Dogs provide their owners with comfort, love and companionship; however, sometimes these animals can bite, causing serious injuries or even death.
While we love our dogs like family, they are still animals at the end of the day and an owner is held responsible if their dogs act aggressively and injures another person. Failing to restrain a dog or take reasonable precautions to protect other adults or children from an aggressive pet can be grounds for liability according to Florida statute 767.04.
Florida’s Statistics
Dogs bite millions of people across the U.S. each year, and many of these bites require some degree of medical treatment. The state of Florida is certainly no exception. Here are a few dog bite statistics in our state:
- Children under the age of 14 are at the highest risk of being bitten by a dog.
- Boys have a higher chance of being bitten than girls.
- Unrestrained dogs (outside the owner’s property or off of a leash) account for around one-third of all dog bites.
- Most dog bites involving children are from a dog that is familiar to the family.
- Florida sees an average of two deaths per year from dog bite injuries.
- Across the U.S., pit bulls and Rottweilers account for the majority of dog bite injuries and fatalities.
Receiving Compensation
Dog bite accidents fall under premises liability law, meaning that a dog owner has the responsibility to protect visitors to the property from pets. An owner can be held liable for injuries that his or her dog causes.
You do have the right to sue for compensation if your dog bite injuries cost you money or time at work; however, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of filing a lawsuit before moving forward. Speaking to an experienced personal injury attorney can help you make this decision.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite accident, contact the experienced attorneys at Lorenzo & Lorenzo. We understand the ins and outs of animal attack and premises liability cases, and we’re ready to help you through the legal process in order to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation of your dog bite case.
