Dog Bite

Florida Dog Bite Law

If you live in Florida and own a dog, you should be aware of your rights and responsibilities. If your dog bites a person, you may find yourself in trouble with the law. This could even be the case if your dog is a first-time offender so to speak.

Florida dog bite laws are enforced by state statutes and local regulations that may differ by city and town. Contrary to other states, there are no "freebies" under Florida law that let you off the hook the first time your dog attacks someone. This means that if the victim is harmed during your dog's attack, the owner may be liable for:

• All present and future medical bills.
• All present lost wages and future estimated earnings.
• Damages stemming from present and future pain, scarring, and mental suffering.
• Property destruction.

The medical fees resulting from dog bite injuries can be rather expensive, especially when scarring is involved. Scars can be permanent, and due to their small stature, children are particularly prone to bites to the head and facial area. Aside from the physical difficulties they present, scars can contribute to long-term psychological problems that can require counseling.

This harsh stance is especially hard on dog owners, but there are some exceptions to the rule that may reduce some of the blame on the owner.

If the victim exhibited negligence that may have provoked the attack, the dog owner is not entirely responsible. For instance, if the owner tells the victim not to pet the dog because it doesn't respond well to strangers, the jury may agree on joint liability in a court of law. However, if the dog owner knows that they have a hostile pet on their hands, other measures should be taken to prevent a potential attack.

Posting a sign on your property such as one that says "Beware of dog" is one good way to warn others that your dog may be excitable. Owners typically will not be held responsible if they boldly display this sign unless they participated in some other form of negligence that incited the attack. A warning sign places the burden on the visitor who decides to pursue the dog.

A dog owner may also be in luck if they have homeowners' insurance; homeowners' insurance usually covers dog bite injuries unless the policy specifically states otherwise. It will often compensate the victim for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, reconstructive surgery, and counseling sessions if necessary.
Dog owners may still be taken to court even if they did have a visible warning sign on their property. In the end, the final verdict is really based on the merit of the prosecution and defense, the quality of evidence shown to the jury, and the opinions of the jury itself.