Orlando Dog Bite Laws: Your Complete Guide to Owner Liability and Compensation
Dog bites and attacks cause serious injuries and emotional trauma for victims across Orlando and Orange County. Florida's strict liability dog bite laws provide strong protection for victims, but navigating insurance claims and proving damages requires experienced legal representation. This comprehensive guide explains Florida dog bite laws, owner liability, compensation available, and how to maximize your claim after a dog attack.
Injured in an Orlando dog bite or attack? Contact Cardinal Law at 239-610-0845 for a free consultation with an experienced dog bite attorney.
Orlando and Florida Dog Bite Statistics
Dog Bites in Florida Annually
Average Insurance Claim Payout
of Victims Are Children
Florida Leads Nation in Dog Bite Claims
Florida consistently leads the nation in dog bite insurance claims, with Orlando and Orange County experiencing hundreds of serious dog attacks each year. The combination of warm weather encouraging outdoor activity, high dog ownership rates, and Florida's tourist population creates elevated dog bite risk.
Critical Fact: Over half of dog bite victims are children under 12 years old, often suffering facial injuries that result in permanent scarring and psychological trauma requiring years of treatment.
Florida's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Explained
Florida Statute 767.04: The Foundation of Your Claim
"The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners' knowledge of such viciousness."
- Florida Statute 767.04
Florida's dog bite statute is one of the strongest in the nation for victims. Unlike many states that require proof of prior dangerous behavior ("one bite rule"), Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners for injuries caused by their dogs.
What "Strict Liability" Means for Your Case
Under strict liability, you do NOT need to prove:
- • Dog had bitten before: No prior bite history required
- • Owner knew dog was dangerous: Owner's knowledge irrelevant
- • Owner was negligent: Negligence doesn't need to be proven
- • Dog showed aggression previously: Past behavior doesn't matter
You only need to prove three simple elements:
- The defendant owned the dog
- The dog bit you
- You were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred
Who Can Be Held Liable?
- • Dog owners: Primary liability rests with legal owner
- • Harbors or keeps the dog: Anyone with custody/control
- • Landlords (in some cases): If they knew of dangerous dog and failed to act
- • Property owners: Premises liability in certain circumstances
- • Dog walkers/handlers: Professional handlers may share liability
- • Parents of minor owners: Parents responsible for children's dogs
Where Must You Be Lawfully?
Florida's strict liability applies when you're lawfully on public or private property:
- • Public property: Streets, sidewalks, parks, trails
- • Private property (invited): Visiting friend's home, delivery person
- • Private property (duty): Mail carrier, utility worker, police
- • Common areas: Apartment complex hallways, condo amenities
You're NOT lawfully present if:
- • Trespassing on private property
- • Committing a crime at the time of bite
- • Ignoring clear "Beware of Dog" warnings (may reduce damages)
Defense: "Beware of Dog" Signs
Florida Statute 767.04 provides a partial defense for dog owners who display "Bad Dog" or "Beware of Dog" signs:
- • Sign must be prominently displayed on property
- • Effect: Owner still liable, but your comparative negligence may reduce damages
- • Exception: Does NOT protect owner if victim is under 6 years old
- • Warning sign is NOT a complete defense, just reduces recovery
- • Courts consider sign visibility, your age, circumstances
Common Dog Bite and Attack Injuries
Dog bites range from minor puncture wounds to devastating, life-altering injuries. The severity depends on the dog's size and breed, attack location on the body, victim's age and physical condition, and how quickly medical treatment is received.
