Dog Bite Law

Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (state.fl.us)

If you are injured due to being bitten by a dog, contact us immediately. A thorough investigation must be made immediately to determine the responsible parties. According to Florida law, if you are bitten by a dog in a public place or in a place that you were invited to be, the dog owner is strictly liable. There are no defenses and the dog owner must pay for your damages. However, as in most laws, there is an exception. Pursuant to F.S. 767.04, the owner is not liable, except as to a person under the age of 6, or unless the damages are proximately caused by a negligent act or omission of the owner, if at the time of any such injury the owner had displayed in a prominent place on his or her premises a sign easily readable including the words “Bad Dog.” It is important to note, that just because the sign is present that does not mean the owner is not responsible. If it can be proved that you were injured due to a negligent act or omission of the owner, then the exception does not apply.

It is also important to note that perhaps another person or entity is responsible for your injury from the dog bite even if they were not the owner. If a homeowners association, hotel or another premises owner had rules and regulations excluding dogs from their premises and they knew there was a dog present, they could be held liable for negligence. These owners will not be held strictly liable as they were not the dog owner, but if negligence can be proven, they can be held responsible to pay for your injuries.

Therefore, if you have been bitten by a dog, you should contact us immediately to begin this investigation and your claim and/or lawsuit.