Who Pays My Medical Bills After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Florida, one of your first concerns is likely: Who is responsible for paying my medical bills? Florida law provides strong protections for dog bite victims, but getting compensated can still be complicated. Whether you’re dealing with hospital bills, follow-up care, or plastic surgery, it’s important to understand your legal options and how liability works in these cases.
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we represent individuals across the state who have been seriously injured by dog attacks. Our Orlando-based firm knows how to hold the right parties accountable—and how to pursue the compensation you need to recover.
Florida’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Under Florida Statute §767.04, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries their dog causes—meaning you don’t need to prove they were negligent. If a dog bites you while you are lawfully on public or private property, the owner is typically responsible for the damages, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
This means that in most cases, the dog owner or their insurance provider is on the hook for your medical bills.
Exceptions to Strict Liability
There are exceptions that could affect who pays:
- If you were trespassing at the time of the bite
- If you provoked the dog
- If the owner had a clear “Bad Dog” sign in certain situations
Even in these scenarios, you may still have legal options. A personal injury attorney can help assess your case.
What Types of Medical Bills Can You Recover?
After a dog bite, your medical needs can go far beyond a simple ER visit. Florida law allows injury victims to pursue compensation for:
- Emergency room treatment
- Surgery or wound care
- Physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling (especially in traumatic attacks)
- Plastic surgery for scarring or disfigurement
- Future medical expenses
You can also pursue compensation for pain and suffering, lost income, and more. For a breakdown of potential compensation, see our Florida dog bite settlement guide.
Who Actually Pays? Insurance Options That May Apply
Homeowners or Renters Insurance
Most Florida dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance. These policies often include liability coverage for dog bites, sometimes up to $100,000 or more.
Landlord Liability
If the bite occurred in an apartment or rental property, the landlord could also be responsible under certain conditions—especially if they knew the dog was dangerous and allowed it to stay on the premises. Learn more about landlord liability in Florida dog bite cases.
Business Liability Insurance
If you were bitten at a business—like a pet store, groomer, or restaurant patio—the business’s commercial liability insurance may be responsible for your medical expenses.
Your Own Health Insurance
While pursuing your legal claim, your health insurance may temporarily cover your medical treatment. However, your provider may seek reimbursement (called subrogation) from any settlement you receive.
What If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance?
Unfortunately, some dog owners have no applicable insurance—or deny liability altogether. In these cases, your options may include:
- Filing a lawsuit directly against the owner
- Seeking payment through your own uninsured liability coverage (if applicable)
- Exploring victim compensation programs or hardship relief depending on the circumstances
These are fact-specific situations where working with a Florida dog bite attorney is especially important.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait to Speak to a Lawyer
Florida has a strict statute of limitations for personal injury claims. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to recover anything at all. Evidence can disappear, witnesses become harder to find, and the dog’s behavior may be disputed later.
Talking to a lawyer early allows you to:
- Preserve key evidence (including medical records and photographs)
- Identify all potentially responsible parties
- Communicate with insurance companies the right way
- Maximize your chances of full compensation
Our firm has extensive experience with dog bite claims in Orlando, Tampa, Miami, and throughout Florida. We know how to build a strong case from day one.
How Florida Civil Counsel, P.A. Can Help
At Florida Civil Counsel, P.A., we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a serious dog bite can cause. Our attorneys are committed to helping injury victims get justice and compensation for their losses.
We handle the legal side so you can focus on healing. Whether your case settles quickly or goes to trial, our team will be with you every step of the way.
