Dog Bite Accidents

A dog attack can happen in an instant, but the emotional and physical damage can last a lifetime.  If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, there is a possibility that you can take legal recourse and should contact a dog bite attorney to explore your options.

Florida Dog Bite Law

Dog bites are responsible for close to 5 million injuries a year, and unfortunately, a majority of these injuries occur in children.

The dangerous dog law in Florida is known as statutory strict liability.  This makes the owner or handler of the dog legally liable to the victim.  Neither the dog’s prior behavior nor negligence of the owner or handler is necessary when pursuing legal action after a dog attack.  Unlike many other states, Florida does not have a “one bite rule.”  This means that it is irrelevant if the dog has attacked before. 

Some exceptions to statutory strict liability include circumstances where:

• The victim was trespassing.
• The victim was fortheinjureditting a felony or another criminal act against the owner or handler.
• The victim was a veterinarian or canine professional and was treating the animal at the time of the attack.
• The victim intentionally provoked the dog, usually through some form of physical abuse.
• The victim gave consent to be bitten by the dog.
• The dog was assisting law enforcement at the time of the incident.
• There was a “bad dog” sign clearly posted on the owner or handler’s property and the victim was not under the age of 6.

If you or someone you know has been a victim of a dog attack, you need to discuss your legal options before it is too late.  For more information or to schedule a free case evaluation with a dog bite attorney, contact the lawyers of Gordon & Doner at 1-800-659-1159.