Denmon Pearlman Law - April 2024

CANINE CAUTION

Savor the flavor with our mouthwatering grilled steak, paired perfectly with vibrant chimichurri sauce.

INGREDIENTS •

2 lbs steak (flank, sirloin, or skirt steak)

• •

2 tbsp olive oil

Salt and pepper, to taste

HOW TO NAVIGATE FLORIDA’S STRICT DOG BITE LAWS Dogs can make excellent companions, but understanding your four-legged best friend’s behavior is crucial to preventing dangerous bites. Florida is a strict liability state, meaning if your dog bites somebody, you are liable for damages regardless of whether or not you had prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness. National Dog Bite Prevention Week was April 7–13, and it’s the perfect time to explain how the state law works for dog owners and victims of dog bites. THE LAW Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable for any injuries, medical bills, or damages caused by their pet if it bites another person on public property or at the dog owner’s property if the victim was legally allowed to be there. Additionally, owners are responsible if their dog bites and harms another dog or animal. There are circumstances where the owner might not be held liable, including if they had posted visible “Beware of dog” signs or the victim was illegally on their property. COMPARATIVE NEGLIGENCE A dog owner may be able to claim that the victim of the dog bite was partially responsible for the attack. In this case, if a judge determines a victim’s actions or negligence contributed to the bite, they can adjust the compensation amount a victim will receive. For example, if someone were 25% responsible for the attack, they would only receive 75% of the total compensation. This is a common defense in dog bite cases. CRIMINAL LIABILITY The law does not consider the dog’s breed or history of aggression; however, the state will deem a dog dangerous if it has previously bitten, attacked, or harmed another person or animal. If a “dangerous” dog kills another person, the owner can face a manslaughter sentence and several years in prison. Owners can still face criminal liability if their dog has never attacked someone before, but the punishment will be reduced to the state taking the dog and fining the owner. If you are bitten by a dog in Florida, getting immediate medical care and contacting a lawyer is essential. Victims have four years to file a personal injury claim, but starting the process immediately is best. The more time it takes, the more difficult it is to gather evidence. We’re here to help!

For the chimichurri sauce: •

1 cup fresh parsley, chopped

• • • • •

2 cloves garlic, minced

Juice of 1 lemon 2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp red pepper flakes Salt and pepper, to taste

DIRECTIONS 1.

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. 2. Rub the steak with the olive oil, salt, and pepper. 3. Grill the steak for 4–5 minutes per side or until it reaches desired doneness. 4. Meanwhile, make the chimichurri sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the parsley, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt and pepper. 5. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing. 6. Serve the steak with the chimichurri sauce and enjoy!

(EASY WAY OUT)

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