Delray Beach Dog Bite Lawyer

Being attacked or bitten by a dog can be an incredibly traumatic experience. Whether the dog had a history of aggression or not, you might hesitate to seek compensation from the dog’s owner, especially if it is someone you know. 

However, you may have the legal right to pursue compensation for your medical bills, time off work, and pain and suffering. At Steinberg Law, P.A., our Delray Beach dog bite lawyers are here to help you protect that right and start moving forward from this stressful event. 

Allow us to help you seek dog bite compensation in Delray Beach and take the stress of the legal process off your shoulders. Contact us today at 877-783-4611 to schedule a consultation with our dog bite injury claim lawyers. 

Understanding Florida’s Dog Bite Laws

Different states across the U.S. approach dog bites differently. In some states, you can only hold a dog’s owner liable for attacks if the dog has a history of being aggressive. This is known as the “one-bite rule” and essentially gives dogs one free bite before the owner is held liable for their actions. 

Florida does not follow the one-bite rule. Instead, Florida Statute 767.04 outlines a strict liability policy for dog bites and attacks. This means the owner is responsible for damages regardless of whether they knew of the dog’s potential for aggression.

However, there are a few circumstances where the victim might be partially liable. Our Florida canine injury lawyers can review the details of your case and determine whether the dog’s owner could be held strictly liable for your injuries and other damages. 

When Is the Dog Owner Liable for Injuries?

Under Florida’s strict liability laws, dog owners are usually liable for injuries their canines cause, even if they have never shown any signs of aggression previously. Certain circumstances may make it even easier for our Delray Beach dog bite lawyers to hold the owner liable, such as:

• The dog was off its leash. Delray Beach municipal codes prohibit dog owners from allowing their dogs to “run at large” within the city’s corporate limits. Dogs must be on a leash or within a fence at all times. If the dog was off-leash when it bit you, the owner may be guilty of an offense. 
• The owner failed to control the dog. Whether or not the owner was nearby when the attack happened, they likely breached their duty to control the dog. 
• The dog had a history of aggression​​​​. If the dog acted aggressively in the past, the owner had a particular responsibility to prevent future episodes. 

Even if none of these circumstances were present in your dog bite case, our Delray Beach personal injury attorneys can help you hold the owner accountable and pursue compensation. 

When Might the Victim Be Partially Responsible?

While dog owners are largely responsible for their dogs biting or attacking others, there are two main circumstances in which the victim might be partially responsible for their own damages. 

• The victim provoked the dog. Dogs naturally respond aggressively to provocation. If the victim purposefully tormented, startled, or otherwise provoked the animal, they may be at least partially responsible for the attack. 
• The victim was trespassing on the dog’s property. Dog owners don’t have a duty of care to restrain their dogs on their own properties unless they have permitted a visitor to enter. If a victim was trespassing at the time of the dog attack, they may be liable for their own damages. However, if the owner commanded the dog to attack the trespasser, the owner may still be liable. 

If the dog’s owner is claiming either of these circumstances, our Delray Beach dog bite lawyers can provide evidence to show that you were lawfully on the property and did nothing to provoke the attack. 

Florida’s Comparative Negligence Statute and How It Might Impact Your Case

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence policy that bars accident victims from seeking compensation if they were more than 50% responsible for their own harm. If you were less than 50% responsible, your compensation amount would be reduced by your percentage of fault. 

For example, perhaps the insurance company assigns you 20% fault for the dog bite because you were playing with the dog when it attacked you. If your case was worth $10,000, you would be eligible for $8,000. 

Under Florida’s strict liability policy, there are very few circumstances in which a victim would be even partially responsible for the dog bite. Allow our Delray Beach dog attack attorneys to prove that you were in no way liable for your injuries and seek to maximize your compensation. 

What Compensation Can You Seek After a Dog Bite? 

You may have the right to seek both economic and non-economic damages after a dog bite in Delray Beach. Economic damages cover the direct costs you incurred from the attack, such as:

• Medical bills
• Time off work
• Future medical expenses
• Physical damage, if the dog damaged any of your property during the attack

You may also be able to seek non-economic damages, which cover the emotional costs of the accident that do not have a direct price tag. These might include:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of quality of life
• Disfigurement, such as if the incident left you with significant scarring

If the dog’s owner acted recklessly or egregiously, such as if they purposefully sicced the dog on you or commanded it to attack you, you may also have the right to punitive damages. These come directly from the owner’s bank account to punish them for wrongful behavior. 

Seek Animal Attack Legal Help From Our Delray Beach Dog Bite Lawyers

Our Delray Beach dog bite lawyers understand the stress, pain, and trauma that arise from dog attacks. You may feel conflicted about holding the dog’s owner liable or worry that doing so will cause the dog to be put down. 

Allow our attorneys to walk you through your options and fully explain Florida’s dog bite laws. If you decide to pursue compensation, we will handle as much of the process as possible for you while you focus on healing. 

Contact Steinberg Law, P.A., today at 877-783-4611 or fill out our contact form to request a free consultation. 

Florida Dog Bite FAQs

How Bad Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Sue?

A dog bite does not need to be particularly bad to sue. You just need to show that you suffered damages, which are economic or emotional costs. If you have any medical bills or experienced serious pain and suffering from the incident, you likely have damages that you can pursue from the dog’s owner. 

How Much Can You Sue for After a Dog Bite in Florida?

The amount you can seek from a dog bite lawsuit in Florida depends on the severity of the accident and the value of your damages. At a minimum, you can typically sue for the value of all medical bills and other expenses you directly incurred from the accident. Our Delray Beach dog bite lawyers will help you calculate your damages and seek to maximize your compensation. 

Does a Dog Need to Be Put Down if It Bites Someone?

A dog may need to be put down if it bites someone, depending on the circumstances. After an attack, the dog will be declared “dangerous,” and the city will conduct an investigation while the dog is quarantined or impounded. If the dog exhibited particularly aggressive behavior or has a history of aggression, the city may require it to be put down to prevent future injuries.