Dog Bite Victim

Now, whose fault is it, the owner or the dog?

In Florida, the law indicates that the owner of the dog will be strictly guilty when their dog attacks another person who is legally in a private property or a public place.  In the majority of the cases that go to trial, the result has been that the owner of the dog has been found responsible for the attack.  It is also important to know that the law protects not only those who suffered a dog bite but also those who had a dog jump at them, makes them trip, and are followed by a dog.

There are exceptions when applying this strict law, as there have been cases where the owner is not responsible. For example, when the attack is the result of someone bothering the dog or if someone was bitten or injured while illegally entering private property the owner is usually not responsible. If you or a member of your family or a friend have been injured by a dog, it is important to know what to do to preserve and present a legal lawsuit that will cover present and future medical expenses.

These are the most frequently asked questions related to dog bites:

What should I do after a dog has attacked me?

• Seek medical attention immediately to prevent infections or rabies
• Notify the police department so they can start a case and local authorities can put the dog in quarantine
• Find out all information regarding the dog and its owner
• Write down the address where the dog lives
• Take pictures of your injuries/wounds and of the place where you were bitten

Can I file a lawsuit if the dog has no history of biting anyone else before?

It doesn’t matter if the dog that’s bitten you has no reputation of being an aggressive dog.  Remember that in Florida, the law applies strictly to the owner even if this one had no reason to think that their dog had aggressive tendencies.

Who is going to pay for my medical expenses and the plastic surgeon consultation?

The medical expenses related to dog bites can be highly expensive, especially if there are scars involved.  The wounds that leave scars not only cause physical problems but also psychological as well, something that will require medical attention from several doctors.  Generally, if the dog has an owner, the company that insures your home would be responsible for paying all medical expenses assuming that the homeowner’s insurance policy doesn’t have a clause excluding this type of injury. If the policy applies to the case, the expenses paid are usually medical bills, lost wages, suffering, future expenses of paying a plastic surgeon and a psychiatrist, if needed.