Florida doesn’t mess around when it comes to dog bite cases. The state operates under one of the strictest liability laws in the country. According to Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are responsible for bites regardless of whether their dog has ever shown aggression before or if they had any idea their pet might be dangerous. This matters because it means you don’t have to prove the owner was careless or that the dog had bitten someone previously. The bite itself is enough. Whether the attack happened in someone’s backyard or at a busy public park, the same standard applies. That’s a big difference from many other states that follow a “one bite rule” or require victims to show the owner was negligent somehow.
Where Public Property Bites Most Often Occur
Dog attacks in public spaces happen more frequently than most people realize. You’ll find these incidents occurring in:
- Public parks and recreational areas
- Sidewalks and walking trails
- Beaches and waterfront areas
- Shopping centers and outdoor malls
- Apartment complex common areas
Think about how often dogs and strangers interact in these places. Even dogs with calm temperaments can react unpredictably when they’re overstimulated or feel threatened in crowded environments.
When Owners Can Avoid Liability
Now, Florida law does give dog owners a few ways out. If you were trespassing or committing another illegal act when the bite occurred, the owner might not be held responsible. But this defense rarely works in public property cases. Why? Because you have every legal right to be walking through a park or down a sidewalk. There’s also comparative negligence to consider. Let’s say you provoked the dog or completely ignored warning signs that were clearly posted. Your compensation might be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Courts look at what actually happened during each specific incident to figure out how blame should be divided. A Coconut Creek dog bite lawyer can review your situation and tell you whether any of these defenses might come into play and how they’d affect what you can recover.
The Role Of Leash Laws
Most cities and counties throughout Florida require dogs to be leashed in public areas. When an owner violates these local ordinances and their dog bites someone, it makes the victim’s case considerably stronger. That leash law violation becomes additional proof that the owner failed to control their animal properly. Leash requirements aren’t identical everywhere, though. Some communities have designated off-leash zones in certain parks. Others maintain strict leash requirements everywhere except on private property. Understanding what the rules were where your bite happened can help establish whether the owner broke municipal codes when their dog attacked.
Damages Available To Bite Victims
If you’ve been bitten by a dog on public property, you can pursue several types of compensation. Medical expenses usually make up the biggest portion. This covers everything from emergency room treatment to surgeries, prescriptions, and physical therapy. Scarring and disfigurement damages apply when bites leave permanent marks. These are particularly significant when the injuries are in visible areas like your face, hands, or arms. Lost wages compensate you for the time you couldn’t work while recovering. Pain and suffering damages address both the physical discomfort and the emotional trauma that serious dog attacks cause. Children who develop lasting fears of dogs may qualify for additional compensation for these psychological effects.
Building A Strong Case
Documentation can make or break your claim. You need to photograph your injuries right away and continue taking pictures as you heal. Medical records create an official timeline showing what treatment you received and what it cost. If anyone witnessed the attack, get their contact information and statements about what they saw. Police reports matter. So do animal control records. These documents establish an official account of what happened and often include important details about the dog’s vaccination status, whether there were prior complaints, and how the owner reacted after the attack. Don’t wait to gather this evidence. Contact A Coconut Creek dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to start preserving evidence today.
Working With Legal Professionals
The Andres Lopez Law Firm knows how these cases unfold and what arguments insurance companies will throw at you. They’ll claim you provoked the dog. They’ll argue you share fault. They’ll question how badly you’re really hurt. Having someone who understands how to counter these tactics changes everything. We handle all communication with insurance adjusters and make sure you don’t miss important deadlines. Florida gives you four years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit, but waiting too long weakens your case as memories fade and evidence disappears. Insurance companies will try to minimize what happened to you or your family member. Don’t let them. Contact us today to discuss your dog bite case and learn what options you have for recovery.