Florida Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers
Dog bites can be terrifying, painful, and life-altering experiences, often leaving victims with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and significant financial burdens. In Florida, the law holds dog owners strictly liable for damages their dogs cause, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Florida, understanding your legal rights is paramount.
Our Florida personal injury attorneys at Chubb Law are committed to helping victims navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation they deserve. We understand the physical pain, emotional distress, and financial hardship that can result from a dog attack, and our dog bite lawyers are here to provide compassionate, comprehensive, and aggressive legal representation.
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
Dog bite statistics across the United States highlight the widespread nature of these incidents and their significant impact. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 1.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that nearly one in five of those bites requires medical attention. Children are the most common victims of serious dog bite injuries.
According to the Insurance Information Institute (III), Florida consistently ranks in the top ten for dog bite insurance claims. Florida insurers pay nearly $70,000 per dog bite claim annually. These statistics underscore the importance of legal support for victims. Our animal attack attorneys help injured parties receive the compensation they need to recover fully.
What You Need to Know About Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are more common than many realize and can occur in various settings, including a neighbor’s house, a public park, or even your yard. Florida law imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their pets, which means a bite victim can often recover damages without having to prove the owner’s negligence.
However, building a strong claim still requires gathering evidence, understanding the legal landscape, and negotiating with insurers. Our experienced Florida animal attack law firm can handle these tasks for you.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries in Seminole County
Seminole County includes a mix of suburban neighborhoods, dog parks, and natural recreational areas where pets and people frequently interact. Unfortunately, these environments also increase the risk of dog bite incidents. Cities like Sanford, Altamonte Springs, and Lake Mary are not immune to dog bites. Chubb Law is thoroughly familiar with local ordinances and county-specific legal procedures, enabling us to provide targeted representation to dog bite victims in Seminole County and beyond.
While specific, detailed statistics on dog bites directly attributable to negligence in Seminole County for a recent year are not readily available publicly, the Florida Department of Health does track rabies surveillance cases by county, which often correlate with animal bites. The Florida Department of Health’s rabies surveillance data for Seminole County indicates that animal bite incidents, though not exclusively dog bites, are a recurring concern.
Key Legal Concepts in Dog Bite Lawsuits
Florida’s dog bite law operates under a strict liability standard. Unlike in some other states where you might have to prove the dog owner knew their dog was dangerous, in Florida, the owner is generally liable for damages if their dog bites someone while that person is in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s prior history of aggression or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. However, there are important nuances and exceptions to this strict liability rule:
- “Bad dog” sign defense: If the dog owner displayed a prominent, easily readable “Bad Dog” sign on their premises, they may not be liable for damages unless the person bitten was under the age of six or the damages were proximately caused by the owner’s negligent act or omission.
- Provocation: If the victim’s negligence, such as teasing, taunting, or abusing the dog, was a proximate cause of the biting incident, the court may reduce the owner’s liability by the percentage that the bitten person’s negligence contributed to the incident. This falls under Florida’s comparative fault rule.
- Trespassing: The strict liability rule generally does not apply if the person bitten was trespassing or unlawfully on the owner’s property.
Understanding these legal concepts is crucial for building a strong dog bite claim in Florida.
Legal Rights of Dog Bite Victims
Florida dog bite victims have several rights. These include the right to:
- Seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress
- Pursue claims against negligent dog owners or caretakers
- File lawsuits even if the dog had no history of violence
- Be free from retaliation or intimidation for pursuing legal action
If you have been injured, our Florida dog bite law firm helps protect and assert these rights effectively and efficiently.
Damages You Can Recover in Dog Bite Accidents
The goal of a dog bite claim is to recover damages that compensate you for all losses incurred due to the incident. In Florida, these damages can include economic and non-economic losses:
Economic Damages
These damages are your quantifiable financial losses and can include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are your non-monetary losses and are often subjective. They can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
The amount of damages you can recover depends on the unique facts of your case, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the available insurance coverage. Our Florida animal attack attorneys assess the full value of your damages to make sure insurers do not shortchange you.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Injuries
In most dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy or renter’s insurance policy is the primary source of compensation for the victim. These policies typically include liability coverage that extends to dog bite incidents. However, there are important considerations:
- Policy limits: Insurance policies have limits on the amount of coverage they provide. If the damages exceed these limits, recovering full compensation can become more complex.
