If the reason that the dog bites the person is that the person enraged the dog, then the owner would usually not be liable.

Can I Just Conduct Negotiations With The Other Party’s Insurance Without A Lawyer In A Dog Bite Scenario?

Insurance companies employ adjusters who are specifically trained to dissuade a person from making a claim. Many times, I’ve had cases come into my office in which the adjuster has had a person agree to a settlement that is grossly inadequate. Also, they’re very clever in taking statements and asking questions that will make it seem like the person has comparative negligence when they do not. That’s their job. It is better to have a lawyer and then usually receive a much larger settlement.

For more information on Dog Bite Claims In Florida, a no obligation consultation is your next best step. Get the information and legal answers you are seeking by calling (813) 251-1000 today.