Yes. Florida holds a dog owner responsible in most dog bite cases. However, victims could sue a landlord if it’s proven the landlord knew a renter’s dog was dangerous and failed to take proper action.
This instance might result if the dog had been reported for an attack previously. The landlord may be held liable for not requiring the pet owner to give up the dog or for not evicting the tenant.
A Landlord’s Dog Bite Liability In Florida
A landlord or property management company takes on some responsibility for renters and guests when they allow tenants to keep dogs in their rental homes or apartments.
The dog owner would usually be the first to have to accept blame for a dog attack and bear financial responsibility. However, a property owner/manager or management company could also be liable for a dog bite.
If you are bitten and find out the dog had been reported as dangerous in the past, you might have grounds to file a claim against the landlord.
These circumstances and others may force a landlord to provide recovery support to you if you are hurt:
- The property owner was aware of a dog’s aggressive behavior or a bite incident in the past.
- The property owner took no action to prevent further danger.
- The property owner didn’t evict a tenant with a dangerous dog.
- The property owner was caring for or watching over the dog.
These instances and others could leave you filing a claim against the dog owner’s renter’s insurance and the landlord’s liability insurance. The more insurers you are able to file claims against, the higher your chance to secure the support to pay your every medical bills and damage since getting bitten.
Ultimately, you’ll want to talk to a legal expert to find out who exactly is liable for your dog bite injury. Filing a claim against the wrong party could cause you to miss out on valuable benefits you’ll need to pay for recovery.
What If a Landlord Can’t Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite in My Case?
Fortunately, Florida holds dog owners responsible for the actions of their pets in most cases. If you couldn’t sue a landlord, you can usually sue a dog owner to earn money to pay your medical bills after a serious bite.
Florida follows the legal concept of “strict liability” when it comes to a dog bite. The dog owner is held responsible, even if it’s the dog’s first instance of aggression. In other states, dog owners aren’t financially responsible if it’s the first time a dog bites. That doesn’t protect owners in Fort Lauderdale.
The dog owner would almost always be financially responsible for the resulting ambulance fees and emergency room costs as long as the following were true:
- The dog bite victim didn’t provoke the dog beforehand.
- The victim wasn’t trespassing on private property.
- An actual bite occurred. A bite that doesn’t break the skin still counts as a bite. An attack that didn’t involve a bite wouldn’t involve “strict liability.” But if you were knocked down by a dog and suffered an injury, other personal injury laws would apply.
A Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyer is often a necessary safeguard for dog bite cases that involve a serious injury. No matter who is to blame, the at-fault party’s insurance provider will work hard to avoid having to take the blame for your wounds. A skilled attorney collects the evidence necessary to force insurers to provide full support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I need a lawyer to file an insurance claim against a landlord?
It’s a good idea when you suffer a serious dog bite injury. A landlord or property management company may be able to afford a lawyer or more than one. When medical bills will run high, those lawyers and insurance adjusters will be trying to blame you for the attack. Failing in this, they’ll hope they can force you to accept less than you should receive for your injury. Your Cowen Edwards attorney is your safeguard against this unfair treatment.
What if I can’t afford a dog bite lawyer?
If you feel we can help you earn more in an injury claim, you won’t need to have the money to pay our lawyers. We don’t get paid unless your case is successful. Then our fee comes out of the money an insurance company must pay you and your family.
How long do I have to file an injury claim over a dog bite?
In Florida, you have up to two years to file a personal injury claim after a dog attack. But waiting to start your case can hurt your chances. You should act quickly so your attorney has the opportunity to collect fresh evidence before it disappears. You’ll also want an attorney on the case before dog owners and witnesses become harder to track down.
Contact a Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyer
Dealing with injuries and the emotional fallout from a dog bite can be really difficult. But our experienced team of Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyers who focus on dog bite cases can make a big difference. We understand these situations well and will protect your rights, helping you get the support and compensation you deserve from every at-fault party.
Don’t hesitate. Contact us now for a free consultation to get started. There’s no obligation and no risk to find out what’s possible.
