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Can I Be Sued If My Dog Didn’t Bite Anyone?

ByFLcivilcounsel.com

In Florida, dog owners often think they’re only at risk of being sued if their dog bites someone. But personal injury lawsuits don’t always involve bites. If your dog knocks someone over, trips them, or causes another kind of injury—especially in public or on someone else’s property—you could still face legal action.

This blog breaks down what Florida law says, when a dog owner can be sued even without a bite, and what defense options are available statewide, from Miami to Pensacola.

Florida Law on Dog Injuries Without a Bite

You don’t need a bite to face liability for a dog-related injury.

Florida Statute §767.01 establishes that dog owners are liable for any damage caused by their dog. While §767.04 focuses on bites, common law negligence claims still apply when a dog causes harm through other means, such as jumping, chasing, or blocking someone’s path.

Examples of Non-Bite Dog Injuries That Lead to Lawsuits

Injury claims can be filed when a dog:

  • Jumps on someone and causes a fall
  • Knocks over a child or elderly person
  • Runs into the street, causing a bike or car crash
  • Trips a pedestrian on a sidewalk or jogging trail
  • Escapes from a leash and causes panic or injury

Each of these situations can result in a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner, even without any bite involved.

What the Injured Person Has to Prove

To win a non-bite dog injury case, the injured party typically must prove that:

  • You had a duty to control your dog
  • You failed to meet that duty (for example, didn’t leash the dog)
  • That failure directly caused their injury

Unlike bite claims under Florida’s strict liability statute, these cases often rely on negligence—meaning the plaintiff has to show your actions (or inaction) led to the injury.

Legal Defenses in Florida Non-Bite Dog Injury Cases

Being sued doesn’t mean you’re automatically liable. You still have rights and defenses.

Lack of Negligence

If your dog was properly leashed, trained, or restrained, and the incident was unavoidable, you may have a strong defense that you acted responsibly as a dog owner.

Comparative Negligence

Florida follows a modified comparative fault system under §768.81. If the person injured was partly at fault—such as ignoring warnings, trespassing, or provoking the dog—you may not be fully liable, or the case could be barred entirely if they were mostly at fault.

Assumption of Risk

If someone knowingly put themselves in a situation where they might get hurt around your dog (like entering a yard with warning signs), they may have “assumed the risk,” limiting their ability to recover damages.

What to Do If You’re Sued Over a Dog Injury

If you’re facing a lawsuit or have received a demand letter—even if your dog didn’t bite anyone—it’s critical to respond properly. Our Florida dog bite defense attorneys help individuals statewide understand their rights and next steps.

Don’t Admit Fault

Avoid speaking to the injured person or their lawyer without representation. Statements can be used against you in court.

Notify Your Insurance

Some homeowners and renters insurance policies cover dog-related incidents—even ones that don’t involve bites. However, many exclude coverage based on breed or behavior history. Read more about dog bite and injury insurance in Florida.

Seek Legal Representation

At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we help clients throughout the state—from Orlando to Jacksonville—respond to lawsuits involving their pets. You have legal options, and early defense can reduce your exposure or help settle the matter before it escalates.

Florida Civil Counsel: Statewide Personal Injury Defense

Even if your dog didn’t bite anyone, personal injury lawsuits can arise—and fast. We defend against claims like these across Florida, including high-risk areas like Miami-Dade and Broward County, where population density makes these cases more common.

Our firm offers experienced defense in pre-suit dog injury demands and helps prevent escalation. If you’ve received a letter or suspect a lawsuit is coming, don’t wait to act.

Want to learn more? Read:

Take the First Step in Your Defense

If your dog caused an injury—even without a bite—you could still face legal action. The good news is: you don’t have to face it alone. Our team at Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. serves clients across Florida and is based in Orlando.

Call us today or contact us online to speak with a Florida attorney who understands dog-related liability and defense strategies. We proudly serve clients across the entire state—from Tampa to Tallahassee.

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