Dog Bites / Animal Attacks
Orlando Dog Bite & Animal Attack Injury Attorneys
The most common form of animal attack involves dog bites. In the state of Florida the owners of dogs are liable for any damage done by their dogs to any person or to any animal.
Years ago, the owner of a dog could only be held responsible for harm caused by his/her dog if the owner had reason to know of the dog's vicious tendencies. Under the old law, the owner was not liable unless it could be proven that the dog had previously bitten someone. This was known as the "one free bite" law which effectively immunized the dog's owner from liability for damages resulting from the dog's first attack. Under this old law, the owner's lack of knowledge of his dog's vicious tendency became a complete defense.
The "one free bite" law has been changed in favor of the law which now makes owners liable for any harm or damage caused by their dogs…regardless of the dog's prior vicious tendencies. However, dog owners may assert that the injured person was negligent or otherwise provoked the dog as a defense to a dog bite claim. Additionally, the placement of easily readable signs containing the warning "Bad Dog" in a prominent place on the premises is also a defense for the dog owner…unless the person injured is less than six years old. Florida law imposes increased penalties for damages caused by animals classified as "dangerous dogs". See Chapter 767, Florida Statutes.
Dogs can cause both significant emotional and physical injuries and their attacks have even resulted in death, particularly where minor children are involved.
Over the years, Mr. Cunningham has successfully represented dozens of people who have been injured as a result of an animal attack. If you or a family member have been injured as a result of harm or damage caused by an animal attack, please call and we will be happy to answer your questions concerning your legal rights.
To learn about your rights in a personal injury or wrongful death claim due an animal attack, contact our Orlando dog bite attorney.
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