Miami Dog Bite Lawyer
Not all of them are man’s best friend. In 2014 there were 42 fatal dog attacks, 64 percent of which were caused by pit bulls. Thousands more vicious attacks end in serious injury and even permanent disfigurement. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog or other animal, the owner may be held liable for your damages. Give one of our Miami dog bite lawyers a call today to discuss your legal options.
Florida Dog Bite and Animal Attack Liability
Florida law places liability on the owner of any animal that viciously attacks someone in a public place. Even on private property, if the victim was there lawfully and attacked, the owner is held liable. Despite the history, or lack thereof, of a dog’s viciousness, the owner will be held liable.
Liability May be Shared Because Florida is a Pure Comparative Negligence State
It may be deemed that liability should be shared, in the event that the victim somehow provoked the dog into attacking. This stems from Florida’s system of pure comparative negligence. For example, if the victim provoked the dog, they may be held 20 percent liable, while the owner of the dog is held 80 percent liable. In this situation, the victim would only be able to receive a maximum of 80 percent of the damages caused by the dog attack.
Follow These Steps if You Are Bitten by a Dog or Attacked by an Animal in Miami
About 4.5 million dog bites occur annually, and of those, 800,000 people seek medical attention in an emergency department, according to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation. Thousands of people never seek medical attention, however. It is important for everyone who suffers a serious dog bite to receive medical attention, because almost one in five dog bites become infected, according to the Centers for Disease and Control and Prevention. Dog saliva is laden with bacteria, and infection can spread from bites quickly, complicating the healing process and even putting the victim’s affected limb or even life in jeopardy. Children and the elderly are at the greatest risk of dog attacks.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite or animal attack in Miami, don’t hesitate to give one of our experienced Miami dog bite lawyers a call today at the Pendas Law Firm. You may be owed damages to help pay for your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. We don’t charge anything for a consultation, so there is no reason to wait.
