The laws in Trinity and throughout Florida require dog owners to take responsibility when their animals bite another person or cause injuries through other types of dangerous behavior. Dog bite injuries are frequently painful and may leave lasting physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog, it is a good idea to talk to a Trinity dog bite lawyer to learn about your options for recovering compensation. A personal injury lawyer familiar with dog bite cases could fight for your rights and help you obtain a fair damage award.
Dog Bite Law in Trinity
State law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets. Under Fla. Stat. §767.04, a dog bite victim does not have to prove that the dog owner was negligent or should have known that the dog had a propensity to bite.
Under the statute, a dog owner will be held liable for bite injuries if the dog attacks someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property. A Trinity dog bite lawyer could present evidence to show that the victim was legally entitled to be on the property when the incident occurred. If the bite occurs on private property and the dog owner posted a clearly visible sign with the words, “bad dog,” then a dog bite victim would need to show that the owner was negligent, unless the victim is under the age of six.
Injuries Other Than Bites
Dogs are powerful animals, and they can cause severe injuries by knocking over someone or causing them to trip. While the state dog bite statute does not address other injuries caused by dogs, victims may still recover under a theory of negligence.
If a dog owner fails to act responsibly in restraining a dog, a Trinity dog bite lawyer could show how the owner should be legally liable for negligence. For instance, if a dog is considered “dangerous” under state statutes and not confined under the requirements of Fla. Stat. §767.12(5)(a)(1)(b), that could support a finding of negligence. Similarly, if a dog owner tethers the animal in a manner that allows it to access public property in violation of Pasco County Ordinance §14-97, that could also be used as evidence of negligence.
Recoverable Damages in an Animal Attack Case
Those injured by dogs may be eligible to receive compensation for numerous effects of the injuries. These include economic losses as well as intangible noneconomic consequences.
A Trinity dog bite lawyer could obtain damages to compensate a victim for:
- Lost wages due to time off work
- Medical bills
- Future doctor care
- Physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
Compensation is often referred to as “damages.” Amounts may be provided for applicable effects regardless of whether a case settles in advance or proceeds to trial.
Work with an Experienced Trinity Dog Bite Attorney
After suffering a dog bite, your first thought is to call a doctor rather a lawyer, and that is exactly the right course of action. However, it is important to give some thought to your future needs.
Working with an experienced Trinity dog bite lawyer soon after an injury allows your legal advocate to answer questions from investigators on your behalf. Not only does this free up your time, but it also prevents you from inadvertently saying something that could be used against you later in court. To learn more about the benefits of working with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer, call now for a free consultation.