DOG BITE INJURIES

In Florida, dog bite personal injury claims fall under Florida Statute 767.04.  An important aspect to that statute is that it makes a dog owner liable for a dog bite injury to another "regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness."  In other words, a dog owner can be "strictly liable" for the dog's injury to another, and it may not matter whether their was any history of biting by the dog.  While there are defenses available to dog owners under the law, a dog bite case is one of the few examples of cases in which a Defendant can be held responsible for injury to another even if the incident was not foreseeable.

 

Landlords can also be held responsible for dog bites caused by a tenant's dog.  However, a landlord is not strictly liable, and a Plaintiff would have to show some foresee ability of injury, such as a history of problems with the dog, circumstances surrounding the breed of dog, etc.  There are several other statutes under Florida law that deal with dog bite injuries, dog ownership, animal control agencies and classification of dogs as dangerous.

 

At Kinney, Fernandez & Boire, we have been representing individuals injured by dogs for over 15 years and our attorneys know how to present such cases to dog owners, homeowners insurance companies, renters insurance companies, defense attorneys and the courts.  Often times we have consulted with plastic surgeons and mental health experts in such cases.  All too often, children are the victims of dog bite cases.  Our lawyers and staff are accustomed to representing parents and their children.  Contact our office if you need representation in a dog bite case and we will schedule an appointment as soon as possible and at your convenience.