Dog bites can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and expensive medical bills. Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for attacks, meaning you can seek compensation even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
CarAccidentAttorney.com connects you with experienced Florida dog bite attorneys who understand the state’s laws and can help you recover damages for your injuries.
We simplify your search for justice by connecting you with an experienced Florida dog bite attorney in your area. Our network of attorneys understands the nuances of state statutes and can counter common insurance defenses, such as claims of provocation or trespass.
While your legal team handles the investigation and aggressive negotiations, you can focus entirely on your physical and emotional healing.
Florida Dog Bite Laws Protect Victims
Florida Statute 767.04 establishes strict liability for dog owners when their animals bite someone. Strict liability means the owner is responsible for damages regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous or had previously bitten anyone. This law provides stronger protection for victims than other states that require proof of the owner’s negligence.
The statute applies when you are lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property. You don’t need to prove that the owner was careless or that the dog had previously shown aggressive behavior.
The law recognizes that dog attacks can happen suddenly and without warning, placing the responsibility squarely on the owner to control their animal.
However, your compensation may be reduced if your own actions contributed to the attack. Florida follows a comparative negligence rule, which means your recovery decreases by your percentage of fault in causing the incident.
Don’t let a dog bite derail your life. Contact us today for a free consultation with a qualified Florida dog bite lawyer in your area.
Who Is Liable for Dog Bites in Florida?
The dog’s owner bears primary responsibility for bite injuries under Florida’s strict liability statute. This includes situations where the owner is not present when the attack occurs. Property owners may also face liability if they knew a dangerous dog was on their premises and failed to take reasonable steps to protect visitors.
In some cases, multiple parties could be responsible for your injuries:
- Dog owners: Always liable under the strict liability statute when you are lawfully present.
- Property owners: May be liable if they harbor a known dangerous dog on their property.
- Dog keepers: People temporarily caring for the animal may share responsibility.
- Parents: Can be held liable for their minor child’s dog under certain circumstances.
An experienced Florida dog bite attorney can identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your compensation. This is especially important when the dog owner has limited insurance coverage or assets.
What Defenses Can Dog Owners Raise?
Even under Florida’s strict liability law, dog owners can raise certain defenses to reduce or eliminate their responsibility for your injuries. Understanding these defenses helps you prepare a stronger case with your attorney.
Comparative Negligence May Reduce Your Compensation
Florida’s comparative negligence law reduces your compensation by your percentage of fault in causing the dog bite. For incidents after March 24, 2023, you cannot recover any damages if you are more than 50% responsible for the attack.
Common examples of victim fault include teasing the dog, entering the owner’s property without permission, or ignoring clear warnings about the animal’s aggressive nature.
Your attorney will work to minimize any fault assigned to you by gathering evidence that shows the dog owner’s responsibility for the attack. This might include witness testimony, the dog’s history of aggression, or proof that the owner failed to secure their animal properly.
“Bad Dog” Signs May Limit Owner Liability
A unique Florida statute allows property owners to avoid liability for bites that occur on their property if they display a prominent, easily readable sign reading “Bad Dog.”
However, this defense has major exceptions: it does not apply to victims under the age of six, nor does it protect an owner whose own negligence (such as leaving a gate open) caused the attack.
Trespassing Can Bar Your Claim
To hold an owner strictly liable, you must have been in a public place or lawfully on private property. If the owner can prove you were trespassing without an invitation or legal duty (such as a mail carrier), they may not be held liable for your injuries. Your attorney can challenge this by proving you had implied permission or a valid reason to be on the premises.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Their Impact
Dog bites often cause more severe injuries than people realize. The force of a dog’s bite, combined with bacteria in its mouth, can cause serious medical complications requiring extensive treatment.
Physical injuries from dog bites include:
- Puncture wounds: Deep wounds that can damage muscles, tendons, and bones.
- Lacerations: Tears in the skin that may require stitches or plastic surgery.
- Infections: Dog mouths contain harmful bacteria that can cause serious infections.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, causing permanent numbness or loss of function.
- Scarring: Permanent disfigurement, especially problematic on the face, hands, or other visible areas.
Beyond physical injuries, dog attacks often cause psychological trauma. Many victims develop a fear of dogs, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress disorder that requires ongoing counseling. Children are particularly susceptible to lasting emotional effects from dog attacks.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?
The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact both your health and your legal claim. Acting quickly helps protect your well-being and preserves essential evidence for your case.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the animal’s mouth. Even seemingly minor bites can lead to serious complications if not adequately treated. Go to the emergency room or urgent care center as soon as possible, even if the wound appears small.
Medical treatment serves two purposes: protecting your health and documenting your injuries. Your medical records will be crucial evidence in your legal claim, showing the extent of your injuries and the treatment you required.
Document Everything About the Attack
Take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible, before they begin to heal. Also, photograph the location where the attack occurred and the dog if it’s safe to do so. Obtain contact information for any witnesses who saw the attack.
Write down your account of the incident while the details are fresh in your memory. Include information about what led up to the bite, how the attack occurred, and any statements made by the dog owner. This written account can be valuable evidence later.
Report the Incident to Authorities
Florida law requires medical providers to report dog bites to the local health department for rabies monitoring. You should also consider reporting the attack to animal control, which creates an official record of the incident and may help prevent future attacks.
