Dog Bites

Dog bite attacks happen all too often in Florida.  It is important if you or someone you know is bitten by a dog, appropriate steps are taken.  Animal control should be notified, as well as identifying the owner of the dog.  Obviously of primary concern is medical treatment for you or your loved one.  The good news in Florida is that owners are held strictly liable for the actions of their dogs.   This means under Florida law  there is no  requirement to prove the owner knew the dog had a propensity to bite or attack (ie, the first bite rule in some jurisdictions) before the owner is held liable.


A main issue we run into with dog bite cases is recovery and insurance coverage.  Did you know many homeowner insurance polices in Florida have exclusions for dog bites, or if the bite was from a dog over a certain weight limit?  It is important to seek the immediate assistance of a personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases in case of an attack.  Always, seek prompt medical attention and take lots of pictures.  You know the old saying, "A picture is worth a thousand words."  Fortunately, most dog bites heal over time, though they likely will leave scars, both physically and mentally, for the victims.  It will greatly aid a juror's mind as to the extent of the attack if pictures are taken following the attack, as the swelling, stitches, blood and discoloration will ultimately subside over time.

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To learn more about dog bite attacks and how I can assist you, or if you have specific questions regarding the application of Florida personal injury law on dog bites as it relates to your dog bite, please contact my office for a free consultation in the Orlando area at 407-657-2525, or toll free at 1-888-581-2525, or send me an e-mail regarding your case.


**The hiring of a personal injury lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Before you decide, ask me to send you free written information about my qualifications and experience. This web site is designed for general information only. The information presented at this site should not be construed to be formal legal advise nor the formation of an attorney client relationship.


© Harvey Law, LLC 2012