Deerfield Beach Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog Bite Attorney Assisting Injured Clients in Deerfield Beach
When we take a walk with our children or visit a friend’s home, we rarely think about the possibility of being the victim of a dog attack. However, dog bite injuries happen more often than many Floridians expect, and they occur with some frequency in the homes of friends and family members who do not believe their dog is dangerous. Dog bites can also occur in many different public areas, from local parks to retail store parking lots.
If you or someone you love recently got hurt after being bitten by a dog, you should speak with a Deerfield Beach dog bite lawyer as soon as possible about your options for seeking compensation.
Defining Dangerous Dogs in Deerfield Beach
Dog bite claims can arise in Deerfield Beach when a dog bites a person and causes injury. Under Florida law (Fla. Stat. § 767.04), a person who is bitten by a dog only needs to prove the following elements in order to be eligible for compensation:
- Plaintiff was bitten by the dog; and
- Dog bite occurred in a public place or while plaintiff was lawfully in a private place.
In other words, whether you were walking in a public park or on a street sidewalk, or were inside the private residence of a friend or family member, the owner of any dog that bites can be liable for the injuries. The only situation in which a dog owner may not be responsible for a dog bite or dog attack is if the injury victim was on private property illegally, or without consent of the property owner.
Strict Liability in Florida Dog Bite Cases
Florida is a “strict liability” state when it comes to dog bite claims. This means that a plaintiff does not have to show that the dog’s owner was negligent, or that the dog’s owner should have done something differently to prevent the attack from happening. Instead, regardless of the owner’s actions, the dog’s viciousness, or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
Statute of Limitations for Deerfield Beach Dog Bite Claims
If you or someone you love suffered injuries in an animal attack, it is important to know that the statute of limitations requires you to file your lawsuit within a specific period of time in order to be eligible for compensation.Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is four years from the date of the dog bite. As such, a plaintiff must file a claim within four years from the date of the animal attack in order to be eligible for compensation.
Failing to file a claim within the four-year period can result in the plaintiff being barred from seeking financial compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Deerfield Beach Dog Bite Lawyer
Were you recently bitten by a dog in or around Deerfield Beach, Florida? An experienced Deerfield Beach dog bite attorney can assist with your case. Contact Leifer & Ramirez to learn more about your options for filing a claim.
