Most dog owners in Titusville, Florida are responsible and keep their pets under their control. However, some canines can react unpredictably and bite a person. If this has happened to you and you suffered injuries, you can file a dog bite claim to recover compensation.
Dog Bite Laws in Titusville, Florida
It’s important to understand Florida’s dog bite laws. They include strict liability in such cases, liability beyond property lines, dangerous dog classification and requirements and defensives available to dog owners.
Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases
According to Florida Statute 767.04, the state follows strict liability laws for dog bite cases. This means that a pet owner is automatically liable if their dog bites or attacks another person or pet. This differs from the one-bite law employed by other states. It doesn’t matter if the canine has never bitten anyone or exhibited aggressive behavior before.
Liability Beyond Property Lines
Liability for dog bites stretches beyond property lines. The owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog in public and private places.
Dangerous Dog Classifications and Requirements
According to Florida Statute 767.10, a dangerous dog is classified as one that poses a widespread threat to public safety. This includes attacks or bites on people and domestic animals. The law requires dog owners to properly control and train their pets or confine them to prevent such incidents.
Defenses Available to Dog Owners
Pet owners can use a few potential defenses in a dog bite case. Trespassing is an argument made when someone with no legal reason to be on a person’s property gets bitten. However, in some cases, a dog owner may still be liable for damages.
A dog owner is not liable if they have a “Bad Dog” sign clearly posted on their property and someone wanders in and gets attacked or bitten. However, this doesn’t extend to very young children who don’t yet know how to read.
Dog owners can also claim provocation as a defense. This applies if a person teases or agitates a pet and gets bitten. Depending on the circumstances, the owner may still be partially liable due to Florida’s comparative negligence laws. In that situation, the victim would recover a percentage of the compensation they seek.
Florida’s Statute of Limitations
According to Florida Statute 95.11, you have two years to file a claim after a dog bite. Doing so within this statute of limitations is crucial to ensure you get the compensation you need.
Types of Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries in Titusville, Florida
After a dog bite incident that leaves you injured in Titusville, you’re entitled to compensation. This may include mental and emotional effects, medical consequences and treatment, lost wages and financial implications, future medical expenses and long-term care and scarring and disfigurement.
Mental and Emotional Effects
A dog bite can leave you suffering psychological and emotional trauma. You may develop a phobia of dogs and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These issues can cripple you and prevent you from doing things you would otherwise normally do.
Medical Consequences and Treatment
Dog bites can cause pain and infections. This stresses the need to seek medical treatment and follow-up care. You may need stitches, antibiotics and even shots to prevent complications.
Lost Wages and Financial Implications
In serious cases, a dog bite can cause you to miss work. This entitles you to lost wages and lost earning capacity.
Future Medical Expenses and Long-Term Care
Severe dog bites can have long-term consequences. You may need continuous medical treatment into the future. You can recover damages for these costs.
Scarring and Disfigurement Compensation
Dog bites can leave you physically scarred for life or even disfigured. In that situation, you’re entitled to significant compensation.
Steps for Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim in Titusville, Florida
In Titusville, Florida, certain steps are required when pursuing a dog bite claim. They include reporting the incident and filing a claim.
Reporting the Incident
After you’ve sought medical attention, immediately report the dog bite. You can contact Animal Control or tell a doctor so they can report the incident on your behalf.
Filing a Claim
If you suffer injuries from a dog bite, gather as much evidence about the incident as possible. Include copies of your medical records, proof of wages, photos and videos. It’s best to have an attorney on your side so they can help you file your claim.
Benefits of Hiring an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Titusville, Florida
There are benefits to hiring a skilled dog bite injury lawyer in Titusville, Florida. They include local knowledge and experience, case valuation expertise and trial experience.
Local Knowledge and Experience
A Titusville dog bite attorney knows the local area and how its courts work. They have the experience necessary to effectively protect your rights and build the right case. A local attorney also knows colleagues on the other side of the aisle, judges and other employees of the courts.
Case Valuation Expertise
Your personal injury lawyer can assess your case and determine how much it’s worth. They’ll fight to get you the right compensation for your damages.
Trial Experience
If your case fails to settle through negotiations, it moves to court. Your attorney has the experience needed to represent you at trial in front of a judge and jury.
Andrew Pickett Law: Your Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer in Titusville, Florida
At Andrew Pickett Law, we understand how traumatic and emotional dog bite injury cases can be, which is why we seek to support our clients in every way possible. We will work hard to gather evidence and fight on your behalf to help you get the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. If you’d like a case evaluation, please contact us today!
