Have You Been Bitten By An Animal?

While dog bite cases get all the press, it is possible to suffer severe injuries from the bite of almost any animal. Florida’s law is fairly straightforward on the potential consequences for the owner of a dangerous animal – but there can be complications in any case. If you or a loved one has been bitten by an animal, contacting the right attorney can give you the best chance to recover compensation.

Strict Liability vs Negligence

Florida’s law on animal bites qualifies as a law of what is known as strict liability. In essence, it states that the owner of an animal is liable for the animal’s biting anyone as long as the bite occurs on public land or private land where the victim is lawfully present, even if there was no prior hint that the animal could be vicious. This is true with only rare exceptions – for example, if the victim provoked the animal.

If the victim somehow contributed to their own injuries, they still may be able to recover compensation, but under a different legal theory. Strict liability is, well, strict – either a defendant is liable or it is not. If a defendant is only partially liable, they still may be held liable under a theory of negligence. It just means that more criteria must be established in court in order to prove it.

Money Damages Are Possible

Regardless of which legal theory one chooses to pursue, it is possible to recover money damages from the owner of a dangerous animal. As with any other personal injury case in Florida, a victim may be eligible to recover economic damages (tangible costs, such as lost wages) and non-economic damages (more vague amounts, such as for pain and suffering).

Keep in mind that Florida changed its statute of limitations for claims based in negligence law in 2024; formerly four years, it is now two as of this writing. This means that only two years can elapse between an animal bite and filing a civil lawsuit – if one waits too long, they are barred from bringing their claim at a later date.

Contact A Maitland Animal Bite Attorney

Animal bites, particularly dog bites, can cause long-term injuries. If you have suffered a bite from a dangerous animal, a Maitland animal bite attorney from the Hornsby Law Group can help give you the best possible chance to recover damages for the harm you have suffered. Call our office today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

leg.state.fl.us/statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&URL=0700-0799/0767/Sections/0767.04.html