Physical Injuries:
- • Puncture wounds: Deep tissue damage, infection risk
- • Lacerations: Severe tearing requiring stitches or surgery
- • Facial injuries: Eye damage, nose/ear injuries, facial scarring
- • Broken bones: Especially arms/hands defending against attack
- • Nerve damage: Permanent loss of sensation or function
- • Infections: Rabies, tetanus, sepsis, MRSA
- • Crush injuries: From large dogs with powerful jaws
- • Amputations: Severe attacks resulting in limb loss
Psychological Trauma:
- • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Flashbacks, nightmares
- • Cynophobia: Debilitating fear of dogs
- • Anxiety and depression: Emotional distress requiring therapy
- • Social withdrawal: Especially in children with facial scars
- • Sleep disturbances: Insomnia, night terrors
- • Loss of confidence: Fear of going outside or to parks
Children Are at Highest Risk
Over half of dog bite victims are children, who suffer disproportionately severe injuries:
- • Children's faces are at dog's head level, resulting in facial/head injuries
- • Young victims may require multiple reconstructive surgeries as they grow
- • Psychological trauma can persist into adulthood
- • Children under 6 cannot legally be found comparatively negligent in Florida
- • Damages often include future medical costs for ongoing treatment
Damages You Can Recover in Orlando Dog Bite Cases
Economic Damages (Calculated Financial Losses)
Medical Expenses
- • Emergency room treatment and hospitalization
- • Surgery and anesthesia costs
- • Antibiotics and medication
- • Wound care and infection treatment
- • Reconstructive surgery and skin grafts
- • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- • Psychological counseling and therapy
- • Future medical care for ongoing needs
Average costs: $18,000-$50,000 for moderate injuries requiring surgery; $100,000+ for severe facial reconstruction or permanent disfigurement.
Lost Wages and Income
- • Time off work during recovery
- • Lost wages from missed work days
- • Lost vacation/sick time
- • Reduced earning capacity if permanent injury
- • Loss of business or self-employment income
- • Lost benefits and bonuses
Other Economic Damages
- • Property damage (torn clothing, broken glasses, etc.)
- • Transportation costs to medical appointments
- • Home modifications if permanent disability
- • Household services you can't perform
Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)
Physical Pain and Suffering
Compensation for the physical pain from the attack, medical treatment, surgeries, and ongoing discomfort. Dog bites are among the most painful injuries, often requiring extensive wound care and multiple procedures.
Emotional Distress and Mental Anguish
Dog attacks cause severe psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, depression, fear of dogs, and social isolation. Children especially suffer long-term emotional damage requiring years of therapy.
Disfigurement and Scarring
Permanent scarring, especially facial scars, dramatically impacts quality of life. Victims may face social stigma, reduced self-esteem, difficulty with relationships, and career limitations. Facial scar compensation can reach $100,000-$500,000+ in severe cases.
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
If dog bite injuries prevent you from enjoying activities like sports, outdoor recreation, playing with your own pets, or traveling, you deserve compensation for this diminished quality of life.
Typical Settlement Ranges by Injury Severity
Homeowners Insurance: The Key to Dog Bite Compensation
Most dog bite claims are paid through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy. Understanding how these policies work is critical to maximizing your recovery.
How Homeowners Insurance Covers Dog Bites
- • Personal liability coverage: Homeowners policies typically include $100,000-$300,000 in personal liability coverage that applies to dog bites
- • Medical payments coverage: Smaller coverage (usually $1,000-$5,000) pays medical bills regardless of fault
- • Umbrella policies: Some owners have additional umbrella coverage providing $1-5 million in extra liability coverage
- • Landlord policies: If attack occurs at rental property, landlord's policy may also provide coverage
Breed Restrictions and Policy Exclusions
Many insurance companies exclude or restrict coverage for certain dog breeds considered high-risk:
Commonly Excluded Breeds:
- • Pit Bulls and Staffordshire Terriers
- • Rottweilers
- • German Shepherds
- • Doberman Pinschers
- • Akitas
- • Chow Chows
- • Wolf hybrids
What This Means for Your Claim:
- • If breed is excluded, owner may lack coverage
- • Some policies exclude only bites, not other injuries
- • Owner may have lied to insurer about breed
- • Mixed breeds may or may not be covered
- • Experienced attorney can investigate all coverage options
Prior Bite History and Coverage
Insurance companies often deny or cancel coverage after a dog's first bite:
- • First bite: Usually covered under homeowners policy
- • Second bite: Insurer may deny coverage if they knew of first bite
- • Owner duty to disclose: Owners must inform insurer of prior bites
- • Policy cancellation: Many insurers cancel policies after first bite incident
- • Your attorney will investigate: Whether owner disclosed prior bites to insurer
What If Owner Has No Insurance?
If the dog owner lacks homeowners insurance or coverage is denied, you may still recover compensation through:
- • Owner's personal assets: Sue owner directly for damages
- • Landlord's insurance: If landlord knew dog was dangerous
- • Business liability insurance: If attack occurred at business
- • Your own insurance: Medical payments coverage may apply
- • Payment plans or liens: Court-ordered payment arrangements
Building a Strong Orlando Dog Bite Claim
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
- • Seek medical attention immediately: Even minor bites risk infection. Get emergency care and follow all treatment recommendations.