- Breed restrictions: Some insurance companies have breed-specific restrictions and may deny coverage for certain dog breeds that they consider high-risk.
- Prior bite history exclusions: If a dog has a history of biting, some insurance policies may exclude coverage for future incidents.
- Mandatory liability insurance: Florida has enacted new legislation this year that mandates owners of dogs classified as dangerous to secure at least $100,000 in liability insurance coverage.
Navigating insurance claims can be challenging, as insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts. Our experienced dog bite attorneys can negotiate with insurers on your behalf to help you receive a fair settlement.
COMMON TYPES OF DOG BITE CASES WE HANDLE IN FLORIDA
Our dog bite law firm handles a variety of dog bite cases in Florida, representing victims who have suffered injuries in various circumstances. Some common types of cases we encounter include:
- Neighbor dog bites
- Friend or family member’s dog bites
- Stray dog attacks
- Off-leash dog attacks
- Mail carrier or delivery person bites
- Child dog bite injuries
- Dog attacks on other pets
- Attacks on public or private property
Regardless of the specific circumstances, our Florida animal attack lawyers are prepared to investigate your case thoroughly and advocate for your rights.
COMMON CAUSES OF DOG BITE INJURIES
Dog bites often result from a combination of factors related to the dog’s behavior, the owner’s actions, and the environment. Some common causes include:
- Lack of proper training and socialization
- Owner negligence or irresponsibility
- Territoriality
- Fear or startle response
- Pain or illness
- Resource guarding
- Excitement or overstimulation
- Children’s interactions
Identifying the cause of the bite is crucial for establishing liability and building a strong legal case.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Accident
If you or someone you love is bitten:
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Report the incident to local animal control
- Take photos of injuries and the scene
- Collect contact information of the dog owner and witnesses
- Avoid giving recorded statements to insurers
- Contact our experienced Florida dog bite lawyers
Acting quickly protects your health and legal rights. Chubb Law can guide you through every step.
The Cost of Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bites can lead to long-term consequences and financial burdens, including:
- Hospital and surgical costs
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Psychological counseling for trauma
- Lost income from missed work
- Future cosmetic or reconstructive surgeries
Understanding the full scope of these potential costs is why having an animal attack lawyer who can accurately assess your damages and fight for comprehensive compensation is crucial.
The Dog Bite Claim Process in Florida
Navigating a dog bite claim in Florida can be complex, involving several stages. Here is a general overview of the process:
- Initial consultation
- Investigation and evidence collection
- Filing an insurance claim or lawsuit
- Settlement negotiations
- Litigation if necessary
- Resolution through settlement or trial verdict
The timeline for a dog bite claim can vary significantly depending on the case’s complexity, severity of injuries, and parties’ willingness to settle.
Building a Strong Case for a Dog Bite Claim
Building a strong case is essential to maximize your chances of a successful dog bite claim in Florida. Our team builds compelling dog bite cases by:
- Collecting medical records and photographs
- Interviewing witnesses and gathering statements
- Consulting with medical and animal behavior experts
- Investigating the dog’s history and past incidents
- Reviewing local ordinances and relevant laws
These efforts ensure that you are in the strongest possible position to recover the damages you deserve.
Florida Personal Injury Statute of Limitations for Dog Bites & Animal Attacks
Florida’s statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is two years from the date of the incident. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering damages. Do not delay. Contact Chubb Law immediately after your injury to preserve your legal rights.
Establishing Negligence in a Florida Dog Bite Case
While Florida applies strict liability, establishing negligence can bolster your case and possibly entitle you to additional damages. Negligence on the dog owner’s part might include:
- Violation of leash laws
- Failure to control
- Inadequate fencing or containment
- Failure to warn
- Ignoring past incidents
Establishing negligence can strengthen your case, particularly if the owner attempts to argue comparative fault or if the specific circumstances of the bite fall outside the strict liability statute.
Comparative Fault in a Dog Bite Claim
Florida follows a modified comparative fault system. If the court finds a victim partially responsible, it may proportionally reduce their compensation or eliminate it if they are more than 50% at fault.
Our legal team works hard to refute allegations of shared fault and maximize your recovery.
