Ocala Dog Bite Attorneys
When people hear about someone getting bitten by a dog, they tend to think that a vicious dog breed, such as a pit bull or Rottweiler, was involved. However, even family dogs such as Labrador retrievers and golden retrievers have been known to cause serious attacks. While anyone can be a victim, children and the elderly are most likely to get attacked. The injuries can be substantial, causing scarring, disfigurement, and even death. If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite, contact an Ocala dog bite attorney to file a claim for compensation.
Florida Dog Bite Laws
Under Florida Statutes, Section 767.04, if a dog bites and injures someone, the dog’s owner is liable. Florida is a strict liability state, so this means that the dog owner can be held liable whether or not the dog was known to be vicious or had bitten anyone before. The victim does not need to prove negligence or viciousness of the dog.
However, in order for the dog owner to be held liable, two elements must apply:
- The dog bit another person.
- The person was in a public place or in a private place lawfully.
A person cannot claim compensation if any of the following apply:
- They were trespassing on the dog’s property at the time of the attack.
- They were attacked by an on-duty police dog.
- The dog caused property damage only.
You have four years to file a claim for compensation. The statute of limitations starts on the day of the dog bite.
Possible Defenses
If you were injured by a dog bite, the dog owner will likely defend themselves and try to place the blame on you. They may claim the following:
- You were trespassing on the property at the time.
- You provoked the dog in some way.
If either of these are true, then you will not be able to receive compensation for your injuries. Seek legal help from a personal injury attorney who can aggressively pursue your case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog attack can cause a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to life-threatening and even fatal. Some common injuries include the following:
- Bruises
- Lacerations
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Head and neck injuries
- Brain injuries
- Scarring
- Nerve damage
- Rabies
A dog attack can also cause emotional damages, such as anxiety, depression, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially if there was scarring or disfigurement involved. The victim may develop a fear of dogs
Contact an Ocala Dog Bite Attorney Today
Man’s best friend isn’t always his dog. When provoked, even a normally nice, sweet family dog can turn mean. The result can be catastrophic injuries.
If you were bitten by someone else’s dog, you may be able to file a claim for compensation. The personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law can assess your case and determine liability. We can help you with financial recovery. Schedule a free consultation today. Call (800) 373-3000 to speak to an Ocala dog bite attorney.
