If your pup gets in trouble for biting another pet or person, you'll have to pay for the broken dishes if the pup is at fault. But first, it's important to peel back the layers of your case to see what really happened.
Florida operates under strict liability for dog bites, meaning owners are generally held responsible regardless of the dog's previous behavior or the owner's knowledge of aggression. However, several key defenses can mitigate this liability. Understanding these laws can empower you in your case.
Demonstrating that the victim's actions directly incited the dog's aggression can significantly impact the case. If your dog was minding its business and reacted to another dog's actions, your defense will be much stronger than if your dog went out of its way to bite.
If the victim was unlawfully on the property at the time of the bite, this can limit the owner's liability. So if another dog crosses into your backyard and your dog defends the house from an intruder, are they really in the wrong?
By establishing that the victim bears some responsibility for the incident, you can reduce the owner's liability proportionally. Thorough evidence collection, including medical records, witness statements, and expert testimony, is essential to support these defenses.
There's a saying in the legal world that goes: "An attorney can only be as good as the case." While this saying can hold some truth, a bigger truth would be that your case can only go as far as your attorney can take it.
Effective case management in Florida involves early case assessment and clear client communication. So if you're being sued over a dog bite, speak to an experienced attorney as soon as you can.
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