Dog Bites & Animal Attacks in Florida

Were you attacked by someone else's dangerous pet?

If you were attacked by an animal or bitten by a dog, you might have suffered serious injuries. This is particularly true if your child was attacked, as children are susceptible to more serious injuries in these cases. After an attack of any kind, you will probably want to consider exploring your legal options by discussing the matter with a West Palm Beach personal injury lawyer who handles animal attack cases. With the legal experience and resources to handle a dog bite or any animal attack claim, a lawyer can help you seek financial damages that will handle your medical expenses and all injuries or losses sustained as a result of the attack.

Determining Liability in a Dog Bite Claim

Florida is a "strict liability" state when it comes to dog bite claims. This means that the dog owner will be held strictly liable for any injuries that his or her dog inflicted on another person, granted the attack was unprovoked and/or the victim was not trespassing. Accordingly, the victim of a dog bite will need to prove the following factors:

• The defendant (the person the lawsuit is brought against) is the owner of the dog or is responsible for the dog;
• The dog attacked or bit the victim;
• The victim was injured; and
• The dog's actions caused the victim's injuries.

There are some limitations regarding dog owner liability, however, and it is important to understand these. The victim's degree of responsibility for the incident can proportionately decrease the amount of compensation that the dog owner is required to pay. For example, if the owner of the dog had a "Beware of Dog" sign on his or her property, this could limit that person's responsibility if the victim did not take proper precaution when entering the property. Trespassing on the dog owner's property or provoking the dog could also limit or negate the dog owner's liability in the matter.

How a West Palm Beach Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

In an attempt to challenge a dog bite lawsuit, the owner might try to claim that the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog in some way. It is important that your attorney build a strong case on your behalf in order to prove that you are not responsible for the attack and your injuries. Contact the Law Offices of Casey D. Shomo, P.A. for high-quality legal representation in your case. We will do everything in our power to help you obtain the compensation you deserve.