Every year, on average, more than 600 people in Florida end up in the hospital due to dog bites, and two lose their lives to these injuries. Florida law makes it clear that dog owners bear the responsibility for the actions of their pets, but the law does get slightly complicated when the dog belongs to a tenant and not the property owner.
So, can a landlord be held responsible if their tenant’s dog bites someone? This dog bite lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida is going to explain how the law works and when a landlord could be held liable.
Can a landlord be liable for their tenant’s dog?
Under Florida Statute 767.04, a dog owner is legally responsible for any damages resulting from a dog bite incident, even if the dog has never shown any signs of being aggressive before. However, the situation can become complicated if the dog owner is a tenant, and if the landlord owns the property where the incident took place.
In Florida, there are some situations under which landlords also get held responsible for injuries caused by a tenant’s dog. Florida law defines the term “owner” quite broadly as it includes anyone who “… possesses, harbors, keeps, or has control or custody” of the animal. This broad definition opens the possibility that, in certain situations, a landlord could be deemed to have control over a tenant’s dog.
Consider a situation where a landlord is aware that one of their tenants has an aggressive dog, but they do nothing about it. In such a case, the landlord could be held responsible if the dog were to bite someone. This liability could arise because the landlord showed negligence in managing the property or from their lack of enforcement of any existing lease terms related to dog ownership. The landlord could also be held responsible if a property feature, like a broken fence, allows the dog to escape and bite someone.
A reputable dog bite lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida can help you understand whether the landlord’s actions (or lack thereof) contribute to liability in a dog bite case.
When landlords are not held accountable for dog bites
Landlords are not always liable for every dog bite that happens on their property. In many cases, if they can prove that they had no knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior or even that the dog was there on the property at all, they may avoid legal responsibility for the incident.
Also, in situations where the landlord has taken reasonable steps to prevent the accident (for example, setting clear lease terms about aggressive dogs), it could be harder to hold them accountable.
What damages can dog bite victims recover?
If you get bit by a dog in Florida, you can pursue different types of compensation. This could cover your medical bills, lost pay from work, and even pain and suffering, scarring, or permanent injuries. If the dog bite keeps you from working or enjoying life like you used to, you may be able to secure even more substantial damages to compensate for these losses.
How long do you have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?
According to Florida Statute 95.11, you have two years from the date of a dog bite to file a personal injury claim. That means you need to act fast if you want to get compensation for your injuries. If you wait too long, you might miss your chance to recover any financial restitution for your suffering and losses.
It’s always recommended that you consult with a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida as soon as you can to make sure you meet all the deadlines.
Looking for a Dog Bite Lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida?
Are you thinking about pursuing a dog bite claim? Ready to partner with an experienced dog bite lawyer in Winter Haven, Florida who can guide you through the process? If so, look no further than Tonya Stewart and her legal team at Tonya Stewart Law PA. Contact us today at (863) 279-4473 to schedule a free consultation.