What should I do if I am injured in a accident in Florida?

Florida dog owners are considered strictly liable for the actions of their pets. According to Florida Code section 767.04: “The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s’ knowledge of such viciousness.”​

Can I sue the owner if a dog bites me in Florida?

What if the dog never bit anyone before?

It doesn't matter. Florida law above states that the viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge (or lack thereof) does not matter.

Now, of course there are always defenses to be raised. For instance if the dog was provoked into biting the "victim," that can certainly be raised as a potential defense.

Most of the time, a dog bite injury is covered under the dog owner's homeowner's insurance or renter's insurance. Some policies do specifically omit dog bites, however.

What if I know the dog's owner can not pay for my medical bills?

Should I call the police if I am bitten by a dog?

You should contact the police or animal control so they can write a report. It's important to find out whether the dog has had rabies shots and whether or not the dog has bitten anyone else before.

Do I even need a Florida dog bit injury attorney?

Not every dog bite injury claim requires the use of an attorney. If your injuries are not considered serious, you may not need one. However, it doesn't hurt to consult with an attorney. You need to protect yourself in case injuries manifest later. We offer free dog bite injury consultations and we'll help you find the right attorney even if we can't take your case.

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What compensation can I receive for my dog bite injury?

Florida Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Will the dog be put down if I report my dog bite injury to animal control?

As with other personal injury claims, any good Florida dog bite injury attorney will seek compensation for the following:

• Present and future medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish or emotional distress

It depends on the findings of animal control. Florida Code section 767.12 outlines how a dog can be classified as "dangerous." There are some situations where a dog may be put down and others where a dog may be put under a strict court order and if the court order is broken, then the dog could be put down.

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