A dog attack can result in serious physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one experiences this type of incident, you may have questions about liability on behalf of the dog owner.
Review the details about how Florida law treats dog bite liability and other attack injuries.
Single-bite law
Unlike some states that give a dog owner a “single bite,” Florida allows an injured person to sue after a dog attack even if the animal has no history of aggressive behavior. The state will hold the dog owner responsible if the dog bit you when you were either lawfully in a private place or in a public place. The former category applies whether the dog owner invited you to the home or you were there for official business (delivering mail, for example).
Exceptions to the law
Different rules apply when injuries occurred in an attack but the dog did not bite. For example, if you broke a bone when a dog knocked you down, you would have to show negligence on the part of the owner.
Dog owners in Florida may also be able to avoid liability by posting a prominent, large “Bad Dog” sign on the property. However, you can still sue in this case if the owner showed negligence or if the dog bit a family member younger than six.
You have four years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Sarasota starting at the date of the dog bite injury in Florida. The court may award damages to cover your medical bills and other associated expenses.
