What if a Dog Didn’t Bite Me but Caused Me to Fall or Get Injured in Florida?
Most people associate dog-related lawsuits with bite injuries. However, Florida law recognizes that dogs can cause serious harm in other ways. A dog doesn’t need to bite you for you to have a valid injury claim.
If a dog knocks you down, causes you to fall while trying to avoid it, or startles you into injury, you may still have legal rights. These types of cases are more common than many realize and can lead to hospital visits, surgery, and long-term recovery.
Under Florida Statute § 767.01, dog owners are liable for damages their dogs cause, and while much of the statute addresses bites, courts have long recognized that liability may extend to other harmful acts.
Common Non-Bite Dog Injury Scenarios
Florida residents and visitors frequently encounter situations where dogs cause harm without biting. Examples include:
- A large dog jumping on a visitor and knocking them to the ground
- A dog running into a child and causing a head injury
- A dog darting into traffic, forcing a pedestrian or cyclist to swerve and fall
- A leashed dog pulling its owner so forcefully that a passerby is struck
Our Orlando dog bite attorneys regularly represent victims in these scenarios. While they may not fit the traditional “bite” mold, the injuries are often just as devastating.
Do I Still Have a Legal Claim If There Was No Bite?
Yes. Florida courts recognize claims for any injury caused by a dog’s behavior, not just bites. The critical question is whether the owner acted reasonably to control the animal.
For instance, if a dog was unleashed in violation of city leash laws and ran into you, the owner could be considered negligent. Even in cases where the dog was not aggressive, liability may still attach if the animal created a dangerous situation.
Our firm has handled cases where clients were hospitalized after falls triggered by dogs. If you’re wondering whether your situation qualifies, our detailed resource on Florida dog injuries that don’t involve bites may help clarify your rights.
Florida’s Strict Liability vs. Negligence Rules
Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means the owner is automatically responsible for a bite, even if the dog never acted aggressively before.
Non-bite cases are slightly different. While strict liability does not automatically apply, a claim may still succeed under negligence law. Negligence means the owner failed to exercise reasonable care, such as:
- Ignoring local leash ordinances
- Allowing the dog to roam unsupervised
- Bringing a poorly trained dog into a crowded area
- Failing to warn visitors about the dog’s known behavior
Insurance companies frequently argue that the injured person was at fault. For example, they may claim you “tripped on your own” or that you “overreacted.” Understanding defenses such as victim negligence in Florida dog bite cases is important, because similar arguments often appear in non-bite injury cases.
Real-World Example: Dog Jumps and Causes a Fall
Imagine a dog at a neighborhood barbecue that leaps on a guest in excitement. The guest falls backward, fracturing a wrist. Even though no bite occurred, the dog’s owner may still be liable for medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Another example: a jogger in Orlando swerves to avoid a loose dog in Lake Eola Park, trips on uneven pavement, and sustains a knee injury. The fact that the dog didn’t bite does not erase the owner’s responsibility for allowing the dog to create a dangerous situation.
These are the kinds of situations our Florida dog bite attorneys evaluate regularly.
What Compensation Could You Recover?
Compensation in a non-bite dog injury case is similar to bite claims. Victims may recover:
- Medical expenses – ER visits, surgery, physical therapy, and prescriptions
- Lost wages – income missed while recovering
- Pain and suffering – for physical pain, trauma, and reduced quality of life
- Long-term damages – covering permanent disability, scarring, or rehabilitation
Falls caused by dogs often result in orthopedic injuries, spinal injuries, and even concussions. Our attorneys have written about fall-related dog attack injuries, which can be far more costly than bite wounds.
Insurance Coverage in Non-Bite Cases
One challenge in these cases is insurance coverage. Homeowners or renters insurance often covers dog-related injuries, but insurers may argue that coverage is limited to “bites only.”
We frequently see disputes where insurance companies deny claims outright, forcing victims to pursue litigation. Understanding how coverage applies—similar to animal and dog bite liability insurance in Florida—is crucial to recovering fair compensation.
Steps to Take After a Dog-Related Injury
If you’ve been hurt by a dog—even without a bite—take these steps immediately:
- Get medical care to document injuries.
- Report the incident to animal control or police.
- Document evidence with photos of the dog, scene, and injuries.
- Gather witness statements if available.
- Contact an attorney before speaking with the dog owner’s insurer.
Our guide on how Florida personal injury lawsuits work explains what to expect if your claim becomes a lawsuit.
Why You Need a Florida Dog Injury Lawyer
Dog-related injury claims are not straightforward. Non-bite cases, in particular, require strong evidence to prove the dog’s behavior directly caused your injuries.
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we approach these cases with a unique perspective—we handle both claims for injured victims and defense cases for dog owners. This experience gives us insight into how insurers and defense lawyers argue against non-bite claims, allowing us to prepare ahead of time.
We are based in Orlando but represent clients across Florida, including Tampa, Jacksonville, and Miami.
Call Our Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys Today
If a dog injured you in Florida—even without biting—you may still have a strong case. Do not assume you’re without options just because no teeth were involved.
Call Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. today for a consultation. We will review your case, explain your options, and fight to protect your rights every step of the way.
