Florida's laws impose strict liability on dog owners for injuries suffered in public places and in or on private property when the vicitm is lawfully there.

Florida's laws impose strict liability on dog owners for injuries suffered in public places and in or on private property when the victim is lawfully there.  However, the victim's own negligence (for example, calling the dog) can be considered to reduce or avoid the owner's liability.

Additionally, except as to children under the age of 6, or unless the damages are caused by a negligent act or the owner is not present, if at the time the injury is caused the owner has placed a sign on his/her property in a prominent place and is easy to read that states that the dog is dangerous, the owner may be able to avoid liability.

Landlords can also be held liable for damages caused by their tenants' dogs.  It is well stated that the property's titleholder is liable for injuries to business invitees and licensees, such as invited salespeople and letter carriers, for injuries caused by latent or concealed endangerments that are know or should be known to the titleholder.  Therefore a landlord/titleholder may be liable for injuries that happen as a result of an attack by a tenant's dog.  If the landlord knows or should have known that the tenant kept a vicious dog on the premises, and the landlord had the ability to control its presence.

Contrary to popular belief, posting a "Beware of Dog" sign on your property, while may remove dog owner liability, can be the factor which creates liability for the landlord by establishing the knowledge of the vicious nature of a dog.

Unfortunately, most premise liability insurance policies contain exclusions for dog bites.  However, if you are the vicitim of a dog attack contact an attorney immediately.

Contact us at 239-244-8169 to discuss your legal rights.