Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.
Free. Takes 2 min.
In Tampa, Florida, Animal and Dog Injury law refers to the legal regulations and rules claiming compensation for injuries or damages caused by another's pet or animal. These cases usually fall under a category of personal injury law known as "Tort law". In these instances, pet owners are responsible for the actions of their pets, and if their dog or other animal causes injury or harm, they may be liable for monetary compensation.
You may need a lawyer if you or a loved one were bitten or injured by a dog or other animal. A lawyer can assist in contacting the animal's owner, navigating the insurance claims process, gather necessary evidence, and if necessary, represent you in court. Lawyers can also be instrumental in negotiating settlements, making sure you receive the compensation you deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, or property damage.
In Tampa, as outlined in Florida Statute 767.04, the owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner's knowledge of such viciousness.
In Tampa, dog owners are liable for damages whether the dog bite occurred on their property or in a public place, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property at the time of the attack.
Under Florida's law, "strict liability" holds a dog owner fully responsible for any injuries their pet causes, even if the owner had no prior knowledge that the dog was dangerous.
Florida operates under a 'pure comparative negligence' rule, which means your damage award can be reduced by the percentage of your fault. Even if you provoked the dog or were partially at fault, you may still receive some compensation.
In many cases, homeowner's insurance does cover dog bites. However, there might be exclusions or limitations, especially for certain breeds deemed "dangerous".
Yes, in Florida you can claim for emotional distress or 'pain and suffering' in addition to physical injuries after a dog attack. However, proving emotional distress can be challenging, and often requires expert testimony.
For additional information on your rights and responsibilities concerning pet and animal injuries, consider reaching out to the Animal Legal Defense Fund, the American Veterinary Medical Association, or the Hillsborough County Pet Resource Center. You may also research the Florida Department of Health's resources about Animal Bites.
If you have been injured by a dog or other animal in Tampa, it is recommended to first seek immediate medical attention. Document the injuries as much as possible and contact the local animal control agency to report the incident. Following this, consult with a personal injury lawyer specialized in animal and dog injuries who can guide you through the process and help you secure fair compensation for your injuries and suffering.
