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Florida Dog Bite Attorneys
A dog attack can be a terrifying, traumatic event that can leave victims with permanent physical scars and severe psychological distress. Children are especially vulnerable, often suffering bites to the face and neck. If you or a loved one were attacked by a dog, you shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden of medical bills, reconstructive surgeries, and lost wages.
At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, our Florida personal injury lawyers can fiercely advocate for animal attack victims across Florida. We understand the complex nuances of Florida’s strict liability dog bite laws and know how to pursue maximum compensation from negligent dog owners and their insurance companies.
👉 Call (800) 337-7755 today or use our live chat for a free, confidential consultation. You will not pay any out-of-pocket fees or costs unless we recover compensation for you.
Understanding Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Many states have a “one free bite” rule, meaning an owner is only liable if they knew their dog was dangerous. Florida does not.
Under Florida Statute § 767.04, Florida is a strict liability state. This means a dog owner is financially liable if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property. The owner is responsible even if:
- The dog has never bitten anyone before.
- The owner had no idea the dog was capable of being aggressive.
- The owner took precautions to restrain the dog.
The “Bad Dog” Sign Defense & Exceptions
There is one major exception to Florida’s strict liability law. A dog owner may avoid liability if they have a prominent, easily readable sign displaying the words “Bad Dog” on their property at the time of the attack.
However, this defense does not apply if:
- The victim is a child under the age of six (6).
- The attack was caused by the owner’s specific negligent act or omission (such as intentionally letting the dog off a leash).
- The bite occurred off the owner’s property.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite Settlement?
Many victims hesitate to file a claim because the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member, and they do not want to bankrupt them. Fortunately, dog bite settlements are rarely paid out of the owner’s personal pocket. In most cases, compensation is paid by the dog owner’s homeowners insurance or renters insurance policy. Our attorneys can handle all communications with the insurance adjusters to ensure the relationship between you and the dog owner remains as insulated as possible.
What To Do Immediately After a Dog Attack in Florida
To protect your health and your legal rights, consider taking these steps immediately following an animal attack:
- Seek Medical Attention: Dog mouths can harbor dangerous bacteria. Puncture wounds carry a high risk of severe infection, tetanus, and rabies.
- Identify the Dog and Owner: Get the owner’s name, address, and request proof of the dog’s rabies vaccination.
- Report to Animal Control: File an official report with your local county Animal Control office (e.g., Miami-Dade, Broward, or Orange County Animal Services). This creates a vital public record of the attack.
- Take Photographs: Take clear pictures of your injuries, torn clothing, and the location of the attack. (Note: Take photos of your injuries daily as they heal and scar, as bruising and swelling will fade.)
- Contact a Florida Dog Bite Lawyer: Do not speak to the owner’s insurance company or accept a quick settlement check without speaking to an attorney first.
Why Choose the Law Offices of Jason Turchin for Your Case?
Animal attack cases may require an attorney who understands both the aggressive litigation often needed to deal with insurance companies and the profound empathy needed to support trauma victims. By choosing the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, you can benefit from:
- Over 6,500 Cases Handled: Decades of concrete, real-world experience fighting for victims of negligence across Florida.
- AV Preeminent® Rated by Martindale-Hubbell: The highest possible peer review rating for legal ability and ethical standards.
- 10.0 Superb AVVO Rating: Maintaining a perfect rating based on client reviews, peer endorsements, and professional achievements.
- A+ Rating with the BBB: An unwavering commitment to client transparency, trust, and satisfaction.
We can represent dog bite victims in Miami, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, Tampa, West Palm Beach, Naples, and throughout the entire state of Florida. Call us 24/7 at (800) 337-7755 for a free consultation.
Florida Dog Bite FAQs
What damages can I recover after a Florida dog bite?
Dog bite victims can seek compensation for past and future medical expenses, plastic surgery or scar revision procedures, lost wages, psychological counseling for trauma (PTSD), and significant pain and suffering.
What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
Florida uses a “comparative negligence” system. If the insurance company proves you provoked the dog or ignored clear warnings, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages even if you were partially to blame.
Can I sue a landlord for a dog bite in Florida?
Yes, in certain circumstances. If a landlord or property manager knew that a tenant was keeping a dangerous dog on the premises and failed to take reasonable steps to remove the hazard, they can be held financially liable for a resulting attack.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?
Due to recent tort reform in Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. It is often vital to contact an attorney quickly so we can locate the dog owner’s insurance policy and secure evidence.
