West Palm Beach Dog Bite Attorney

The State of Florida employs strict liability when it comes to dog bite claims, which means that pet owners are ultimately responsible for their dogs’ actions – regardless of whether or not the owner witnessed prior aggression in the animal. In other words, if you’re harmed by a dog that belongs to someone else, you can hold the dog owner responsible for your related losses, and an experienced West Palm Beach dog bite attorney can help make that happen.

Florida’s Dog Bite Statute

Florida’s dog bite statute states that the owner of any dog who bites someone while they are in a public area or when they are legally on the dog owner’s property is legally responsible for the victim’s losses – regardless of the dog’s former viciousness . . . or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. If, however, the dog bite victim’s negligence is found to have contributed to the attack, the dog owner’s liability will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to the victim. For example, if the victim actively and purposefully provoked the dog to anger, the dog owner’s liability in the matter could be reduced.

Other exceptions to this strict liability stance include:

• If the victim was on the dog owner’s property illegally, such as if they were trespassing at the time of the attack
• If the dog owner had a Beware of Dog sign clearly displayed that warned all who entered the property to proceed with caution – which does not apply when the victim is under the age of six

In such instances, the dog’s owner may not be found liable in a dog bite claim.

Dog Bites

Dog bites are especially dangerous wounds for the following reasons:

• The jaws of canines are extremely strong, which sets the stage for dangerous injuries.
• Dog bites cause crushing and tearing injuries – rather than clean cuts.
• Dog bites are prone to dangerous infections and are closely associated with scarring.
• When on or near the face, dog bites can be permanently disfiguring.

When these risk factors are coupled with the fact that being attacked by a dog is terrifying and can lead to a lifelong and exaggerated fear of dogs, the immense impact of dog bites comes into clearer focus.   

Related Losses

The kinds of legal damages dog bite victims can seek compensation for include each of the following basic categories:

• Medical bills, including all related future medical needs – such as plastic surgery to help repair scarring
• Lost income, which – considering that dogs often attack their victims’ hands – can amount to a very serious loss
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can be difficult to overstate in the face of a violent dog attack

Never Wait; Seek the Legal Guidance of an Experienced West Palm Beach Dog Bite Attorney Now

Florida previously had one of the most lenient statutes of limitations for injury lawsuits in the United States, but recent tort reforms changed this. Now, the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is only two years, increasing the need to take quick action and seek legal representation.

Maaz Quraishi is a compassionate West Palm Beach dog bite attorney at Right To Justice who has an imposing track record of achieving optimal outcomes for his clients, and he’s here for you too. Learn more about what we can do to help you by contacting us online or calling 561-242-4800 and scheduling a free consultation today.