Owners are responsible for their pets and the law will hold them liable for any damage or injury inflicted on an innocent victim. This area of the law can be complex and originally was founded upon the concept of a "one bite rule" which stated that an owner was not strictly liable until the dog had bitten at least once. Laws have changed and now include the "mixed dog bite rule" making it possible to file a civil claim against the owners of a vicious biting dog. It is critical that you enlist the legal representation of a St. Petersburg personal injury lawyer to properly build the facts of the case.
Proving Fault in a Dog Bite Claim
The state of Florida holds all dog owners responsible for the behavior of their dog. Per §767.04, should a dog attack or bite a person who is either on public property or lawfully on private property, the owner of the dog will be held responsible for all damages - this liability does not rest upon the previous knowledge of the animal’s viciousness. It, however, is also stated that should it be proven that the victim was negligent in any manner, this could reduce the liability of the owner; liability is also reduced should the owner have prominently displayed at any time a legible sign that said "Bad Dog" anywhere on the property.
There are a number of key elements that we at LeavenLaw will look for:
- Owner negligence or wrongdoing
- Premises liability factors which hold property owners liable for many injuries or harm that occurs on their property
- Municipal laws or leash laws that were violated
- Was any part of the incident due to a reckless or irresponsible action involving the animal
Such cases must be proven legally and our legal team is experienced in seeking maximum compensation in such cases. We have successfully recovered settlements for our clients in dog bite cases and can evaluate your injury case and advise you how to proceed with legal action.
Contact LeavenLaw for Skilled Legal Counsel
If you or a loved one has recently sustained a dog bite, we at LeavenLaw can step forward and help protect your legal rights. We are well-versed in all areas of personal injury and have been proven to be reliable advocates for the rights of the plaintiff. Should you choose to work with a Florida attorney from our firm, you will be able to be confident knowing that you will have a compassionate lawyer in your corner who is willing to go above and beyond in their efforts to provide you with high-quality assistance when it is needed most. We are recognized by our efforts to help with competent, effective representation - we encourage you to contact us today.
Choose a St. Petersburg dog bite lawyer for more information.
