Dania Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can have a devastating effect on your life. Depending on the type of injury you suffered, you may require extensive medical treatment, mental health counseling, or even be stuck dealing with a permanent disability. If your daily life has been affected by the injuries you sustained, you may have the right to total financial compensation for your losses.

Some of the most common types of dog bite injuries our clients have dealt with include:

• Puncture wounds
• Internal bleeding
• Organ failure
• Traumatic brain damage
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones
• Paralysis
• Loss of limbs
• Lacerations leading to septic shock
• Abrasions and contusions
• Neck or back injuries
• Shoulder injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Knee injuries

Just because the Injury you were diagnosed with is not included in the list above does not mean you are not entitled to justice. Do not hesitate to contact a dog bite attorney from The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft to find out whether you have grounds for legal action against the dog’s owner.

Florida Dog Bite Laws

Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. Some states follow the one-bite rule. So, unless a dog has previously attacked or bitten someone, the dog’s owner will not be 100% responsible for the victim’s injuries. However, Florida is not a one-bite rule state. Dog owners will always be responsible for the actions of their animals and have a legal obligation to maintain control over their pets at all times. When they do not uphold this obligation, they can be sued for the victim’s damages.

Exceptions to Dog Owner Fault

There are some situations where dog owners may be able to avoid liability for the victim’s injuries. Most often, this occurs when injury victims have provoked the dog causing it to act defensively or violently. Here are some examples of provocation:

• Kicking
• Throwing objects
• Punching
• Screaming
• Yelling
• Spitting

When an injury victim provokes a dog into acting violently, it may be more challenging to hold the dog’s owner accountable. Florida has followed modified comparative negligence laws since 2023, so if you are partially at fault, you may still have the right to compensation for your damages as long as your portion of the fault is less than the 50% bar threshold. However, you can expect your settlement to be reduced proportionately if you are partially responsible. If you were found 15% at fault because you accidentally stepped on the dog’s tail, you could expect your settlement to be reduced by 15%.

Dog owners could also avoid liability if the injury victim was trespassing on their property at the time of the attack. Dog owners are expected to maintain control of their animals at all times. However, many dog owners have dogs to protect them from trespassers. If you were bitten or attacked by a dog while committing a crime or trespassing on someone else’s property, it may be challenging or impossible to recover compensation from the dog’s owner for your injuries.

You should also know that dog owners are not the only party that may be held accountable when a dog bites or attacks. Depending on the circumstances of your case, multiple parties could share blame. For instance, if the dog owner was relying on fencing to keep their dogs contained within their premises, but the fencing installer failed to do the job right, you may also have grounds for legal action against the fencing company. This is just one example. After reviewing the details of your dog bite case, your personal injury attorney will have a better idea of the individuals and entities who may be held accountable for your damages.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Dania Beach

The statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits is strict. According to Florida personal injury laws, you have two years from the date of the attack to file your claim. This deadline could be even shorter if you’re filing a claim with the insurance company, as insurance providers have the authority to impose their own time limits. It is crucial that you file your claim before time runs out, otherwise, you may miss out on opportunities to recover maximum compensation.

Get in Touch With a Dania Beach Dog Bite Attorney Today

Dog bite cases can be notoriously traumatizing for victims who have already been through a terrifying experience. The dog’s owner should be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law and compensate you for your damages and distress. An experienced Dania Beach dog bite lawyer can help you demand justice.

The Law Offices of Scott J. Senft is here to help you navigate the claims process, collect compelling evidence, identify the liable parties, and recover maximum compensation for your damages. When you are ready to get started on your case but are not sure where to begin, start by filling out our convenient contact form or calling our office to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.