A person in Florida has a right to expect safe passage when walking near another person’s home or business. When it comes to dog bites, the dog owner has a responsibility to control a pet at all times.
Failure to do so can result in pain and suffering for victims of dog bites.
Florida law
The Florida Legislature succinctly covers the responsibilities of dog owners. The law clearly states that the dog owner is responsible for damages caused to a person as a result of a dog bite. This is true in the following situations:
- In a public place
- In a private place (as long as the visitor is there legally),
- In the case of a dog without a history of viciousness,
The negligence of the victim of a dog bite might also play a role. This could reduce the liability of the dog owner by the percentage of the negligence of the victim in the incident. The presence of a sign warning of a dangerous dog also works to reduce the liability of the dog owner, except for children under six years of age.
State dog bites
The South Florida Sun Sentinel reports that dog bites probably occur more frequently in Florida than in Texas and California. In 2018. Florida residents submitted 1,281 insurance claims for dog-related injuries, which was at a higher rate than Texas and California but at a lower rate than the national average.
Insurance claims for dog injuries averaged just under $64,555. Dogs bite approximately 4.5 million people each year. Children between five and nine suffer the highest rate of dog bites. By sheer numbers, Florida residents experienced the second-highest number of dog bites in 2018.
If you or your loved one have sustained injuries from a dog bite, now is the right time to seek help. Contact Pam Olsen today at (352) 671-9777. Or if you prefer, Schedule a Consultation with Pam Olsen, Esq.