A dog bite can change everything in an instant. One moment you’re walking down the sidewalk or visiting a friend, and the next, you’re facing pain, medical bills, and tough questions about who’s responsible. The injury is only part of it. What follows can be just as stressful.
Florida law gives bite victims the right to pursue legal action. In many cases, dog owners can be held responsible. If this has happened to you, a Florida dog bite lawyer can help you explore your legal options. Winston Law has experience guiding clients through dog bite claims with care and confidence.
Understanding Florida’s Dog Bite Liability Law
Florida Statute § 767.04 takes a strict liability approach to dog bite injuries. That means owners are generally responsible for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog had never been aggressive before.
You don’t have to prove the owner was negligent. If you were lawfully on the property and didn’t provoke the dog, the law is likely on your side. A Florida dog bite attorney can explain how this applies in your case.
Where Dog Bites Commonly Happen in Florida
Dog bites can happen anywhere, but they’re especially common in:
- Residential neighborhoods
- Apartment buildings
- Public parks
- Pet-friendly stores and cafes
In cities like Miami, Tampa, and Orlando, bites often happen in busy public spaces where dogs and people mix. No matter the location, owners have a duty to control their pets. A Florida personal injury lawyer can determine whether that duty was violated.
Dog Bite Injuries Can Have Long-Term Consequences
Some bites are minor. Others leave serious damage that lasts for years, including:
- Puncture wounds: Can affect muscle or tissue
- Nerve damage: May cause pain, numbness, or tingling
- Infections: Such as cellulitis or even rabies
- Disfigurement or scarring: Sometimes requires surgery
- Emotional trauma: Especially common in children
The CDC reports around 800,000 dog bites a year require medical attention. Florida is consistently among the top states for dog bite insurance claims. A Florida personal injury attorney can help calculate the full impact, including physical, emotional, and financial effects.
Why You Should Call a Lawyer After a Dog Bite in Florida
After a dog bite, things can move fast. Evidence disappears. Injuries may get worse. Insurance companies might try to pressure you into settling for less than you deserve.
That’s why it helps to have a Florida dog bite lawyer on your side. A lawyer can protect your rights, build your case, and handle communication with the insurer. This is especially important if the dog’s owner is someone you know.
And don’t wait too long. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years to file a dog bite injury claim. Missing that deadline could mean giving up your right to seek compensation.
You don’t have to handle this alone.
Call Winston Law for Help With a Florida Dog Bite Claim
You didn’t ask to be hurt, but you can take steps to protect yourself. At Winston Law, we’ve spent over 30+ years standing up for injury victims and challenging insurance companies that avoid responsibility.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, we’ll take the time to listen, explain your options, and stay by your side throughout the process. We believe that when a client isn’t cared for, something is wrong—and we take that seriously.
Call (954) 475-9666 or contact us online today to speak with a Florida dog bite attorney who puts your needs first.
