If you’re a dog owner in Broward County, Florida, facing a lawsuit because your dog has bitten someone, you’re not alone. Dog bite cases can be complex and emotionally charged, but understanding your rights and legal options is crucial to protecting yourself and your assets. Our Florida dog bite defense attorneys are here, by your side, to defend you when facing a lawsuit.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Broward County, FL

When it comes to dog bite cases in Broward County, Florida, several laws and regulations govern the rights and responsibilities of both dog owners and bite victims. Here are key points to consider:

• Strict Liability: In Florida, according to Fla. Stat. §767.04, dog owners are typically held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs biting someone, regardless of the dog’s history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior.
• Statute of Limitations: It’s essential to act swiftly if you’re facing a dog bite lawsuit. In Florida, there’s a statute of limitations, typically two years from the date of the dog attack, within which a victim must file a lawsuit.
• Defenses Available: While strict liability often applies in dog bite cases, there are defenses available to dog owners. These may include provocation by the victim or the “bad dog” sign defense.

Florida Defenses in Dog Bite Cases

When facing a dog bite lawsuit in Broward County, Florida, understanding potential legal defenses is crucial to protecting your rights. Here are key defenses our experienced attorneys may utilize:

• The “Bad Dog” Sign Defense: Under Florida’s “bad dog” sign defense, if a dog owner prominently displays a “Bad Dog” sign on their property, they may be shielded from liability to some extent if their dog bites someone. However, this defense has its limitations and may not absolve the owner of responsibility in all cases.
• The Provocation Defense: If the victim provoked the dog in some way prior to the bite, the dog owner may argue that the victim’s actions contributed to the incident. The provocation dog bite defense can take many forms, such as teasing, hitting, or otherwise agitating the dog. Successfully proving provocation can mitigate the dog owner’s liability.
• Defenses Inapplicable to Minors Under 6 Years Old: It’s important to note that certain defenses, such as the “Bad Dog” sign defense and the provocation defense, may not apply when the victim is a child under the age of six. Florida law recognizes that young children may not understand the risks associated with interacting with dogs and therefore places greater responsibility on dog owners to prevent harm.

Understanding these legal defenses and their applicability to your case is essential to building a strong defense strategy. Our team will thoroughly assess the circumstances surrounding your dog bite incident and determine the most effective defense strategy to protect your rights and interests.

Legal Strategies for Dog Bite Defense

When defending against a dog bite lawsuit in Broward County, it’s crucial to have a solid legal strategy in place. Here are key steps to consider:

1. Gather Evidence: Collecting evidence is essential to building a strong defense. This may include witness statements, veterinary records, photographs of the scene, and any documentation regarding the victim’s behavior prior to the incident.
2. Consult with an Attorney: Seeking legal guidance from our Florida dog bite defense attorneys is vital. An attorney can assess the specifics of your case, advise you on your rights, and develop a tailored defense strategy.
3. Negotiate or Litigate: Depending on the circumstances of your case, your attorney may pursue negotiation with the opposing party to reach a settlement out of court. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, litigation may be necessary to protect your rights in court.

Morey Law Firm, P.A.: Broward Dog Bite Defense Attorneys

Dealing with a dog bite lawsuit in Florida can be daunting, but you don’t have to face it alone. Our team of experienced Florida dog bite defense lawyers are here to help you understand your rights, navigate the legal process, and achieve the best possible outcome for your case. We provide Broward County dog bite defense, Miami-Dade County dog bite defense, and elsewhere across the state. Our offices are centrally located in Orlando, Florida allowing us to provide representation across Florida.

Contact us today for a confidential consultation to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in defending your rights and protecting your interests. Don’t wait—take proactive steps to safeguard your future today.