Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

In the state of Florida, an animal owner is liable under most circumstances, for injuries and property damage caused by his or her animal in the case of a dog bite. This type of liability is known as "strict liability" or "liability without fault". The basis for strict liability is that those who engage in certain kinds of activities do so at their own risk, and must pay for any damage that foresee ably results, even if the activity has been carried out in the most careful manner possible. Marc Schiller has represented numerous clients who have been injured by dogs, cats, cows, horses, parrots, snakes, and pigs.

Examples Of Animal Cases

A majority of the cases we have handled dealt with clients who have been bitten by dogs. Whether a dog is on a leash or not, an owner will still be liable for any injuries caused by the dog. Below are some examples of cases in which animal owners have been found liable:

If a person is at the park or at someone's house and trips over a dog, the dog owner will liable for any injuries suffered by the person who tripped. A dog was wandering the streets and decided to walk in front of oncoming automobile traffic. One automobile swerved to miss the dog and crashed into another automobile. The occupants of both automobiles were severely injured and the owner of the dog was found liable for all damages. A client was injured when his foot was crushed by a horse. The owner of the horse was found liable for the injuries caused. A little girl was playing with a neighbor's cat when her face was severely scratched by such cat.


Things You Can Do If You Have Been Injured By An Animal

• If you have recently been severely injured by an animal and have not sought medical attention, you should do so immediately.
  
  
• Immediately report your accident to the police and request a copy of the police accident report.
  
  
• Try to obtain the name and contact information of the animal owner.
  
  
• Try to get the name and contact information of any people who witnessed your accident.
  
  
• Try to take photographs of the animal which caused your injuries and the location of the accident.
  
  
• Try to take photographs of any visible injuries you have suffered as result of the incident with the animal or permit our investigator to accomplish this.
  
  
• Do not have any communication with the owner of the dog or the owner's insurance company. If you accept any form of compensation, you may waive your right to sue for additional damages.
  
  
• Try to save any clothing that may have been damaged by the animal.
  
  
• Please save and, if possible, take photographs of any property damage caused by the animal.

Contact The Law Offices of Marc Schiller, P.A. for a Free Evaluation of your potential case. If you have not obtained any of the information listed above, we will obtain it for you.