Legal Question in Personal Injury in Florida

dog bite

i was on vacation and paid someone to take care of my dog. I told her not to allow him around children in my building. he bit a kid on two separate occasions, both with the mother present. the police report and animal control report have conflicting stories and i paid my fine and talked to the lady and thought it was finished. this happened in february. a lawyer sent a very poorly written letter (not certified) asking for insurace info. which i don't have. i am afraid of being sued now, have no money, only a car worth maybe 3,000. the dog sitter signed a paper saying that she wouldn't allow my dog around children and the mother of the child approached her again with her child after my dog had already nipped him on the stomach on a previous occaision. 2 day later she approached my dog with her son and he startled my dog and my dog nipped him in the cheek. i now muZzle him. but the child did not have stitches and did not go to hospital. do i need a lawyer or do i wait, what kind of lawyer?


Asked on 7/29/07, 11:17 am

3 Answers from Attorneys
Elizabeth Herd Morgenstern & Herd, P.A.

Re: dog bite

There are some homeowners insurance policies that would provide coverage for this type of incident. If you own a home and have insurance for that home - You should contact your homeowners insurance company. If you don't have that type of coverage, I would respond in writing to the lawyer who requested your insurance information telling him that you have none and include a copy of the agreement that you signed with your dog sitter.

Read more
Answered on 7/30/07, 8:56 am
David Slater David P. Slater, Esq.

Re: dog bite

if they sue you, call me.

Read more
Answered on 7/29/07, 1:41 pm
Scott R. Jay Law Offices of Scott R. Jay

Re: dog bite

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney's individualized advice for you. By reading the "Response" to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. If you do not agree, then stop right here, and do not read any further.

You do not necessarily need a lawyer at this point although it might be wise to consult one and bring a copy of the letter you received from the attorney. As the owner of the dog, you may have liability if the other party incurred any damages. If not stitches were required, it may not be a real claim unless other medical treatment was necessary. If a lawsuit is filed you should immediately retain an attorney.

Scott R. Jay, Esq.

Read more
Answered on 7/29/07, 5:47 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Personal Injury Law and Tort Law questions and answers in Florida