How Much Is My Florida Dog Bite Case Worth
Being bitten by a dog can be a life-changing experience. In addition to the physical pain, you may be dealing with emotional trauma, missed work, permanent scarring, and mounting medical bills that seem to grow by the day. If you were bitten in Orlando or anywhere in Florida, you’re probably wondering: How much is my dog bite case worth?
The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. Every dog bite case is unique, but understanding the key factors that impact your potential compensation—such as the severity of your injuries, the location of the attack, and whether the dog has a history of aggression—can help you make informed decisions as you consider your next steps.
What Florida Law Says About Dog Bite Compensation
Florida is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. That means a dog’s owner can be held legally responsible even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Under Florida Statute § 767.04, the victim doesn’t need to prove negligence—only that they were lawfully on the property and were bitten.
This law gives dog bite victims a powerful legal foundation to seek full compensation for their injuries.
What Factors Determine the Value of a Dog Bite Claim?
In Florida, the value of your dog bite case depends on several elements:
1. Medical Expenses
The more extensive your injuries, the higher your medical bills—and the greater the compensation you may be entitled to. This includes:
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgery
- Stitches
- Physical therapy
- Psychological counseling
2. Lost Wages and Loss of Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you from working, you may be entitled to lost income. In more serious cases, if the injury affects your future ability to earn, your compensation may be increased.
3. Scarring and Disfigurement
Permanent scarring—especially on visible areas like the face, arms, or legs—can dramatically affect the value of your case. Florida juries understand the emotional toll of disfigurement and may award additional damages accordingly. Learn more about how visible injuries can impact your case by reading our guide on determining the value of a Florida dog bite case.
4. Pain and Suffering
This includes both physical pain and emotional distress, such as fear of dogs, PTSD, or anxiety. There’s no “fixed” value for pain and suffering, but it’s often a significant part of dog bite settlements in Orlando.
5. The Dog’s History and Owner’s Conduct
If the dog had previously bitten someone or was classified as a dangerous dog, and the owner failed to act responsibly, you may be entitled to punitive damages—especially in egregious cases.
6. Where the Attack Happened
Whether the bite occurred in a public park, apartment complex, or someone’s home can influence liability and insurance coverage. In Orlando, we’ve handled many cases where landlord negligence or inadequate fencing played a major role in the attack.
How Orlando Juries View Dog Bite Cases
Jury perception matters. In cities like Orlando, where many families own dogs and there’s a mix of urban and suburban neighborhoods, the details of the attack—such as whether a child was bitten, or whether the dog was off-leash—can sway the outcome. In fact, dog attacks on children in Florida often lead to higher settlements due to the long-term trauma and disfigurement involved.
We know how local courts view these cases, and we tailor every case strategy accordingly.
How an Attorney Helps Maximize Your Compensation
Insurance companies often try to minimize what they pay. An experienced Florida dog bite attorney can:
- Collect and preserve critical evidence (like witness statements and medical records)
- Prove the full extent of your damages
- Identify all sources of insurance coverage
- Push for a settlement or take the case to trial if needed
If you’re considering whether to settle or go to trial, it’s important to understand your options. We break that down in our guide on Florida dog bite settlements versus lawsuits.
Our firm, Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., has represented dog bite victims across the state—including Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and smaller communities—helping clients recover from both the legal and emotional impact of the incident. To better understand how the timeline may affect your claim, visit our breakdown of the Florida dog bite claim timeline for defendants, which explains both victim and defense perspectives.
