Miami Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyer Fighting for You
Trust Stabinski Law as Your Trusted Miami Dog Bite Lawyer
Animal attacks among the most frightening experiences that an individual can face, resulting in physical and emotional scarring. Though anyone could suffer from a violent animal attack, most dog bite victims are children. If you or your child has been harmed by a negligent dog owner’s pet, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injury.
At Stabinski Law our Miami dog bite attorneys help you understand Florida Dog Bite Law. Free consultations!
Our Miami premises liability attorneys are dedicated to fighting for the maximum compensation that our clients deserve after an incident of this magnitude. In many circumstances, these cases require a close investigation to determine liability. We are capable of handling your case from its inception through a verdict, and are ready to discuss your situation in a free consultation.
Florida Dog Bite Laws: Strict Liability Explained
Per Florida Code § 767.04, a dog owner will be held liable for the damages caused by their pet if it attacks another person while they are on public property, or lawfully on private property – including that of the dog owner. Unlike other states where a victim must show that a dog owner knew, or should have known, about their dog’s violent tendencies, Florida only requires a victim to show that they have suffered injury as a result of being attacked by another person’s dog.
State one bite laws generally allow victims to seek damages to cover the cost of their personal injury. While this rule generally holds fast, there are a few exceptions. A dog owner’s liability will generally be reduced if the victim’s own negligence contributed to the attack.
Cases where a victim will share liability for a bite wound:
- Provoking an attack:Â If a person provokes a dog to attack them, the owner’s liability will be reduced by the victim’s percentage of fault.
- Ignoring warning signs: Similarly, a dog owner will be released from liability – unless the victim is under the age of six – if they display a prominent warning sign on their property that includes the words “bad dog.”
What the Florida Dog Bite Law Says About “Dangerous Dogs”
For the majority of dog bite cases, state law follows the theory of strict liability. This means that an owner can be held accountable for their dog’s actions without proof of intention or fault. In other words, there is no need for the plaintiff to prove that the damages were caused by the defendant’s negligence. Furthermore, “dangerous dogs” must be treated with special caution.
Under state law, the owner of a “dangerous dog” must:
- Register their dog as dangerous with the authorities
- Keep their pet in a secure area with warning signs at all entrances
- Restrain it with a muzzle and a harness or leash when removed from this area
If you are interested in seeking compensation from a negligent dog owner, you should not hesitate to discuss your case with a personal injury lawyer from Stabinski Law. Our firm can help you build an effective claim to seek compensation after your traumatic injury.
Interested in Filing a Premises Liability Claim in Miami?
With more than two centuries of combined legal experience on our side, we have what it takes to fight for the compensation you deserve. Our team has secured more than $500 million in damages for past clients while maintaining a high level of client satisfaction. We’re available 24/7 to take your call, so do not hesitate to get started with your case!
Meet with our injury lawyers today to discuss your case in a free case evaluation!Â
Our Results
$100,000
A child was bit at a birthday party by the homeowner’s dog.
$250,000
Delivery person attacked by a dog that the homeowner failed to keep on leash.
$150,000 Settlement
A woman was walking her dog when a dog escaped from a neighbor’s backyard charged and due to the resulting scuffle, she fell and inured her shoulder.
Confidential Settlement
A small child was attacked, bit in the head and hospitalized by a dog that the family recently adopted. The adoption center knew that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior.
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FAQs About Dog Bite Injury Cases
Can I sue if the dog bite happened on private property?
Yes. It does not matter if it is public or private property.
What if the dog never bit anyone before?
The owner or the handler of a dog would still be liable. There is no requirement that the dog has previously shown any signs or acts of aggression. Under Florida law, the owner and handler are “strictly liability”, meaning that a victim does not need to prove that the injuries were due to anyone’s negligence.
What evidence do I need?
Proof that the dog was the cause of the injury and that you were lawfully on the property where the attack occurred. It is always a good idea to document the incident as much as possible, with photos, video, medical records, incident reports, and the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident.
Can children file a dog bite claim?
Absolutely, through their parent or guardian. In fact, a very large percentage of dog bite victims are children.
