What Is The Difference Between A Dog Bite Attack And Other Injuries Caused By Dogs?

Any incident involving a vicious or aggressive dog is a scary experience, but the law treats dog bite attacks and other injuries caused by dogs differently. If you or a loved one is injured by someone else’s pet, it is important to know the differences between the two incidents and how it may impact your personal injury case. At Earnhart Law, our experienced Delray Beach personal injury lawyers are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to learn more and schedule a free consultation.

Dog Bite Attacks

Florida law utilizes strict liability when a dog bite attack occurs. Unlike states that use the “one bite rule,” where a pet owner can escape liability if they have never bitten someone before and the owner had no way of knowing about the pet’s propensity for viciousness, Florida holds pet owners liable for the first attack on another person. Strict liability means that a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by a dog bite attack even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and there was no evidence of aggressiveness or viciousness prior to the attack. Strict liability also means that victims of dog bite attacks do not need to prove negligence or recklessness on the part of the owner, only that the dog bit the victim and it resulted in injuries.

Other Injuries Caused by Dogs

If a person is injured by a dog in another way, strict liability does not apply in Florida. Common examples include being scratched by the animal or being jumped on by the dog. In these cases, the victim of the incident must be able to prove that the pet owner was negligent and failed to use reasonable care to prevent the injuries from occurring. Comparative negligence also comes into play with other injuries caused by a dog other than a bite attack, which means that if the victim was in any way responsible for the incident their compensation may be reduced in the case.

Compensation for Injuries

Compensation for dog bite attacks and other injuries caused by a dog include coverage of economic and noneconomic damages. This includes payment for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and the loss of future income and benefits in addition to compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, and for the loss of enjoyment of life. In fatal dog attacks, the family of the victim may also seek wrongful death compensation, which includes payment for all final medical bills, pain and suffering, funeral and burial costs, and for the loss of support, guidance, love, and counsel of the victim.

Call or Contact Us Now

Have you or a loved one been injured in an incident involving a dog? Whether injured by a bite or other type of attack, the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at Earnhart Law are here to help. Call the office or contact us today to schedule a free evaluation of your claims now with one of our experienced lawyers.

Resource:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0767/Sections/0767.04.html