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My Dog Bit My Neighbor. Am I Responsible?

The American Veterinary Medical Association (AMVA) reports that there are 85 million pet dogs in the US. While these dogs are beloved “fur babies” to their families, they bite approximately 4.5 million people annually. Florida has one of the highest rates of reported dog bites in the country. In 2020, insurers nationwide paid $845 million in liability claims for dog bites, with an average claim value of $50,245.[1]

While most dogs are lovable pets, they are still animals who may act on instincts without regard for consequences. And the consequences can be severe – a dog bite can cause scarring, disfigurement, and even death. For this reason, Florida dog owners whose dog bites someone can face both criminal and civil repercussions.

The dog owner is responsible if their dog bites or attacks someone, even if the dog has never acted aggressively before. There are three exceptions though:

• If the dog bites someone on the owner’s property who was not there legally, such as a trespasser or a burglar, then the owner is not responsible
• If the dog bites someone over the age of six on the owner’s property and the owner had a prominently displayed sign that warns of a “Bad Dog”, then the owner is not responsible.
• If the bite victim provoked the dog, such as pulling its tail, hitting it, etc., the owner’s responsibility is reduced. [2]

Criminal Penalties

If a dog bites someone and the owner had no previous knowledge of a dog’s aggression or propensity for biting, the dog can be confiscated and put to sleep. If the dog had previously acted aggressively, bitten, or attacked someone unprovoked, it is classified as a “dangerous dog”. When a dangerous dog bites or attacks, the owner is subject to either a misdemeanor that includes up to a one-year imprisonment or a felony that includes up to a five-year imprisonment, depending on the severity of the attack.[3]

Civil Penalties

In addition to being found strictly liable for the dog bite, the dog owner can also be found negligent, depending on the situation. For example, if you take the dog for a walk off-leash in an area that requires leashes, then you are not fulfilling your duty of care as a dog owner.

The victim of a dog bite or attack can file a lawsuit for medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, future lost income, as well as non-economic costs such as pain and suffering.

As a dog owner, it’s essential that you take steps to prevent dog bites. A dog bite can impact not only the victim’s life, but the dog owner’s as well.  If you have been involved in a dog bite incident, contact ECanter Lawyers. We are experts at dog bite cases and will advise you of your options and the best path for moving forward.

ECanter Lawyers 

When you are dealing with the chaos and pain of accidents and personal injuries, the last thing you need is technical, confusing legal language.  ECanter Lawyers breaks down the complexities and provides clear, informative answers so that you understand your legal options. 

For almost a quarter of a century, ECanter Lawyers has remained committed to honest, straightforward answers.  Named one of AVVO’s Clients’ Choice, ECanter Lawyers has helped clients receive multi-million-dollar verdicts, and millions of dollars in settlements.  ECanter Lawyers specializes in personal injury, motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, premises and product liability, and healthcare law.

With offices conveniently located throughout South Florida and 24/7 services, ECanter Lawyers personal injury law firm offers you the personalized attention that you need in order to maximize your compensation. 

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[1] American Veterinary Medical Association. mcm-dog-bite-prevention-week-2021-infographic-v3 (avma.org). Accessed March 4, 2022.

[2] The Florida Legislature. Statutes & Constitution :View Statutes : Online Sunshine (state.fl.us). Accessed March 4, 2022.

[3] Findlaw. Florida Dog Bite Laws – FindLaw. Accessed March 4, 2022.