I Was Bitten by a Dog, But the Owner Had a “Bad Dog” Sign Posted. Can I Still Recover for My Injuries?

Florida is a state that imposes strict liability on the owners of dogs for dog bite cases. This means that in general, when a dog attacks a human being, the dog owner is liable. This is true regardless if the owner had reason to believe the dog was potentially dangerous. There are certain exceptions, however, to this general rule. One such exception is the so-called “Bad Dog” exception. Under this provision, if a dog owner posts an obvious and readable sign warning of the dangers of the dog, the owner may not be liable.

Since recovery for your medical expenses and pain and suffering is dependent upon the dog owner’s liability for the Gainesville dog attack, it is vital that you consult with an experienced attorney. A skilled attorney will analyze the following questions to determine whether the dog owner may be liable for your injuries:

• Was the victim age six or older?
• Did the Florida dog bite attack happen at the dog owner’s premises?
• Was a “Bad Dog” or “Beware of Dog” sign prominently posted?
• Was the sign easy to read?
• Was the victim able to read the sign?

Even if a sign was posted, liability is based upon the facts and circumstances surrounding the specific dog bite attack. To learn more about bringing a claim, contact an experienced Gainesville dog bite attorney today. Our reputable and compassionate team at Jeffrey Meldon & Associates offers a free consultation to discuss your case. Call us for more information at 800-373-8000.