JACKSONVILLE DOG BITE ATTORNEY

In Florida, filing a claim to recover compensation after a dog bite injury is a fairly straightforward process; however, depending on the complexity of your case, certain complications may delay the process.

It is important that you hire a Jacksonville dog bite attorney to navigate these types of cases. Our attorneys have the knowledge and experience to properly handle dog bite cases and can investigate the incident by evaluating:

• Your involvement in the event
• The dog’s behavior and previous history of attacks
• The location of the attack
• If any warning signs were posted
• The dog owner’s compliance with the law

Your attorney’s investigation can investigate the truth and help you fend off any litigations that suggest you were at fault for the bite and injury. The attorneys in our Jacksonville office are proficient and thorough in their investigations and have a great track record of building successful claims on behalf of their clients.

In Florida, an owner can be held strictly liable for damage that may result if their dog bites another individual or damages their property. If a person is bit by a dog and is either on public property or lawfully on the owner’s property, the owner will generally be held accountable for the dog’s actions. In essence, if you are bit by a dog, you are generally entitled to compensation for your injuries—regardless of the caution taken by the owner. Your attorney must only prove the dog bit you and that you sustained an injury as a result.

Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

Florida regulations offer dog owners some protection against liability under certain circumstances.

Comparative Negligence: In cases where the defendant believes the injured party or property owner contributed to the attack or bite in some manner, they may be able to limit their potential liability. If it is determined the victim contributed to the bite (e.g., provoked the animal, ignored warning signs, etc.), their recovery may be reduced by the percentage of the attack for which the court determines they were responsible.

Bad Dog Exception: Owners are typically not liable for injuries or damage a victim sustains if they are lawfully on the owner’s property, and the property contains clearly visible signs warning of a “bad dog” or cautioning visitors to “beware of dog.”

One Bite” Rule: Under this rule, a victim may be barred from recovering compensation if they are aware of the dog’s previous vicious behavior or of any previous attacks.

Liability is not strictly limited to the dog’s owner. For example, if a landlord is aware that there is a dangerous dog on his or her property, he or she may also be liable for the dog's actions. This is because the landlord has a duty to protect his or her tenants from the risk of injury.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, you may be able to recover compensation for present and future medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, veterinary bills, and property damage.

To learn how a dog bite lawsuit can help you, complete our free case review form today.