Contact a Florida dog bite attorney as soon as possible after the attack. Early legal intervention helps preserve evidence and protects your rights throughout the claims process.
How Much Compensation Can You Recover?
Dog-bite victims may recover various types of damages depending on the severity of their injuries and the impact on their lives. Florida law allows compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering.
Economic Damages Cover Financial Losses
Economic damages compensate you for the actual financial costs of the dog bite:
Medical expenses:
Emergency room visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and future medical care.
Lost wages:
Income you lost while recovering from your injuries.
Lost earning capacity:
Reduced ability to earn income in the future due to permanent disabilities.
Property damage:
Torn clothing, damaged personal items, or other property destroyed in the attack.
Your attorney will work with medical experts and economists to calculate the full extent of your economic damages, including future costs you may incur.
Non-Economic Damages Address Personal Impact
Non-economic damages compensate you for the personal impact of the dog bite that can’t be measured in dollars:
Pain and suffering:
Physical pain and discomfort caused by your injuries.
Emotional distress:
Anxiety, depression, or PTSD resulting from the attack.
Disfigurement:
Compensation for permanent scarring or other changes to your appearance.
Loss of enjoyment:
Reduced ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed.
These damages can be substantial, especially in cases involving permanent scarring or psychological trauma.
Understanding Florida’s Statute of Limitations
You have a limited time to file a lawsuit for your dog bite injuries. Florida’s statute of limitations restricts the time you have to file a dog bite claim, so contact an attorney promptly to protect your rights. Missing this deadline means you lose your right to seek compensation forever.
The statute of limitations is shorter for dog bite cases than for some other personal injury claims. This makes it even more important to contact an attorney quickly after your attack. Your lawyer needs time to investigate your case, gather evidence, and negotiate with insurance companies before the deadline expires.
Working With Insurance Companies
Most dog-bite claims are handled under the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. These policies typically include liability coverage that pays for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. However, insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims entirely.
Insurance adjusters may use various tactics to reduce your claim:
- Quick settlement offers: Low offers made before you fully understand your injuries.
- Recorded statements: Attempts to get you to say something that hurts your claim.
- Claim denials: Arguments that their policyholder isn’t responsible for your injuries.
- Delay tactics: Stalling until you’re desperate enough to accept less money.
Having an experienced Florida dog bite lawyer handle insurance communications protects you from these tactics. Your attorney knows how to negotiate with adjusters and won’t let them take advantage of your situation.
Why You Need a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer
While you can file a dog bite claim on your own, having legal representation significantly improves your chances of fair compensation. Dog bite cases involve complex legal and medical issues that are difficult to navigate without experience in personal injury law.
A qualified Florida dog bite attorney provides several advantages:
Legal expertise:
Understanding of Florida’s dog bite laws and how they apply to your case.
Investigation skills:
Ability to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build a strong case.
Medical knowledge:
Understanding of dog bite injuries and their long-term impact.
Negotiation experience:
Skills to deal with insurance companies and their tactics.
Trial preparation:
Readiness to take your case to court if necessary.
Most dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless they win your case. This arrangement allows you to get quality legal representation without upfront costs.
How CarAccidentAttorney.com Helps Dog Bite Victims
CarAccidentAttorney.com is a nationwide attorney referral service that connects dog bite victims with qualified lawyers in their area. We understand that finding the right attorney can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with injuries and medical treatment.
Our process is simple and stress-free:
Tell Us About Your Dog Bite
Contact us by phone or via our online form to provide basic information about your dog-bite incident. We’ll ask about your injuries, where the attack occurred, and any treatment you’ve received.
Get Matched With a Local Attorney
We’ll connect you with an experienced Florida dog-bite attorney in your area with a proven track record of handling similar cases. Our network includes lawyers who understand Florida law and maintain relationships with local courts and insurance companies.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
Your matched attorney will provide a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. They’ll explain your legal options, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect from the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Dog Bite Claims
Do All Dog Bites Get Reported to Health Authorities?
Yes, Florida law requires healthcare providers to report all dog bites to the county health department to monitor for rabies and track bite incidents in the community.
Can I Sue if the Dog Owner Says Their Pet Has Never Bitten Anyone?
Yes, Florida’s strict liability law allows you to recover damages even if the dog has no history of aggression or prior bites.
What if the Dog That Bit Me Was a Stray?
Stray dog cases are more complex because there may be no identifiable owner to hold liable. However, you may still have options for compensation through victim assistance programs or other sources.
Will Filing a Claim Result in the Dog Being Put Down?
Civil lawsuits seeking compensation are separate from criminal or animal-control proceedings, though a dangerous-dog determination could affect the animal’s future.
Can I Recover Damages if I Was Bitten While Trespassing?
Trespassing typically bars recovery under Florida’s strict liability statute, but you might still have a negligence claim depending on the circumstances.
Contact CarAccidentAttorney.com Today
Dog bite injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences. You shouldn’t have to face these challenges alone while dealing with insurance companies and medical bills. Florida’s strict liability law gives you strong rights as a dog bite victim, but you need experienced legal help to protect those rights fully.
CarAccidentAttorney.com makes it easy to find qualified legal representation in your area. We’re available 24/7 to connect you with a Florida dog bite attorney who can evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. Don’t wait, contact us today for your free consultation and take the first step toward getting your life back on track.