Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

Florida Dog Bite Victim Attorneys: Fighting for Victims Across the State

A dog bites a persons arm through a black-and-white checkered shirt, showing its teeth and the persons hand inside its mouth.

Recovering After a Dog Bite in Florida

Being bitten by a dog is not only painful—it can disrupt nearly every aspect of your life. Beyond the immediate physical injuries, many victims suffer lasting scars, emotional trauma, and financial strain from medical bills or missed time at work.

At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we represent dog bite victims throughout Florida, from Miami to Orlando, Jacksonville to Pensacola. Our attorneys understand the toll these injuries take and are committed to guiding you through every stage of the legal process.

Unlike many firms, our team also defends dog owners in civil lawsuits. That unique perspective gives us insight into how the other side operates—knowledge we use to build stronger, smarter cases for victims.


Your Right to Compensation Under Florida Law

Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners are held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs. This means you do not need to prove that the owner was negligent—only that the bite occurred while you were lawfully present.

Strict liability applies whether you were:

  • Visiting a friend’s home
  • Walking in your neighborhood
  • Working a delivery job
  • At a public park or business

There are limited defenses owners may raise, such as claiming provocation or pointing to a visible “Bad Dog” sign. Our attorneys help you navigate these legal issues and fight back against attempts to reduce or deny your recovery.

For more on how these laws work, see our article on Understanding Florida’s Dog Bite Laws.


What Determines the Value of a Florida Dog Bite Case?

Every dog bite case is unique, but several factors commonly affect case value.

Medical Expenses

Your current and future medical bills play a central role in determining compensation. This can include ER visits, stitches, plastic surgery, rehabilitation, or counseling.

Lost Wages

If you missed work—or if your injury affects your ability to work in the future—you may be entitled to recover lost income.

Pain and Suffering

The law recognizes both the physical pain and the emotional impact of being attacked by a dog. Anxiety, fear of animals, and lasting trauma are part of your damages.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites often leave visible scars. These injuries can significantly increase the value of your claim, especially if they are permanent or life-altering. See our blog on scarring and disfigurement after a Florida dog attack.

Impact on Daily Life

If your injuries prevent you from enjoying daily activities, spending time with family, or living life as you once did, this impact must be factored into your recovery.

Responsibility and Fault

While owners are strictly liable, Florida follows comparative negligence rules. If the defense claims you provoked the dog or entered private property unlawfully, your compensation may be reduced.

Insurance Coverage

Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. For more insight, review our resource on homeowners insurance coverage for dog bites in Florida.


Suing a Friend or Relative After a Dog Bite

Many victims hesitate to pursue claims when the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member. But in reality, you’re not going after their personal assets—you’re pursuing compensation through their insurance.

This is exactly why homeowners and renters insurance exists: to protect both the victim and the pet owner. Don’t let personal relationships stop you from protecting your health and financial future. Learn more in our blog on how to sue for a Florida dog bite attack.


Dog Bites While Working or Delivering in Florida

Delivery drivers and workers face a unique risk of dog bites. If you were bitten while working for Amazon, USPS, FedEx, DoorDash, or another company, you may have two possible avenues for recovery:

  1. Workers’ Compensation – Covers medical bills and a portion of lost wages.
  2. Civil Claim Against the Dog Owner – Covers pain, suffering, scarring, and other damages not available through workers’ comp.

Our attorneys evaluate both paths to maximize your compensation.


Why Choose Florida Civil Counsel, P.A.?

When you’ve been injured, you need more than a lawyer—you need an advocate who understands the challenges ahead and knows how to fight back.

Here’s why victims choose us:

  • Dual Experience: We handle both dog bite victim cases and dog bite defense, giving us an edge in anticipating arguments.
  • Statewide Reach: From Orlando to Miami, Tampa to Tallahassee, we represent clients across Florida.
  • Clear Guidance: We explain your options in plain language, not legal jargon.
  • Hands-On Support: From gathering medical records to dealing with insurance adjusters, we handle the details so you can focus on healing.

Our experience in dog bite defense also means we know the strategies insurers and defense lawyers use. That knowledge allows us to stay one step ahead.


Take Control of Your Recovery Today

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Florida, don’t wait. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be. Evidence needs to be preserved, medical treatment documented, and insurance companies held accountable.

Call Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. today or use our Contact Form to schedule your case evaluation. We’ll help you understand your rights, your options, and the next steps toward recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Seek medical attention promptly for your injuries. Report the incident to local animal control and contact our office to speak with a Florida dog bite lawyer. Document your injuries, the incident, and gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses.

Yes, Florida’s dog bite statute, Section 767.04, allows victims to pursue compensation for their injuries, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior.

No, the location is not generally significant under Florida law. Whether the bite occurred on public or private property, you may have a right to compensation, provided you did not provoke the dog.

As of March 2023, Florida law mandates a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, starting from the date of the incident.

 Florida law considers provocation as a potential defense for dog owners. If it is proven that you significantly provoked the dog, it might impact your ability to recover damages.

A law firm can help you understand your rights, evaluate your case, gather evidence, negotiate with the dog owner or their insurance, and represent you in court if necessary.

In many cases, homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies may cover dog bite liability expenses. However, it may vary depending on the policy terms and exclusions.

Yes, if a dog knocked you down or caused injury without biting, you might still have a claim under Florida’s negligence laws.

 Liability can be established by proving that the defendant owned or harbored the dog, the dog bit, or otherwise injured you, and as a result, you suffered damages. In Florida, owners are typically strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause.

Yes, in Florida, you can still seek compensation under the modified comparative fault rule, where your compensation amount is reduced by your percentage of fault. Under the new modified comparative negligence system in Florida, individuals will be barred from compensation recovery if they are more than 50% responsible for causing their own injuries. A skilled lawyer can help you understand the specifics related to your case.