Questions about Dog Bites

How does Florida Law treat a dog bite injury?

In the civil context, a florida dog bite injury results in strict liability of the dog owner. In other words, a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by his or her dog to the dog bite injury victim, regardless of whether or nor not that dog has a propensity to bite (formerly known as the "one bite" rule).

Accordingly, if you have suffered a dog bite injury due a dog owner's negligence, then you may pursue money damages, or compensation, from the dog owner for your injuries.

Florida law does allow a dog bit owner to assert comparative fault against the dog bite victim, to reduce the amount of damages payable, if the circumstances warrant such a defense.

If the dog that attacked me belongs to a friend, can I just deal with the insurance company on my own without consulting a lawyer?

This is your decision.

Consider, however, that the insurance company may deny coverage if a dog bite or animal attack is excluded from the homeowners policy. Often, an extra premium has to be paid for dog bite coverage.

If insurance coverage does exist, then the insurance company -- which does not represent your interests -- would probably prefer to pay you as little as possible for your dog bite injury claim. In doing so, they will require you to sign a full and complete release of all claims, while paying as small amount of money as possible.

You may also consider that laws regarding personal injury claims can be complex, and the insurance company will make ensure that their best interests are represented. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you ensure that you are paid the full value of your dog bite damages by representing your interests.

Should I ever sign something provided by the our dog owner's insurance company?

Generally, signing a release gives up all personal injury claims and damages resulting from a dog bite injury.  You should never sign a document related to an unresolved legal claim without consulting an attorney first.

A document or release prepared by the insurance company will likely forfeit your right to collect damages, not only from the dog owner, property owner, or insurance company, but any other potentially liable party.

To be sure about your rights, you should have the document reviewed by a lawyer before signing it.

What kind of compensation may I recover from a dog bite injury?

Every personal injury claim, whether it is a dog bite claim, product claim, or auto accident, has many factors which weigh in to the amount of money damages recovered to compensate your loss.

Damages typically included in a dog bit injury settlement are the following:

• Past and future medical bills
• past and future lost income
• past and future pain and suffering
• future reconstructive surgery costs

If you have been the victim of a dog bite, please contact an experienced personal injury attorney at our firm right here in Southwest Florida.