Florida is a “strict liability” state for dog bite accidents. This means dog owners in the state can be held liable if the dog bites another person, even if the owner did not have any reasonable knowledge or prior warning that the dog might bite. In addition, the injured person has no burden of proof that the owner’s lack of reasonable care caused the bite.
All of this means the state is very friendly toward victims of dog bites, who have a lower burden than victims in other states to recover compensation in dog bite cases.
Here’s an overview of some other important information:
- Statute of limitations: Florida’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases is four years since the date of the bite. If you fail to file your case before that four-year deadline hits, the court will most likely toss the case.
- Specific rules: The state’s dog bite statute says a dog owner is liable for injuries if the dog bites another person, and that person is either in a public space or is lawfully in a private space. This means a dog owner cannot be held liable if the dog bites a trespasser on their property.
- Dog owner responsibilities: Dog owners are expected to keep their dogs restrained in public areas, and to exercise reasonable care with where they take their dog and what they allow their dog to do.
For more information about dog bite laws in Florida and how to proceed with an injury claim if you’ve been a victim, contact a trusted Sarasota, FL personal injury attorney at Goldman, Babboni, Fernandez & Walsh.