Inverness is home to a bounty of wild and domesticated critters, and its residents are nature lovers. Many are dog owners who, by Florida law and Citrus County ordinances, are expected to be responsible ones. This includes always keeping control of pet dogs, and staying on high alert if a dog is deemed dangerous.
Dog bites are a serious issue in which people are hurt or killed, and owners are liable. Children are the most often bitten and seriously injured, followed by the elderly. A dog’s jaw is powerful, with an average bite force of between 230 and 250 pounds per square inch (PSI), far more than the human bite force of about 162 PSI. That type of damage can be costly if you are trying to pay medical bills and cannot work while you heal. If you have been bitten, call a seasoned attorney to discuss dog bite liability in Inverness.
Dog Owners are Liable Under State and Local Laws
Florida and Citrus County Code of Ordinances 2021 (Section 8) do not give dog owners a break under a one-bite rule. If a dog bites, the Inverness owner is liable, and it gains the reputation as a dangerous dog. The only exceptions are if the dog is protecting its family, itself, or is being taunted or abused by a trespasser.
Dog owners must control their dogs at all times, and they must be leashed when in public or off the owner’s property. Our attorneys know the pain, fear, and anger dog attacks invoke. We offer our clients caring but tenacious representation meant to get them compensated for medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma they experience.
Labeling Dogs Dangerous
Once a dog bites, law enforcement becomes involved. Additionally, if a dog appears threatening to someone who is not provoking it or attacks another animal, the county will investigate and determine if the dog is dangerous.
Owners are required to vaccinate their dogs. If they cannot prove it during an investigation, the dog is impounded at the owner’s expense.
Attorneys Investigate Dog Bites
Once a dog bites, an attorney can contact the owner’s homeowner’s insurance carrier to negotiate a settlement. Because many large insurers like to offer lowball settlements to bolster their profits, negotiations often break down. Many attorneys will take a lowball offer to avoid litigation, but we will litigate when it is warranted. Some of the evidence we look for to establish liability after a dog bite in Inverness includes:
- Additional complaints about the offending dog
- Whether the dog was leashed or otherwise contained
- The extent of the medical treatment required after a dog bite
- Whether the dog is vaccinated
- Statements by any witnesses
Dog bites can do long-lasting damage and often become infected or are disfiguring if the bite is to the face. Our attorneys see injured clients daily, and the attorney who works with them on Day 1 is the one they work with throughout the case.
Owners Have Dog Bite Liability in Inverness
If you do not provoke a dog and it bites you, the owner is liable for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering. Our team is ready to review a case to determine dog bite liability in Inverness.
While many larger firms hand off the work to paralegals who might not be able to answer your questions or keep you current on your case. At our firm, you work with your attorney from the beginning. Call now to schedule an initial case assessment with your attorney.
