In Florida, all pet owners are required by law to prevent their dogs from roaming free in neighborhoods. City ordinances are in place to mitigate the risk of potential dog attacks. However, if a dog attack occurs, the pet owner faces the liabilities related to any violations of the city ordinances. Local Personal Injury Lawyers in Sarasota FL provide assistance for victims.
Investigating the Dog Attack
Animal control officers investigate dog attacks to determine what laws were broken and if the animal is a risk to the public. The first obstacle is to locate the dog and determine if it has an owner or if it was a stray. If the dog has an owner, the officer must notify the owner about the attack and take appropriate action.
Was the Dog Vaccinated?
Next, the officer determines if the dog was vaccinated for the rabies virus. According to state laws, all dogs and cats must be vaccinated for the rabies virus to prevent contraction and prevent fatalities. If the dog wasn’t vaccinated, the owner must surrender the animal to a licensed vet for a period of 12 days. 12 days is the incubation period for the rabies virus. If the dog shows signs of the virus, it is euthanized.
How Severe Were the Victim’s Injuries?
The severity of the victim’s injuries determines the full liability of the pet owner. Any life-threatening injuries could lead to criminal charges in some instances. If the victim dies due to their injuries, their family has the right to bring a wrongful death lawsuit to court. Any animal that causes a fatality is seized from the property owner, and the animal control officer determines the animal’s fate.
What Damages are Possible for Dog Attack Victims?
Economic damages are provided for financial losses incurred by the victim. The losses include but are not limited to medical expenses, lost wages, and any ongoing care requirements. Tort-based awards are available to the victim according to how severe their injuries are. If the dog was involved in previous attacks, the pet owner faces strict liabilities.
In Florida, dog attacks result from a failure to control dogs and mitigate risks. Strict liabilities apply to pet owners when previous attacks occurred. Victims of the attacks contact Personal Injury Lawyers in Sarasota FL through Carl Reynolds Law right now.
