Whether large or small, dogs have the capacity to cause serious injuries to any person or animal they act aggressively toward. Depending on the circumstances, people attacked by a canine find themselves dealing not only with substantial physical pain and scarring, but also long-lasting financial and emotional impacts stemming from their encounter with the animal.
State law establishes unique rules for injury claims based on pet attacks, which is why having a qualified Miramar dog bite lawyer is crucial. With guidance from a personal injury attorney at Redondo Law, you can effectively enforce your rights and demand restitution for all your losses.
Liability for damages caused by animals in Miramar
Florida law holds pet owners strictly liable for harm their dog causes to you, even if that animal has not had troublesome behavior or a prior biting incident in the past. According to Florida Statutes § 767.04, this liability applies to any bite incident that occurs in a public place or on private property where you have lawful permission to be. A dog owner may also be liable to anyone who gets hurt because a dog jumped on, scratched, or attacked them in a way that does not involve being bitten if the owner’s negligence or failure to use reasonable care was the cause of the injury.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If someone is trespassing on another’s property or provoking the animal, the owner is no longer responsible. In addition, if the hurt person is over six years old and ignores a readable sign that says “bad dog,” the owner will not be liable. Likewise, anyone who contributes to their own damages will have their compensation reduced by their percentage of comparative fault, as per Fla. Stat. § 768.81.
A knowledgeable Miramar canine attack attorney can explain all these rules in more detail during a confidential consultation.
How long do people hurt in canine attacks have to file suit?
Regardless of how you pursue an aggressive canine claim, you only have a limited period of time in which you are able to do so. This is because Fla. Stat. § 95.11 sets a filing deadline of four years on most forms of personal injury claims. This means that you usually have no more than four years after your attack occurs to formally file a lawsuit against the responsible party.
There are few exceptions to this rule and even fewer situations which a court would allow a case to proceed after a deadline has expired. Retaining a skilled Miramar attorney as soon as possible after an encounter with an aggressive pet can be essential to recovering fair compensation for your losses.
Talk to a Miramar dog bite attorney today
Dog attacks can be traumatic experiences, even if they do not ultimately lead to lasting physical injuries. If an injury requires professional medical treatment, you have a right under state law to hold that animal’s owner accountable for all harm stemming from the incident.
A qualified Miramar dog bite lawyer can explain your rights and offer advice about next steps to take during. Call our office today to schedule your initial consultation.
