Dog Bite Injuries Attorney in Altamonte Springs, Florida
For most Americans, dogs are known as man’s best friend. This is especially true in Florida, where outdoor activities attract dozens of tourists, locals, and their dogs to beaches, parks, community events, outdoor restaurants, and even shopping malls. For some individuals, however, their personal experiences with dogs may not be so positive, especially if they were the victim of a severe dog attack or bite resulting in a personal injury.
In the past, the state of Florida has enacted regulations on specific dog breeds in an attempt to mitigate vicious dog attacks in Florida by dog breeds perceived to be hostile or dangerous. In fact, in 1989, Miami-Dade County issued a county-wide ban of pit-bull or pit-bull type dogs. While rules and regulations on ownership and handling of different dog breeds may vary from county to county, personal injuries from dog bites still happen every day across the state of Florida.
While some breeds of dogs such as pit bulls, Dobermans, and German shepherds have a controversial and notorious reputation for being aggressive, personal injuries from a dog attack can come from any breed of dog and is more commonly the direct result of a neglectful and irresponsible dog owner.
The Florida Statutes on Dog Ownership and Responsibility
The law states that if a person is bitten by a dog in Florida, the owner of the dog is responsible for personal injury damages to the person as well as any property. Regardless of whether or not the personal injury from a dog is sustained on public or private property, the owner is still responsible and liable for any damages.
A dog owner in the state of Florida may be liable if:
They fail to keep their dog secured or fenced in on private property
They fail to keep the dog on a secure leash
They fail to inform others that the dog is dangerous via a proper warning sign on the premises
If this occurs, a victim of personal injury via a dog attack will want to hold the dog owner responsible. In order to best ensure this, a victim of a dog bite in central Florida will typically consult a central Florida personal injury attorney to help them fight for their case. Otherwise, a victim of a dog bite may be left without compensation for injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other medical bills and expenses. If you or someone you love live in the central Florida area and have been the victim of a dog bite or attack, you may be entitled to compensation for damages. I am a personal injury attorney that has helped former victims of dog attacks in central Florida gain peace of mind through justice for their traumatic experience and compensation for pain and suffering.
Call me immediately following your dog attack. Help keep the community safe by holding neglectful dog owners responsible and get the needed compensation for your injuries.