Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys
Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys: Fighting For Victims In Central Florida
Seeking Justice After a Dog Bite in Orlando
Being bitten by a dog can change your life in an instant. Beyond the initial shock and pain, many victims in Orlando find themselves facing mounting medical expenses, time away from work, and lasting scars—both physical and emotional.
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we are committed to standing with dog bite victims when they need it most. From our office in Orlando, we serve clients across the entire state of Florida, including Tampa, Miami, Jacksonville, and Pensacola. Our goal is simple: to help you recover the compensation you deserve while taking the legal burden off your shoulders.
Whether your injury happened while visiting a friend’s home, walking through your neighborhood, or even at a local restaurant, our attorneys know how to handle the legal complexities of dog bite claims in Florida.
What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Orlando
The moments following a dog bite can feel overwhelming. But the steps you take can protect your health and strengthen your potential claim.
1. Seek Medical Care Immediately
Even small puncture wounds can lead to dangerous infections. Emergency treatment also creates medical documentation that becomes critical in your case.
2. Report the Incident: Notify Orange County Animal Services or the local police. A report not only ensures community safety but also provides an official record if you pursue a claim.
3. Document the Scene: Take clear photos of your injuries, the dog, and where the attack occurred. Collect witness information if anyone saw the incident.
4. Gather Owner Information: Write down the dog owner’s name, address, and any details about vaccinations. This helps both with medical care and legal strategy.
5. Avoid Negotiating Directly With the Owner: Even if the dog’s owner offers to pay medical bills, their insurance company—and their attorney—may later work against you. Speak to an Orlando dog bite lawyer before accepting or signing anything.
Why Hire an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney?
Florida law is clear: under Florida Statute § 767.04, a dog owner is generally strictly liable when their dog bites someone, even if the dog never showed aggression before. That means owners are financially responsible for injuries.
But strict liability doesn’t mean you automatically get fair compensation. Insurance companies are skilled at minimizing payouts, and dog owners may raise defenses to reduce their responsibility. That’s why legal representation matters.
Here’s How Our Team Helps Dog Bite Victims:
- Protecting Your Rights: We shield you from aggressive insurance adjusters and ensure you don’t say something that could harm your claim.
- Handling Paperwork: From insurance forms to court filings, we manage the red tape so you can focus on healing.
- Negotiating Settlements: Many Orlando dog bite cases resolve without trial, but we push for every dollar you’re entitled to.
- Taking Cases to Court: If negotiations fail, our attorneys are prepared to present your story to a jury.
Understanding Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida has some of the toughest dog bite laws in the nation. Unlike states that allow a “one bite rule,” Florida holds owners responsible the very first time their dog injures someone.
Strict Liability in Action
If a dog bites you in Orlando, the owner is usually liable—even if they claim the dog never acted aggressively before.
Key Defenses Dog Owners May Raise
- Provocation: If the victim provoked the dog, damages may be reduced.
- “Bad Dog” Signs: If a property displayed a clear warning sign, liability may be limited (except for child victims).
For a deeper dive into defenses available to dog owners, see our resource on defending against dog bite lawsuits in Florida.
What Determines the Value of a Dog Bite Case in Orlando?
No two cases are identical, but certain factors frequently influence settlement amounts and jury awards.
- Medical Expenses: Emergency care, follow-up treatment, plastic surgery, or therapy.
- Lost Wages: Time away from work now, and reduced earning capacity in the future.
- Scarring & Disfigurement: Permanent injuries often increase case value significantly.
- Pain & Suffering: Courts recognize the physical pain and emotional trauma victims endure.
- Impact on Daily Life: If you can’t exercise, care for children, or enjoy activities you once did, that matters.
- Insurance Coverage: Many claims are paid through homeowners or renters insurance. Learn more in our blog on homeowners insurance coverage for dog bites in Florida.
To see how Florida courts evaluate these claims, visit our guide on factors influencing dog bite lawsuit amounts in Florida.
Why Choose Florida Civil Counsel, P.A.?
At Florida Civil Counsel, we aren’t just any personal injury firm—we are one of the few Florida law firms that also understands dog bite defense. That means we know exactly how the other side thinks and prepares their cases. That dual perspective gives our clients a powerful advantage.
When you hire us, you gain:
- Local Knowledge: As Orlando-based attorneys, we know the judges, insurance carriers, and opposing counsel in Central Florida.
- Statewide Reach: We handle dog bite cases across Florida, from Miami to Pensacola.
- Compassionate Advocacy: We understand the emotional toll of a dog attack and guide you through every step.
- Proven Strategy: We leverage our knowledge of insurance defense tactics to build stronger cases for victims.
Florida Civil Counsel, P.A.: Your Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Orlando, don’t face the insurance company or the legal system alone. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better positioned you’ll be to recover maximum compensation.
Call Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. today at Contact Us or start a live chat with our team. We offer case evaluations to help you understand your rights, your potential case value, and the best path forward.