Common Reasons Why Dogs Bite People

Dogs being off-leash or off their owner’s property contribute to approximately one-third of all dog bite cases in Florida. Even if a dog was leashed when they bit you, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Whether the dog is leashed or not, the owner is responsible for their training and ensuring they are properly socialized so they can safely interact with others. If the owner failed to prepare the dog socially while they were young, the dog can experience an overwhelming amount of anxiety toward people when they’re older, which can increase the risk of them biting and harming people.

The experienced dog bite attorneys at our Bonita Springs firm will help you hold dog owners liable so you can receive fair compensation and avoid paying out of pocket for the consequences of someone else’s behavior.

The other party and their insurance company will work hard to try and devalue your claim. They may argue that you provoked the dog by invading their personal space or teasing them, which could weaken your ability to recover compensation. Normal and expected interactions between a dog and a person – such as petting or walking past it – are considered non-provocatory by Florida law, meaning the owner will usually be at fault in these scenarios.

There may be some situations where you can’t expect compensation, such as if you were bitten because you were illegally trespassing on the owner’s property. At Kanner & Pintaluga, we’ll provide you with grounded expertise and give you realistic expectations while fiercely pursuing the best possible outcome for your claim.