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If your child was bitten by a dog, consider seeking legal advice. Florida has strict dog bite laws that protect victims.
The next time you visit Florida for a few days, learn about the dog bite laws before going to the state. Before you travel with the family, check out this quick guide to dog bites liability laws in Florida.
Statute Exceptions
In Florida, dog bite laws are regulated by Florida Statutes 767.04, which states that any dog owner is liable for injury or death caused by a dog bite. However, if the injury or death occurred because “the dog was provoked” or the victim “taunted” the dog, the owner is not liable.Further, if a person is trespassing on the property of another and gets bit by a dog, then in many cases, the owner won’t be liable. This is due to the “dog-bite-statute-exception.” This exception is based on the property owner’s right to protect their property from intrusion.
Additionally, if a resident provokes a dog with a weapon or terrifies it in any way, the owner is not held liable. This is often true even if the dog responds in an aggressive manner. As such, laws regarding statutory exceptions to a dog bite lawyer need to be taken seriously, as they could determine the result of any lawsuit.
Comparative Negligence
Dog bite laws in Florida are based upon the principle of comparative negligence. This means that liability for a dog bite is determined by a court based on the amount of responsibility of each person in the incident.If the dog bite victim was negligent in any way, a court may decide that they share some of the liability for the incident. In cases of shared responsibility, the courts may decide to limit the amount the dog owner is liable for.
Comparative negligence ensures that both the dog bite victim and the dog owner are held responsible for their actions and that no one party is entirely to blame for the dog bite. When claiming a dog bite, it is essential to understand the principle of comparative negligence to ensure a fair and reasonable outcome.
Legal Damages from Dog Bite Claims
In Florida, dog bite laws are established to protect the public from being attacked by a dog and to provide victims with legal recourse in the event of an attack. Under state law, dog owners can be held responsible for any damages their pet causes, including physical harm, emotional trauma, or death. Damages received can include the following:Past and Future Medical Expenses
The state of Florida has enacted specific legislation on dog bite laws that must be followed to ensure past and future medical expenses related to the injury of an individual are adequate.Dog bite victims have the right to seek compensation for future medical expenses, such as treatment, long after the injury ends. They may also receive recompense for past medical expenses that still need to be paid.
Lost Wages and Time at Work
In Florida, dog bite laws provide the individual who was bitten with the right to receive compensation for any damages, including lost wages and time at work. This can include signed witness statements or medical documentation of the injuries they suffered in the attack.The court may also grant compensation for pain and suffering related to the attack and may even hold perpetrators liable for punitive damages if the attack was considered especially malicious.
Lost Earning Capacity
Specifically, a claim for "lost earning capacity" can be filed when a person has sustained a serious injury due to a dog bite, such as a disfigurement or permanent disability.When a person has suffered a permanent disability or disfigurement, they may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of treatment and possibly even lost wages due to the inability to work.
Animal Attacks on Children
To protect children from suffering physical or emotional harm due to animal attacks, it is important for everyone to be aware of the applicable dog bite laws in Florida. The state’s laws impose strict liability on a pet owners when their dog bites a person, regardless of whether or not they knew the animal was likely to cause such harm.In addition to this general law, local jurisdictions in Florida may have their own specific laws that govern attacks by animals. It is essential to research the laws in your area prior to bringing any pet into your home.
When You Should Sue for Dog Bite Injuries
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a dog bite injury in Florida, then the state's dog bite laws should be considered. Under Florida laws, dog owners are strictly liable for any negligent or intentional acts that result in serious harm to another person.In addition, when determining whether to sue for dog bite injuries, the severity of the injuries is also considered. If the injuries are severe or permanent, then dog owners may be required to provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and suffering. Click for more about Florida dog bite laws.
Read More About Dog Bite Laws
Florida's dog bite laws are important for all dog owners and pet lovers to understand. Dogs can bite; learning the actions to take to protect yourself, your loved ones, and your pet are important.Taking the time to review and understand the laws in your state can help if a situation does arise. Take the time to understand the dog bite laws in Florida today to protect yourself and those around you.
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