One Dog Bite Law Florida
This statute was the former common law that almost every state enacted until the incidents of animal attacks and popularity of certain breeds like pit bulls and german shepherds became widespread.
One dog bite law florida. Dog bites can result in very serious injuries to adults and children alike fortunately dog bite laws in florida are very victim centered. Section 767 01 dog owner s liability section 767 04 liability for dog bites. History of florida dog bite law. Historically under the one bite rule a dog was allowed one free pass before the owner became liable.
The chart below provides you with a plain language summary of the statutes that comprise florida s dog bite laws with links to important code sections. 767 04 dog owner s liability for damages to persons bitten. Unlike many other states florida has a statute that governs dog bites. Dangerous dogs are typically impounded and put down if the injuries they cause are severe.
This has been altered a bit to fit modern. Under florida s dog bite law if a dog bite injury victim s own negligence is partly the cause of the dog bite the amount of damages a liable owner must pay will be reduced by a percentage equal to the percentage of blame assigned to the injured person. Our west palm beach dog bite lawyers have detailed knowledge of florida dog bite laws and can help you pursue just compensation for the often serious injuries that can result from a dog attack. One partial defense a dog owner might raise is the defense of comparative negligence.
Dog bite common law only held dog owners liable when the owner had reason to know that their dog was dangerous. Before the statute florida followed the common law. Phillips 2 1 2 hour video seminar for plaintiffs lawyers containing tips and tricks practice pointers and winning strategies that cannot be found anywhere else a highly rated legal best seller. Florida protecting citizens with dangerous dog laws.
For example an owner would be held liable if the dog bit someone before. Covers case selection establishing liability dealing with defenses settlement and litigation throughout the usa. Florida statutes title xlv torts. Under florida law a dog owner can be held liable for any injuries resulting from a dog bite in a public or private space.
Florida recently recorded the highest average amount 38 400 per dog bite insurance claim in the country with 146 payments totaling 5 6 million 1 while the number of claims nationwide vacillates the average value of each has climbed higher every year with the aggregate topping 489 7 million in 2012 2 this article provides a springboard into this dynamic area of law explaining the. Tips and tricks for dog bite lawyers is mr.