Can You Sue If You Were Bit by a Police Dog in Florida?
Understanding Police Dog Bite Cases in Florida
Police dogs, often called K9s, play an important role in law enforcement across Florida. These animals are highly trained to assist officers in searches, arrests, and public safety efforts. However, when a police dog bites someone outside of those duties, the injuries can be severe and life-changing. Victims are often left wondering if they have any legal rights to pursue compensation.
The short answer is: yes, in some situations you may be able to sue for a police dog bite in Florida. These cases depend heavily on where the incident happened, whether the dog was under official police control, and the circumstances surrounding the bite.
When Police Dog Bite Lawsuits May Apply
Bites at a Handler’s Home or Off-Duty
In some cases, police dogs live with their handlers. If the dog escapes a home, bites a neighbor, or injures a guest, the handler may be held personally responsible. In Florida, dog owners are generally subject to strict liability under Fla. Stat. § 767.04. This law applies to police handlers just like any other dog owner when the dog is off duty or outside the scope of law enforcement work. For more on how strict liability works, see our guide on Florida dog bite lawsuits and next steps.
Training Facility Liability
Police dogs often undergo extensive training at specialized facilities. If a facility fails to properly train or supervise a dog and that negligence leads to an attack, the training organization may also face liability. These cases can be complex, requiring careful investigation into contracts, certifications, and safety procedures. Our post on defending against dog bite lawsuits in Florida explores the types of arguments often raised, which can also help you understand how a training facility may defend itself.
When You Cannot Sue
It is important to note that if you were bitten by a police dog while committing a crime, such as resisting arrest or fleeing law enforcement, our firm does not handle those cases. Florida law provides broad immunity to officers and agencies when dogs act within the scope of official duties.
Legal Challenges in Police Dog Bite Cases
Unlike typical Florida dog bite cases, lawsuits involving police dogs often involve additional legal defenses raised by government entities. Cities, counties, and police departments may claim sovereign immunity, which limits lawsuits against government bodies. However, immunity is not absolute. If the dog was off duty, unsupervised, or improperly contained, traditional personal injury principles can still apply.
Understanding these challenges is key. To learn more about how lawsuits unfold in general, see our overview of the process of a Florida civil lawsuit.
Common Injuries from Police Dog Bites
Police dogs are trained to latch on and hold suspects, meaning their bites often cause more severe injuries than household pet attacks. Unlike accidental nips, these bites are intentional, forceful, and designed to subdue a person. As a result, victims often face lasting physical and emotional harm.
Deep Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
Police dogs bite with tremendous force, often leaving puncture wounds that penetrate deeply into muscle tissue. These injuries can quickly become infected if not treated properly. In severe cases, victims may require stitches, skin grafts, or surgical repair.
Nerve Damage and Mobility Issues
When a police dog clamps onto an arm or leg, nerves in the affected area may be damaged. Victims sometimes experience numbness, tingling, or loss of function. This can interfere with work, driving, or even basic daily tasks. Some patients require long-term physical therapy to regain mobility.
Permanent Scarring or Disfigurement
Even after wounds heal, scars often remain. Because police dogs target large muscle groups, such as the arms, legs, or torso, scarring can be visible and life-altering. In cases where bites affect the face or hands, disfigurement may impact self-confidence and future job opportunities.
Emotional Trauma and PTSD
Being attacked by a police dog is terrifying. Many victims report flashbacks, nightmares, or heightened anxiety after the incident. Children, in particular, may develop a lifelong fear of dogs. Emotional trauma can be just as debilitating as physical injuries, and counseling or therapy may be necessary for recovery.
Long-Term Medical Care
Treatment rarely ends after an emergency room visit. Many victims need follow-up surgeries, ongoing rehabilitation, and psychological support. These costs add up quickly, making it critical to explore legal options for compensation. Pursuing a lawsuit is often the only way to cover both immediate and future expenses related to the attack.
Real-World Example
Imagine a police dog that escapes from its handler’s yard and attacks a neighbor taking out the trash. The neighbor suffers deep puncture wounds to the leg, requiring stitches and later surgery for nerve damage. Months later, the victim still struggles with limited mobility, visible scarring, and anxiety about walking outside. This type of scenario illustrates how serious police dog bite injuries can be—and why legal action may be necessary to secure compensation for both physical and emotional recovery.
Medical treatment can be extensive, involving surgeries, rehabilitation, and counseling. Pursuing a lawsuit is often the only way to recover the compensation needed for recovery. For a closer look at injury claims, read our post on factors influencing Florida dog bite lawsuit amounts.
Steps to Take After a Police Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been injured by a police dog outside of official law enforcement action, here are key steps to protect your rights:
- Seek medical treatment immediately to document injuries.
- Report the incident to animal control and, if appropriate, local law enforcement.
- Preserve evidence, including photographs of injuries and the location of the attack.
- Contact a lawyer who understands both personal injury lawsuits and the special issues surrounding government liability.
Our article on responding to a lawyer’s letter after an injury claim also provides helpful insight on what to expect if a claim begins to move forward.
How Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. Can Help
Our firm is based in Orlando and represents dog bite victims throughout Florida, including Pensacola, Tampa, and Miami. Unlike many firms, we also defend dog owners and understand the strategies the other side may use against you. This perspective allows us to build stronger cases for our clients.
If you were bitten by a police dog while at home, walking in your neighborhood, or otherwise not engaged in criminal conduct, you may still have a valid claim. Every case is different, and the sooner you speak with an attorney, the better we can protect your rights.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discuss your options.
