Animal or dog attacks can cause severe and permanent injuries both physically and emotionally. Our firm represents victims of animal and dog attacks who have sustained personal injuries caused by the negligence of animal and dog owners. Frequently an animal or dog bite will cause nerve damage, permanent scars, and potential risk of infection. Additionally, animal and dog bite victims (particularly children) suffer severe psychological trauma.

The State of Florida Dog Bite Statute (Florida Statute 767.04) states…
767.04 Dog owner’s liability for damages to persons bitten.–The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness. However, any negligence on the part of the person bitten that is a proximate cause of the biting incident reduces the liability of the owner of the dog by the percentage that the bitten person’s negligence contributed to the biting incident. A person is lawfully upon private property of such owner within the meaning of this act when the person is on such property in the performance of any duty imposed upon him or her by the laws of this state or by the laws or postal regulations of the United States, or when the person is on such property upon invitation, expressed or implied, of the owner. However, the owner is not liable, except as to a person under the age of 6, or unless the damages are proximately caused by a negligent act or omission of the owner, if at the time of any such injury the owner had displayed in a prominent place on his or her premises a sign easily readable including the words “Bad Dog.” The remedy provided by this section is in addition to and cumulative with any other remedy provided by statute or common law.

This law means that a dog owner is responsible (whether or not the dog has a history of being vicious or aggressive) for a dog bite attack.

A dog bite or animal attack may seem simple and clear-cut. However, the issues are complex and involve investigation into insurance coverage and other legal concerns. It is important to investigate the incident, preserve evidence and thoroughly assess the injuries.

If you or a loved one has been the victim of an animal or dog bite, contact the Law Offices of Randy C. Botwinick. We offer free and immediate consultations. Remember, you will not pay a fee or expenses, unless we win.