Need An Animal Attack Lawyer?

Many adults and children suffer dog bites and animal attacks every year, whether it is the result of improper restraint or fencing, improper labeling of an area containing an animal, or animals that are off-leash in public places. In almost every case, such bites are the result of owner negligence, which means that you may have a personal injury case and the right to seek compensation for your injuries.

The laws regarding dog bites vary widely depending on the geographic location where the incident occurred, often varying by city and county, so you will need experienced legal help from an animal attack lawyer to resolve your case.

What Types of Dogs Are The Most Dangerous?

The Humane Society of the United States reports that most wrongful deaths from vicious dogs are caused by:

• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Pit bulls
• Huskies
• Malamutes
• Bernards

However, any dog can be dangerous under the right circumstances.

Are You the Owner of an Animal that Has Bitten or Attacked Someone?

There is an entire Chapter of Florida Statutes, Chapter 767, entitled: “Damage by Dogs; Dangerous Dogs.” Here is some important legal information that Floridians should know in case they are on either side of a dog bite or attack.

Florida is a “strict liability” state. Florida Statute 767.04, “Dog owner’s liability for damages to persons bitten,” states that the owner of “any dog” that bites “any person,” is liable for any damages suffered by the person(s) bitten. This is true if the attack happens in public, or in private, so long as the person attacked is “lawfully” in the private place (no, the burglar who your Pomeranian bit can’t sue you, but the mailman dropping off your package can).

However, if you own a dog and want to avoid this “strict liability,” simply display an “easily readable” sign with the words “Bad Dog” on it in a prominent place on your property. You will have a statutory defense to any claim from someone bit on your property. That is, unless your dog attacked or bit someone under the age of six.

What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten or Attacked

If you have been bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog in Florida, try to get pictures of where it happened, the dog and your injuries in addition to getting contact information for any witnesses. This may be the last thing on your mind after being attacked, but it may help you later on.

First and foremost, see a doctor. Dog bites and attacks can cause significant physical and mental injury. Florida case law shows many instances in which an aggressive dog startled or knocked over a person who suffered an injury as a result—even though they were not bitten. No matter how you were injured, getting immediate medical care is essential both for your health and for any case you may wish to bring now or in the future, as Florida has a four-year statute of limitations for this form of negligence.

You should also make sure to involve your local animal control authority. The law addresses what needs to happen after such attacks, including investigation, classification as a “dangerous dog,” quarantine and more. The consequences for a dog owner who fails to follow these mandates can even include criminal charges.

Scarring & Disfigurement in Children

If your child’s face was scarred by a dog bite or other animal bite, they may need reconstructive surgery years down the road. It is important to pursue your case now to pay for any surgeries later because you will not get a second chance to request personal injury compensation once the statute of limitations has run.

Learn More From Our Florida Animal Attack Attorneys

If you’ve been bitten by a dog or other pet, do not admit fault or speak to the owner’s insurance company. Contact Avera & Smith immediately for guidance on how to determine who is at fault and how to pursue the financial compensation you may deserve. Because the law is very specific in these cases, it is best to secure a lawyer who has experience handling these situations.