Dog bites can lead to devastating physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical needs, especially for children and seniors. If you or someone you love has been injured by a dog, Florida law may entitle you to compensation. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal process, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and recover the damages you deserve.

Why Legal Help After a Dog Bite Matters

Dog bite cases may seem straightforward, but they often involve complex liability issues, insurance challenges, and emotional sensitivity. Florida law provides strong protections for dog bite victims under strict liability and negligence rules. But recovering fair compensation requires experience, evidence, and advocacy. Our team understands what it takes to win these cases and is prepared to fight for your rights, allowing you to focus on your recovery.

Understanding Florida Dog Bite Laws

Strict Liability for Dog Owners

Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means a dog owner is liable for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog had no history of aggression or prior bites. The bite must occur in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property—including the dog owner’s property. The law does not require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous, making it easier for victims to bring claims against the owner.

Comparative Negligence

While Florida’s laws strongly protect victims, compensation can be reduced if the injured person shares fault. For example, if a person was teasing or provoking the dog, a court may determine they were partially responsible. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system, victims who are 50% or less at fault can still recover damages, reduced in proportion to their share of blame. Those more than 50% at fault may be barred from recovery.

Exceptions to Liability

Some situations may limit or bar recovery under the strict liability statute, including:

• Trespassing at the time of the incident
• A dog bite by a military or police dog performing duties
• The owner posted a clearly visible “Bad Dog” sign, and the victim was over six years old

In cases where strict liability does not apply, victims may still have a case under negligence laws if the dog owner acted unreasonably.

Common Causes of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog attacks can happen in a variety of circumstances, but they often stem from owner negligence. Common causes include:

• Failure to leash or restrain the dog in public places
• Allowing aggressive or dangerous dogs to roam freely
• Inadequate fencing or broken enclosures
• Neglecting to warn visitors about a dangerous dog
• Improper training or socialization

Even well-behaved dogs can bite under stress, fear, or illness. It is the owner’s responsibility to control their pet in a way that prevents harm to others.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Taking the right steps after a dog bite is critical to your health and to building a strong legal case.

1. Get Medical Attention: Always seek immediate care, even for seemingly minor injuries. Infections and complications can develop quickly.
2. Report the Incident: Contact local law enforcement or animal control to report the bite and ensure the dog is documented.
3. Gather Information: Obtain the dog owner’s name, contact details, and homeowner’s insurance information. Identify witnesses, if any.
4. Take Photos: Document your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible.
5. Avoid Negotiating on Your Own: Do not accept quick cash offers from the dog owner. Speak with a lawyer first.
6. Contact a Lawyer: A personal injury attorney experienced in dog bite cases can help preserve evidence, navigate insurance claims, and secure the compensation you deserve.

Who is Liable for a Dog Bite?

Dog Owner

The dog’s owner is most often the primary liable party under Florida’s strict liability law.

Property Owner or Landlord

In some cases, landlords or property managers may share liability, especially if they allowed a known dangerous dog to reside on the premises.

Business or Commercial Entity

If the bite occurred on commercial property (such as a dog grooming or boarding facility), the business may be liable for failing to maintain a safe environment.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to a range of damages under Florida law.

Economic Damages

These include financial losses such as:

• Past and future medical expenses (hospital visits, surgeries, rehabilitation)
• Lost income and reduced earning potential
• Costs for psychological counseling or therapy
• Prosthetics, home modifications, or assistive devices

Non-Economic Damages

These damages address the physical and emotional pain associated with your injuries:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma and mental anguish
• Disfigurement or scarring
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of companionship or consortium

Punitive Damages

In rare cases where the dog owner acted with reckless disregard or intentionally encouraged the attack, punitive damages may be awarded to punish and deter such behavior.

Dog Bites Involving Children

Children account for a large percentage of dog bite victims. Due to their smaller size and lack of experience around animals, children are often bitten on the face, neck, or hands, resulting in more serious injuries.

Beyond the physical harm, children often suffer lasting psychological damage, including fear of animals, nightmares, and social anxiety. A child injury claim may also account for future medical procedures, such as plastic surgery, that may be needed as they grow older.

Our attorneys approach cases involving children with the utmost care and sensitivity, working to ensure the long-term impact of the attack is fully addressed.

Wrongful Death in Dog Attack Cases

In tragic circumstances, dog attacks may lead to fatal injuries. When a loved one loses their life due to a dog bite or mauling, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim.

Damages in these cases may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering

We pursue these claims with compassion, determination, and a commitment to securing justice for families left behind.

Time Limits for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Florida

As of March 2023, Florida law provides a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases, including dog bites. This means you must file your lawsuit within two years of the date of the incident. Failing to meet this deadline could permanently bar your right to compensation.

Exceptions may apply in certain cases, such as claims involving children or where injuries were not immediately apparent. To protect your rights, it’s best to consult an attorney as soon as possible after a dog bite.

Why Choose Us?

Our firm has a proven track record of helping injury victims recover compensation after serious and traumatic events, including dog bites. We understand the medical, emotional, and legal complexities involved in these cases.

When you work with us, you benefit from:

• Decades of personal injury experience
• In-depth knowledge of Florida’s strict liability and negligence laws
• A compassionate, client-first approach
• Aggressive representation in settlement negotiations or court
• No fees unless we win your case

We’re here to help you navigate the legal process, support your recovery, and fight for the financial security you deserve.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or your loved one has been injured by a dog, don’t face the aftermath alone. Our experienced legal team is here to help you understand your rights, navigate the insurance process, and pursue maximum compensation.

Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. There’s no obligation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.