Tampa Dog Bite Lawyer
Your dog may be your best friend until it attacks you or someone else. Even the friendliest dog can bite someone out of fear. They may be protective or ill. They may be harassed by someone.
Dogs have sharp teeth and a bite can be a serious issue. For children or the elderly, these bites can be deadly. If you have been bitten by a dog, you may be dealing with significant damages. A Tampa dog bite lawyer from Franco Law Firm can assess your case and help you understand your legal options.
What the Law Says
Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable if their dog bites another person and that person is in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog’s property. Florida is a strict liability state, which means there is no free bite rule. A dog’s owner may be held liable any time their dog bites someone, even if the owner had no prior knowledge of the dog’s viciousness.
A dog owner is not liable for dog bite injuries if they have displayed a sign on the property that includes the words “Bad Dog.” However, this sign doesn’t apply to children under the age of 6 years old, as children cannot detect dangers associated with dogs.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can cause the following injuries:
- Lacerations
- Eye injuries
- Head injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Tissue damage
- Infections
- Scarring
- Emotional trauma such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Most Dangerous Breeds of Dogs
While any dog can bite, some breeds are more dangerous than others. Here are the ones to avoid:
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Pit bulls. Pit bulls top the list, as these dogs are even banned in some countries. While highly intelligent, these dogs are mean, responsible for most dog bite fatalities in the United States.
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Rottweilers. Rottweilers have bad tempers and need constant training in order to be well-behaved. They are not good family dogs.
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German shepherds. While they’re one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, they are dangerous. Often used as police dogs, German shepherds have one of the strongest bites and can easily cause catastrophic injuries.
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American bulldogs. An athletic and agile dog, bulldogs often seem friendly. However, they are still responsible for a high number of fatalities.
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Bull mastiffs. These dogs are often used as guard dogs due to their aggressive temperament. They can be obedient with constant training, but they are still responsible for many fatalities.
Contact Franco Law Firm Today
Dog bites can cause significant injuries such as scarring and disfigurement. These injuries can lead to emotional damages as well.
The team at Franco Law Firm can help you file a dog bite claim against the negligent owner. With our expertise, we can get you full and fair compensation for all physical, emotional, and financial damages. To schedule a consultation with a Tampa dog bite lawyer, fill out the online form or call (813) 872-0929.