LIABILITY IN DOG BITE ACCIDENTS
In Florida, the primary party held liable for a dog bite is typically the dog owner. However, liability can sometimes extend beyond the immediate owner to other parties, depending on the specific circumstances:
- Property owners or landlords
- Property managers or tenants
- Animal keepers or caregivers
- Dog walkers or handlers
Determining all potentially liable parties is a crucial step in ensuring that you pursue compensation from all available sources. Our animal attack law firm thoroughly investigates to identify all responsible parties in your dog bite case.
WHY YOU SHOULD CHOOSE CHUBB LAW FOR YOUR DOG BITE CASE
At Chubb Law, we bring:
- In-depth knowledge of Florida dog bite laws
- Experience with Seminole County courts and procedures
- A 99.9% success rate in personal injury cases
- Dedicated, client-focused legal advocacy
- Contingency-based representation
- Eight promises for all our clients
When a dog bite turns your life upside down, you need a legal team that understands your struggles and is equipped to fight for your rights. Chubb Law is that team.
Contact Our Florida Dog Bite Attorneys at Chubb Law Today
If you or someone you love has suffered a dog bite in Florida, you do not have to face the legal system alone. Let our experienced personal injury attorneys at Chubb Law handle your case with the compassion, skill, and determination it deserves. We proudly serve clients in Seminole County and throughout Florida.
Contact our personal injury team today to schedule a free consultation. We are here to help you move forward with strength and confidence.
DOG BITE FAQs
Can I still sue if the bite did not break the skin?
Yes. Even non-penetrative bites or aggressive behavior resulting in injury, like a fall, can support a valid claim.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
You can still pursue compensation through their insurance without creating personal financial liability for them.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Under Florida’s strict liability rule, prior behavior is not a factor. Owners are responsible regardless of the dog’s history.
How is Chubb Law different?
We could list all the awards we’ve received or tell you how much better our results are than other law firms– but that’s not what makes us different. We are different because we truly care about our clients. Because we care, you won’t feel like you’re one of 10,000. You will feel heard and prioritized. You will feel confident in your legal team. You will feel like you’re in the right place.
How much does it cost to start a case? I heard it’s free? How do you make money?
It doesn’t cost anything to start your case and you will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay us only if we win your case. Our fee comes in the form of a percentage of the settlement or verdict amount we obtain.
Do I really need an attorney or should I just work things out with the insurance?
We tell people all of the time, “if insurance companies would just treat people right there would be no need for what we do.” Unfortunately, most of the time insurance companies don’t treat people right. The only way to ensure you are protecting your rights is to consult with an attorney.
Should I take an insurance offer?
No. Not without consulting an attorney. We make all clients an “Increased Offer Guarantee.” If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
I already have an attorney, can I change attorneys?
Yes. In the state of Florida, you can change attorneys mid-case. In fact, you can fire your current lawyer for practically any reason. The Florida Supreme Court has set out “10 Basic Rights” that every client is entitled to from their lawyer. Read more about those here.
Mitch’s 8 Promises
1
Full-story, free consultation.
Our initial conversation does not have a time limit. We want to connect and hear your full story.
2
110%
We are selective in the cases we take so we can give 110% to those we do.
3
$0 out-of-pocket fees.
You will never pay us anything out of your own pocket. There are never upfront costs on your case. We only get paid if we win your case.
4
Unlimited.
Our clients are guaranteed unlimited communication with their legal team.
5
Proactive communication.
We consistently communicate with you to keep you updated on your case.
6
You call the shots.
You call the shots, we lead the way. We never make decisions against your desires.
7
Increased offer guarantee.
If there is an offer on the table from the insurance company at the time of hiring us, we guarantee we will increase it, or we will waive our fee.
8
The “why should I hire an attorney guarantee.”
When you hire us, not only will we handle everything, but the result we get will leave you with more in your pocket— even after attorney’s fees.
Contact Us Today for a Free Case Evaluation
Do not wait to seek legal help if you or a loved one has been injured in an accident. Contact our Seminole County personal injury law firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation. During your consultation, we will review the details of your case, explain your rights and legal options, and provide you with honest and straightforward advice about how to proceed.
Remember, you do not have to face this difficult time alone. Let Mitch and Christopher fight for you so you can focus on your recovery and move forward with your life.
