What Happens if a Dog Bites You in Gainesville, FL?

Bill Allen | August 19, 2024 | Personal Injury

What Happens if a Dog Bites You in Gainesville, FL?

Dog ownership carries significant responsibilities. One of the most serious situations a dog owner can face is a dog biting someone on your property. Dog bite cases are taken seriously in Florida. But what happens if a dog bites someone on your property in Gainesville, FL?

Duty of Care Under Florida’s Premises Liability Laws

Strict liability laws govern dog bite cases in Florida. Under Florida law, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for visitors. This means homeowners and other property owners in Gainesville have a duty of care to ensure their property is safe from potential hazards, including dog bites. You may be liable if someone enters your property legally and is bitten by your dog.

Reasons a Dog Owner Might Not Be Liable for Your Dog Bite in Gainesville, Florida

Florida’s strict liability laws make it easier for dog bite victims to hold dog owners accountable. However, dog owners have some defenses when a dog bite happens on their property in Gainesville. 

These defenses include:

  • Provocation: Depending on the circumstances, provocation can reduce or eliminate a dog owner’s liability. This defense may be available if the person bitten provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or threatening it.
  • Trespassing: Trespassers are generally not owed the same duty of care as others. If the person bitten was trespassing on your property, you may not be liable for the injuries. However, specific facts, such as whether the trespasser was a minor, may affect the outcome.
  • Comparative negligence: Florida follows a comparative negligence rule. This means that if the person bitten was partially responsible for the bite, their potential compensation would be reduced proportionally to their share of fault. Their compensation will be barred completely if their responsibility for the bite exceeds 50 percent. This defense could be used if the person bit ignored warnings about the dog or failed to follow instructions.

Premises liability lawyers can help you identify potential whether a dog owner is legally responsible for your dog bite in Gainesville, Florida.

Potential Sources of Compensation If A Dog Bites Someone on Your Property in Gainesville, Florida

Dog bites can cause serious injuries and other damages. These include lost wages and pain and suffering. If your dog bites someone on your property, the person bitten may pursue several sources for potential compensation. 

These commonly include:

  • Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance: Many homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies cover dog bite liability. This includes expenses for medical bills and other damages you may be responsible for up to the policy’s coverage limits. However, some policies exclude certain dog breeds. It is important to review your policy and understand your coverage.
  • Dog owner’s liability insurance: Some dog owners have additional pet liability insurance. This insurance can provide extra protection and cover claims that might not be covered under a standard homeowner’s or premises liability policy.
  • Personal assets: A victim’s damages after a dog bite may exceed the limits of insurance coverage. The owner may be personally liable for the remaining amount. This could lead victims to pursue an owner’s assets, including bank accounts or wages, to satisfy a judgment they win in court.

Dog bites can cause serious damage. Speak with a lawyer about how to pursue compensation after a dog bite on your property in Gainesville.

What To Do When A Dog Bites You in Gainesville, Florida?

It is important to take certain steps if your dog bites someone on your property to protect your rights. These include:

  1. Keep your distance from the dog
  2. Seek medical assistance or call for help
  3. Exchange insurance and contact information
  4. Report the bite to your insurance carrier
  5. Document the scene with notes, photos, or videos
  6. Consult with an attorney

Acting promptly after a dog bite can protect your rights. It is important to get medical attention. You should also save all evidence in case you decide to pursue a liability claim against the dog owner.

Contact Our Gainesville Personal Injury Law Firm in North Central Florida

If a dog bites you in Gainesville, FL, we can help. Florida’s strict liability for dog bites means that property owners can be held liable for any injuries their dog may cause. 

However, there are several defenses to dog bite claims, including provocation, trespassing, and comparative negligence. It is important to get medical attention, document the situation, and consult with an attorney as soon as possible. 

If you need legal assistance, contact the Gainesville personal injury lawyers at Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers at your nearest location to schedule a free consultation today.

We have three convenient locations in North Central Florida:

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Gainesville office
2550 SW 76th St #150
Gainesville, FL 32608
(877) 255-3652

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Downtown Gainesville
621 W University Ave
Gainesville, FL 32601
(866) 928-6292

Allen Law Accident & Injury Lawyers – Ocala Office
112 S Pine Ave
Ocala, FL 34471
(352) 351-3258