- • Report to animal control: Call Orange County Animal Services (407-836-3111) to report the bite. This creates official record.
- • Document everything: Photos of injuries, torn clothing, attack scene, the dog itself
- • Get witness information: Names, phone numbers, statements from anyone who saw attack
- • Identify dog owner: Get owner's name, address, phone, insurance information
- • Preserve evidence: Keep torn/bloody clothing, medical records, bills
- • Don't give recorded statements: To owner's insurance without attorney present
Critical Evidence to Gather
- • Medical records: Emergency room reports, doctor's notes, surgical records, therapy documentation
- • Photographs: Injuries at multiple stages of healing, scars, dog itself, attack location
- • Animal control report: Official report documenting the incident and dog's vaccination status
- • Dog's history: Any prior bite incidents, complaints to animal control, aggressive behavior
- • Witness statements: Written or video-recorded statements from witnesses
- • Financial documentation: Medical bills, lost wage verification, out-of-pocket expenses
- • Insurance information: Owner's homeowners/renters policy details
Why You Need an Orlando Dog Bite Lawyer
- • Insurance companies minimize dog bite claims: They blame victims or claim injuries aren't serious
- • Proper valuation requires expertise: Future medical costs, scarring damages, psychological trauma must be accurately calculated
- • Discovery of all insurance coverage: Attorney investigates umbrella policies and other coverage you might not know exists
- • Handling complex liability issues: Multiple owners, landlord liability, comparative negligence defenses
- • No upfront costs: Work on contingency - no fee unless we recover compensation for you
Orlando and Orange County Dog Bite Resources
Orange County Animal Services
- • Phone: (407) 836-3111
- • Address: 2769 Conroy Road, Orlando, FL 32839
- • Services: Bite reports, dog quarantine, vaccination records, dangerous dog investigations
- • Online: Report dog bites and track dangerous dog cases
Orlando Dangerous Dog Ordinances
Orange County classifies dogs that have attacked as "dangerous dogs" or "aggressive dogs":
- • Dangerous dog designation: Dog that has severely injured or killed person/pet
- • Aggressive dog designation: Dog that has bitten or chased threatening manner
- • Owner requirements: Special registration, confinement requirements, liability insurance
- • Violations: Fines up to $500, potential criminal charges
- • Helps your claim: Official dangerous dog finding strengthens liability case
Medical Treatment Centers in Orlando
Recommended medical facilities for dog bite treatment:
- • Orlando Health Emergency Rooms: Multiple locations for immediate care
- • AdventHealth Emergency Departments: Comprehensive trauma care
- • Nemours Children's Hospital: Pediatric dog bite specialists
- • Urgent care centers: For less severe bites requiring stitches
- • Plastic surgeons: Reconstructive surgery for facial injuries
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando Dog Bite Claims
What if the dog was being friendly and accidentally bit me?
Florida's strict liability law applies regardless of the dog's intent. Even if the owner says "he was just playing," you're still entitled to compensation for injuries caused by the bite.
Can I sue if a dog knocked me down but didn't bite?
Yes, but you'll need to prove negligence rather than relying on strict liability. If an unleashed dog jumped on you causing injuries, you can pursue a negligence claim against the owner for failing to control their animal.
What if the dog bite happened at a friend's house?
You can still pursue a claim through your friend's homeowners insurance. The insurance company pays, not your friend personally. Many people worry about damaging friendships, but you deserve compensation for serious injuries.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?
Two years from the date of the dog bite under Florida's statute of limitations for personal injury claims (changed from 4 years in March 2023). Don't wait - contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Will the dog be put down because it bit me?
Not necessarily. Dogs are typically quarantined for 10 days to monitor for rabies. Euthanasia is only ordered if the dog is deemed dangerous after investigation or if it has killed someone. Your civil claim is separate from any criminal/animal control action.
What if my child was bitten at a neighbor's house?
Children under 6 cannot be found comparatively negligent in Florida, providing maximum protection. If your child was lawfully on the property (invited to play), you have a strong claim through the neighbor's homeowners insurance.
Injured in an Orlando Dog Bite Attack?
Don't let insurance companies minimize your dog bite claim. Florida's strict liability law provides strong protection for victims, but you need experienced legal representation to maximize your compensation. Our Orlando dog bite attorneys have recovered millions for dog attack victims across Central Florida.
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