Spanish
Dog Bites Attorneys
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States. Of these, nearly one out of five can become infected and even lead to death. The Insurance Information Institute states that dog bites and other dog related injuries have accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in 2015, costing more than five hundred million dollars in 2015. Most insurance policies contain exclusion clauses, which specifically disclaim liability on behalf of the insurer. For homeowners who don’t know about such exclusions, and who don’t take proper precautions, this could lead to massive personal liability exposure, in the event of such incidents.
Over the past twenty-five years, the attorneys of Patino & Associates have been on both sides of the coin, when it comes to dog bite disputes. We have represented both homeowners defend against dog bites, as well as victims, whom have been injured, in receiving compensation for dog bite injuries. From a strategic standpoint, we are best suited to represent those who have been injured in dog related incidents, in the Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties. No matter what side of the track you lay, the situation can be stressful and complicated. Proper representation is key in achieving quick and equitable resolutions in such matters.
Under Florida law, dog owners can be held liable for “any damage done by their dogs to persons, domestic animals, or livestock.” The law also states that when a dog bites someone who is in a public place or who is lawfully on private property, such as the dog owner’s property, the dog owner remains liable for damages “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness.” The law, which holds dog owners liable for their dog’s actions, is only mitigated by any negligence on the part of the victim that may have caused the attack. In that event, any compensation awarded to the victim will be offset by the percentage of fault allocated to the victim by way of comparative fault.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, or if you are the owner of a dog that has been involved in such an incident, contact the offices of Patino & Associates and let us get started on your case today. You cannot afford to waste any time! Call us at (305) 443-6163 and speak to one of our experienced injury attorneys today.