Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyer

Nearly 200,000 people live in Fort Lauderdale, and many of them are dog owners. While most dogs in the city are friendly, this is not true of all dogs. Many people become seriously injured by dogs every year and in some cases, the injuries they sustain remain with them for the rest of their lives.

If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may have the right to file a lawsuit against the owner or other liable party. The law in Florida is quite generous to injured individuals but it is still important to work with a Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer who can help you claim the full damages you deserve.

What is the Dog Bite Law in Fort Lauderdale?

Dog bite claims in Fort Lauderdale are governed by strict liability. This means that if you have been bitten or attacked by a dog, you do not have to prove the owner was negligent. You also do not have to prove that the owner knew the dog had an aggressive or violent history. You simply have to show that the animal injured you and that they were not provoked.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites in Florida

Dog bites sound minor to many people, but this is not true. Dog bites can cause very severe injuries, including:

• Broken bones
• Crushing injuries
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Amputations
• Loss of tissue
• Torn ligaments and tendons

The above are only the visible injuries dog bites cause. A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria. When they bite and break the skin, that bacteria can then enter the victim’s bloodstream and cause very serious infections. Additionally, dog bite injuries can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. Not only may this be painful initially, but it can also result in a lifetime of shame and embarrassment for victims. People bitten by dogs can also develop a lifelong fear of the animals, even if they were dog lovers before they were bitten.

Defenses Raised in Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Cases

Due to the strict liability law in Florida, dog owners in Fort Lauderdale cannot use the defense that they were not aware the animal was violent or aggressive. Therefore, they often raise one of two other defenses.

The first defense raised is often that the accident victim provoked the dog. Under Florida law, dog owners are not liable for any injury a dog causes after they provoked. A person may provoke a dog by taunting them, pulling their tail, cornering the animal, or taking food or toys from the dog.

Another defense sometimes raised is that the accident victim was trespassing on their property at the time of the attack. State law stipulates that property owners do not owe a duty of care to keep trespassers safe. Due to this, if you were not legally on the property at the time of the attack, it can make it much more challenging to claim damages.

Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Fort Lauderdale Can Advise On Your Case

If someone else’s dog has bitten you, our Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer at Spencer Morgan Law can help. We can fight back against the defenses raised and prove your case so you obtain the full compensation you deserve. Call us now at 305-423-3800 or chat with us online to schedule a consultation and to get the legal help you need.