In most cases, an owner of a dog or other domestic pet has liability for any injury or damage that occurred as a result of the animal attacking another person or animal. Aggressive dogs like pit bulls, Dobermans, and rottweilers are the cause of many animal attacks.
Since these animals’ behaviors pose known threats, the owners must take precautions to prevent them from attacking anything or anyone. However, even small dogs can pose a threat—if they cause a person to trip and fall, for instance. Other animals like horses, snakes, and birds can also hurt people or other animals.
If you or your pet was injured as a result of an animal attack, a free consultation with an attorney can put you on the right track to getting the justice you deserve. At Raymond Ravis Attorney at Law, we understand how to navigate dog bite and other animal related injury claims—and how to win.
We believe that irresponsible pet owners should be held accountable for their negligence and that you shouldn’t have to suffer the painful, distressing, and costly consequences of a pet owner’s carelessness on your own. Our Jacksonville animal attack attorney and his team can help you clearly understand your legal options. We are prepared to pursue the full, fair compensation you are owed for your injuries and losses.
Have you or someone you loved suffered from an animal attack in Jacksonville? Call (904) 358-4004 or submit an online contact form to request a free, confidential consultation with a member of our team.
Dog attacks and bites are relatively common, with an estimated 4.5 million dog bites occurring each year in the U.S., according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Of these incidents, about 750,000 result in victims seeking medical attention and more than 350,000 dog bite victims require emergency treatment. Sadly, the majority of dog bite victims tend to be children.
Unlike many other states that follow a “one bite” rule that essentially forces a victim to prove the owner had knowledge of or should have had knowledge of their dog’s aggressive tendencies, Florida follows the rule of strict liability.
Strict liability law states that the owner of a dog is liable if their dog bites or otherwise injures someone—even if the owner did not have prior knowledge of the dog’s aggression. This also means that an owner can be held liable regardless of whether or not they took precautions to prevent the injury.
There are certain limits to the strict liability law.
In order to pursue compensation for a dog bite, you must show that:
The rule of pure comparative negligence often comes into play for dog bite injuries. Under this rule, you may be found partially liable for the dog bite/attack if you are found to have provoked the dog or “voluntarily taken a risk of injury.”
Furthermore, if you were not lawfully on private property during the time you were bitten, you may not be able to pursue a claim. Our Jacksonville dog bite attorney can help you determine liability and represent your interests.
Dog bite and other animal attack cases can be incredibly complex and are often difficult to navigate on your own. It is always best to speak with an experienced attorney about your various legal rights and options.
At Raymond Ravis Attorney at Law, we have more than two decades of legal experience. Our animal attack lawyer in Jacksonville has handled serious cases involving unprovoked attacks, dangerous dogs, and more.
Schedule a complimentary case evaluation with our animal attack attorney online or by calling our office at (904) 358-4004. Se habla español.
