Florida law makes dog owners responsible for bite injuries under certain circumstances. Florida Statute 767 sets forth rules for Damage by Dogs and Dangerous Dogs.
Part I of the statute addresses a dog owner’s liability for damages to people, domestic animals, or livestock. Part II provides special rules for when bites or property damage occur involving a dog which has been classified as dangerous.
Within Part I of Chapter 767, Florida law explains situations in which a dog owner can be liable for damages to a person who is bitten. According to Florida Statute 767.04, an owner of a dog that bites can be liable for damages, regardless of whether the dog had any history of viciousness. The dog’s owner is liable for losses a bite causes if the dog bites someone on public property or bites someone who is lawfully on private property. If the person who was bitten was negligent in provoking the dog, the dog owner’s liability is reduced.
When a dog has been declared dangerous, there are very serious consequences imposed upon a dog’s owner if the dog bites. Florida Statute 767.13 explains that an owner can be prosecuted for a criminal offense if a dog that has previously been declared dangerous attacks and causes injury or death. The dog could also be quarantined and then put down.
Victims of a dog bite or dog attack should be aware of their rights under Florida’s dog bite law and should pursue a case for damages if they are hurt or a loved one is killed due to a canine attack. A Florida dog bite lawyer can provide assistance in making a case so bite victims can get the compensation they deserve when a dog has hurt them.