Florida Dog Bite Lawyer

Children are most at risk of dog bites in Florida, which has a bite rate average of 25.2 out of 100,000 people – 28.6% higher than the national average of 18.9 bites per 100,000 people. Not all bites lead to claims, however in 2023 there were more than 1,500 dog bite claims filed in Florida, resulting in more than $100 million in recovery for victims.

If you were harmed by a vicious dog and want to take legal action, the first step is to know your rights. Our experienced dog bite injury lawyers in Florida can walk you through all of the basics of the state’s dog bite laws, including the following key factors.

Strict Liability 

Florida is a strict liability state for dog owners, meaning they can be held liable for their dog’s actions and behavior regardless of whether the dog has been aggressive before. Exceptions to strict liability may apply if the victim was trespassing and/or committing a crime or tort on the owner’s private property. A visible “Bad Dog” sign may also diminish a dog owner’s liability for a bite.

Comparative Fault

In addition to being a strict liability state, Florida is also a comparative fault state. Under comparative fault, victims who were partially responsible for the situation that led to their injuries will have damages reduced based on their individual percentage of liability.

Documents and Proof

Florida’s strict liability standard makes it much easier for victims to recover damages in dog bite injury cases since there is no need to prove owner negligence or a dog’s history of aggression.

Documents you likely will need to present and that a Florida dog bite lawyer can help you obtain include witness statements, medical records, police or animal control records, and photos. Try to document as much as you can about the attack and aftermath to ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation you are owed.

Available Damages

There are many types of damages you may be entitled to after a dog bite. Economic damages include past, current, and future medical expenses, as well as lost wages, decreased earning capacity, and expenses related to disfigurement or permanent disability. Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and emotional trauma.

Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you have two (2) years from the date of the attack to file your claim. Doing so can be a long process, so we recommend speaking to a dog attack attorney in Florida as soon as possible about what happened.

Dog bites are extremely dangerous, and come with a significant risk of injury, infection, and/or emotional trauma. This is due to many things, including the physical capabilities of dogs, the bacteria in their mouths, and the traumatic nature of the event.

Consequences of a vicious dog attack can be acute or chronic and commonly include injuries such as:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Scarring
• Eye injuries
• Bone fractures
• Tendon damage

In severe cases, a dog bite can also result in death, either at the time of the event or later, from complications due to meningitis, tetanus, or another type of infection.

Aside from physical injuries, dog bites can result in debilitating mental health issues such as acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a serious anxiety disorder. Dog bite victims may also go on to develop an intense fear of dogs that can prove challenging as they resume everyday life.

Help is available. If you or a loved one were injured in a dog attack, call our law firm to speak with a Florida dog bite lawyer with no cost or obligation.

The steps you take in the immediate aftermath of a dog bite have a big impact on the result of your claim. Here’s what we recommend.

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention

Your health and safety are the number one priority. Seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite and hold on to all associated records and bills, even if you don’t have any serious physical injuries.

Step 2: File a Report with Local Authorities

As soon as possible, report the bite to your local animal control facility or law enforcement office. This creates a valuable paper trail around the incident and is necessary for your county’s public health and safety initiatives.

Step 3: Gather Evidence

Photos, witness statements, medical records, and other documents are a must for arguing a successful dog bite claim. If you’re not sure how to go about it, a Florida dog bite attorney can help.

Step 4: Call a Lawyer

Contact a dog bite accident lawyer in Florida to discuss the specifics of your claim. A lawyer will be crucial for navigating the complexities of Florida’s dog bite laws, especially when it comes to proving the negligence and liability of the dog’s owner.

Life-changing dog bites can happen in the homes of friends and family members. They can happen suddenly and by dogs with no history of biting or aggression. Add in an insurance company trying to pay out as little compensation as possible, and it’s clear you can’t do this on your own.

The right lawyer for you is someone who has experience handling and winning dog bite cases in Florida and who can take care of the legal and financial aspects of your dog bite recovery while you focus on health and recovery. Our services are provided on a case-by-case basis and may include:

• Organizing and assessing available evidence
• Collecting additional evidence as needed, such as expert testimonies or video footage of the attack
• Pursuing claims for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages
• Ensuring your claim is 100% accurate and filed on time
• Negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance provider for fair compensation on your behalf
• Filing and overseeing a dog bite lawsuit

You need a dog bite attorney in Florida who can give your case the time and expertise it deserves. Call now for a no-obligation case review with a legal expert.