Whether you consider your dog part of your family or you’re more of a cat person, one thing is true – dogs are truly man’s best friend. However, while the large majority of these furry friends are loyal and friendly, not all dogs are. Unfortunately, if you’ve been bitten by one, you may know this to be true. It’s necessary to understand that dog bites can cause serious issues, so understanding how to take legal action against the negligent owner is critical. The following blog explores these matters in further detail, including the importance of discussing your circumstances with a Broward County dog bite lawyer.
Why Dog Bite Injuries Are More Serious Than Many People Realize in Florida
Dog bites are not simply minor injuries in Broward County. These are serious accidents, including long-term physical, emotional, and financial consequences. As such, understanding the full scope of potential complications can help the victims recognize the importance of immediate medical care and prompt legal action.
Common Physical and Medical Complications
- Pain, swelling, and bruising around the bite area
- High risk of infection due to bacteria found in a dog’s saliva
- Nerve damage that can cause numbness or long-term impairment
- Crush injuries from strong jaw force
- Soft tissue damage that requires surgical repairs
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Risk of rabies or tetanus if the vaccination status of the dog is unknown
Psychological and Long-Term Impacts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety or fear of animals
- Emotional distress, which is especially prevalent in children
- Reduced quality of life caused by scarring and disfigurement
What to Do Immediately Following a Dog Bite
- Seek immediate medical attention to reduce the risk of infection
- Clean and disinfect the wound as soon as possible
- Report the incident to local animal control
- Take photographs of the injuries and damages you’ve suffered
- Obtain information about the dog, including their vaccination status
Who Is Liable for Dog Bites in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, a dog owner is strictly liable for the actions of the dog in public, or when a person is lawfully on private property, even if the dog has never shown signs of prior aggression. This makes it easier for Broward County victims to seek compensation as opposed to states that implement “one-bite” rules, in which dog owners generally are not liable for the actions of their dog if they had no reason to believe the dog was aggressive and took steps to secure the animal.
Florida’s Strict Liability Law Explained
- Florida has strict liability laws in place for dog bites
- Owners can face responsibility, even if the dog has no history of aggression
- Victims do not need to prove negligence in the majority of cases
- Liability most commonly applies in public places or when lawfully on private property
Situations Where Compensation May Be Limited or Denied
- The victim was trespassing at the time of the attack
- If the victim provoked, abused, or tormented the dog prior to the attack
- If adequate warning signs were posted prior to the attack
- Comparative negligence can reduce compensation if the victim is found to have contributed to the attack
Who Else Can Face Liability?
- Property owners who knowingly allow a dangerous animal on their premises
- Landlords in limited circumstances
- Dog walkers, caretakers, and businesses responsible for the animal at the time of the attack
- Employers, if the dog was involved in a work-related activity
What Compensation Can Dog Bite Victims Recover?
In Florida, dog bite claims generally arise under both premises liability and personal injury law, as victims may file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy to recover damages. In Florida are generally entitled to financial compensation. This includes both economic and non-economic damages. However, the amount you recover depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your daily life.
Economic Damages
- Emergency rooms and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical care and future care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Contact an Experienced Broward County Personal Injury Attorney
As you can see, dog bites can be incredibly complicated to navigate in Florida. That’s why working with an experienced personal injury attorney to help you recover the compensation you deserve when you are injured by a negligent dog owner is critical. At the Finizio Law Group, our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
