Although dog parks can be great places for dog owners and their furry companions to play in a safe environment, an accident can happen at any time. Dog bites can leave victims with substantial physical and emotional injuries leaving them to contend with medical expenses and other damages. To make matters worse, many dog bite victims may be unsure who may be liable for injuries at a dog park. However, the pet owner is almost always liable when their dog bites someone. After suffering a dog bite injury, you can hold the pet owner responsible through a dog bite injury claim.
If you have been injured by a strange dog in a Florida dog park, an experienced attorney can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover from your injuries. At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., our Orlando dog bite attorneys have over 100 years of experience helping dog bite injury victims like you hold negligent pet owners accountable for the harm they have caused. When you partner with us, we will work with you to understand every detail of your case so we can fight for justice on your behalf.
How to Pursue Justice After Suffering a Dog Bite at a Florida Dog Park
In most circumstances, dog owners are liable when their pet bites and injures another person. Under Florida’s strict liability laws, dog owners are responsible for any injuries that occur when their dog bites someone in a private or public place they have a legal right to be, including a dog park. If your case meets these criteria, you have the right to file a claim for compensation under Florida’s dog bite laws. However, the claims process can be complex and difficult to traverse on your own. An attorney can help you file a claim and pursue justice from the dog’s owner and compensation for the full extent of your injuries and other losses.
Acting quickly after a dog attack by contacting an attorney who can help you file your claim is essential. All states abide by a legal time limit known as the statute of limitations for filing dog bite claims. In Florida, the statute of limitations is typically two years from the date of the incident. While two years may seem like ample time to navigate the legal process, it is in your best interest to act sooner rather than later. Critical evidence supporting your claim may be lost or destroyed over time, and witnesses to the attack may move away or forget what they saw. Pursuing legal action against the negligent dog owner can also help prevent future attacks. When you retain a skilled attorney from Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A., we immediately begin work on your case to help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Damages You May Be Eligible to Collect After a Florida Dog Bite Injury
After sustaining injuries from an animal attack at a dog park, victims typically require extensive medical treatment and several days or weeks off of work. Additionally, many victims suffer emotional wounds, which impact their overall quality of life. If you were injured due to a pet owner’s negligence, you deserve compensation for your economic and non-economic losses. A few types of damages our attorneys can help you seek include:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Significant disfigurement or disability
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment in life
- Pain and suffering
Our attorneys are dedicated to considering your current and future needs as we fight for a favorable outcome and the maximum compensation for your losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries at Florida Dog Parks
Who is legally responsible for an injury at a Florida dog park caused by a dog bite?
In most cases, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries their pets cause—even in a public place like a dog park. Florida follows a strict liability rule, which means the owner can be held accountable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. If you suffered a dog bite while lawfully visiting a dog park, you may have the right to file a dog bite claim against the owner to recover damages.
What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog in a public place like a dog park?
After sustaining an injury at a Florida dog park, seek medical attention right away—even for minor wounds. Report the incident to park authorities or animal control and try to get contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses. Document your injuries and keep all records related to your medical bills. Contacting an experienced attorney early on can help preserve evidence and strengthen your case.
Can I take legal action if I didn’t know the dog or the owner?
Yes. Even if the dog is a stranger, you still have the right to pursue legal action under Florida’s strict liability laws, as long as you were in the public place legally (like a dog park). A skilled attorney can help identify the dog owner and hold them accountable through a formal dog bite claim.
What types of compensation can I receive after a dog bite at a Florida dog park?
If you were injured due to a dog bite, you may be eligible for several forms of compensation, including medical bills (current and future), lost wages, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. If the attack caused long-term effects like scarring or disability, those damages can also be claimed. A personal injury attorney will work to help you seek the maximum compensation for your losses.
Is the property owner or the dog owner liable for dog bite injuries at a public park?
Typically, the dog owner is the primary party held liable for any injury at a Florida dog park. However, if the property owner (such as the city or county) failed to maintain safe conditions or knowingly allowed a dangerous dog to remain in the park, they might share partial liability. An attorney can evaluate the facts of your case and determine all parties responsible.
Speak to a Talented Dog Bite Attorney at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A.
If you have suffered an injury at a Florida dog park, you may feel understandably stressed, overwhelmed, and unsure of your legal options. The trusted attorneys at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso, and Dennis, P.A. are ready to apply their extensive experience and skills to your unique case. We find pet owner negligence unacceptable and will fight aggressively for your rights, interests, and the total value of your claim.
To schedule a free consultation and learn more about how our seasoned attorneys can help you, call us today at (407) 843-7060 or complete our contact form.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A.
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. Helping the injured since 1966, they’ve successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases across Florida. Whether you’re a Florida resident or an out-of-state visitor injured in Florida, we’re dedicated to providing clear and reliable information to help you navigate your legal options confidently.