Based on Florida law, dog owners can be held financially liable for injuries that were caused from a dog bite, whether in a private or public space. Those who have been injured only have a set period of time to request compensation from the owner responsible, so it’s imperative to act quickly and in your best interests. The consequences of the bite incident go farther than the immediate moment it happened. Dog bites can be painful, scary, and leave someone with emotional anguish and newly developed fears surrounding interactions with animals.
What are the dog bite laws for the state of Florida?
The laws and statutes for animal attacks vary by state. For Florida specifically, a dog owner may be liable for injuries if it can be shown that the dog bit a person that was either in a lawfully private property or public space. If the victim was harmed in a situation otherwise, it may still be permissible to file a personal injury claim against the owner. The victim will have to show with proof how the owner acted negligently or without regard for the safety of others, which ultimately led to their injury.
Can I recover compensation for my injuries?
One of the first options in recovering compensation is through a negligence claim, in which an owner is responsible for the incident if they did not offer a duty of care to protect others from harm and another reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. The second type of claim that can be filed is referred to as negligence per se, in which an owner may be liable if they violated regulations or statutes that protect the safety of the public. Thirdly, a scienter claim (also known as the “one bite rule”), allows anyone with information about a dog’s attack background or attempted bites to hold the owner liable for resulting damages. Lastly, in some cases, an intentional tort may be filed, if the owner of the dog coaxed the dog to attack the victim.
Why was the Florida dangerous dog statute established?
The dangerous dog statute is intended to safeguard the general public from dogs that are dangerous. An aggressive dog may be declared as a safety risk under Florida law if they meet certain criteria. If a dog is categorized as dangerous, an owner has to abide by strict rules and take specific measures for the animal. For instance, the dog will have to be registered with local authorities and kept in a location with properly marked dog warning signs. If the dog is taken away from the premises, it has to be restrained with a muzzle, and harness or leash.
How does a canine get defined as a dangerous dog?
Based on Florida law, a dangerous dog is a dog that has previously aggressively bitten, attacked, or caused serious injury to a person. An attempt to endanger or attack a person is also viewed as dangerous behavior. A dog that has aggressively approached or chased a person without provocation is considered dangerous as well. And a dog that has previously killed or injured another animal more than once may be deemed a safety risk to the public.
If you need support after a dog bite or attack, contact a Vero Beach, FL personal injury lawyer from Tuttle Larsen Injury Attorneys, P.A, as soon as you can for help.
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Thank You.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I was the victim of a serious car accident that resulted in injuries, and from the very beginning, the Tuttle team was there to guide me through every step of the process. Doug Tuttle and his entire staff not only worked hard on my behalf, but they also consistently showed genuine compassion, patience, and understanding during an extremely difficult time. Their support made a challenging situation feel much more manageable. I am truly grateful for everything they did for us, and I would highly recommend the Tuttle firm to anyone in need of a dedicated and caring injury attorney.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My first appointment with Tuttle Larsen Injury Attorneys was beyond my expectations. I was still angry about my accident which involved a driver who ran a stop sign and T-boned us. I was also in severe pain with fractured ribs and a torn rotator cuff. Jesse Larsen immediately calmed me down with his very professional and compassionate manner. He explained the options in dealing with my case with full confidence that it could be resolved. He explained what would happen as we continued through each step of my case, what papers that I needed to give him, and how he would handle everything for me. I was so relieved that this burden had been lifted from my shoulders. I didn’t have to fight this battle alone. Jesse told me that I could call the office any time I had a question, which I did. Cindy was my lifeline to Jesse. She dealt with all the paperwork which included doctor and therapy bills, insurance, and interrogatives. She explained everything in detail in emails or over the phone. I didn't have to make endless trips to his office. When I did need to sign papers, Kelly was very friendly and had everything ready for me as soon as I walked in the door. 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Jon Jacob of Tuttle Larsen Injury Attorneys represented me for trial and I cannot recommend him and this practice enough. Their professionalism is unmatched and Jon Jacob communicated so well throughout the whole process to make sure I was prepared and knew what would happen at every step of the way. He was caring and supportive through a stressful time and I cannot thank him enough for it. The team is extremely knowledgeable and committed to the best experience for their clients.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I want to extend my sincere appreciation to the entire team at Tuttle-Larsen Law, and especially to Attorney Doug Tuttle, for their outstanding professionalism and dedication in handling my motor vehicle crash case. From the very beginning, the staff was courteous, responsive, and highly organized. Attorney Tuttle demonstrated genuine concern for my well-being and guided me through each step of the legal process with clarity and confidence. His expertise and straightforward communication helped ease the stress of the situation, and his legal strategy ultimately led to a successful and timely resolution of my case. I’m very grateful for their hard work and commitment, and I would highly recommend Tuttle-Larsen Law to anyone in need of skilled and compassionate legal representation.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Conscientious and professional, Jon Jacob and Barbara communicated with me every step. From laying out his plan, to making sure I was given a fair deal at the end. I heard about them after they helped my brother, and when I was in need of help just a year later I immediately got in touch with them and I'm very glad I did. The process was smooth for me, and I like to understand what's going on to get a picture of what's happening, therefore I ask questions. Without missing a beat, they would answer and email, and reminded me of what phase of the process the case was in. I always felt confident. My advice to anyone who goes to them, be prepared and professional, you'll get so much in return from Tuttle Larson, especially Jon Jacob Ashenback. Thank you once again man, keep being sharp, you're kicking ass.Posted on GoogleTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. From the first appointment, this firm will work diligently to prepare your case. Because auto accidents aren’t planned and seem to happen at the worst possible time, the attorneys and staff at this office are excellent when it comes to answering questions, allowing you to put your mind at ease. There’s always a lot going on at the beginning of the process and having Mr. Larson walking me through made the process so smooth. When hiring this firm, you call to speak to a specific person, you can actually reach them, or they will return your call as they say they will. So many large firms pass your case around, you are never able to speak to the same person, you cant get your calls returned or questions answered, which becomes frustrating dealing with a timeframe. Couldn’t have been more pleased with all the help my children and I received at a hectic time in our lives. Down to the receptionists answering the phones, the paralegals, and then the attorneys— they become family and there is no one else you’d rather have handle your case, fighting in your corner, and in the best interest of you! Thank you so much for all you’ve done to help us overcome this experience!
