Our Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys Are Experienced with Animal Attack Injuries
The Orlando dog bite lawyers at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. are here to help you, even under challenging circumstances. Some examples of dog bite cases we have handled include:
- We represented an internationally published author who was attacked and bitten by a neighbor’s dog. Although our client had agreed to feed the dog as a favor while the neighbors were out of town, her neighbors never told her about the dog’s aggressive nature around food. The dog attack severely damaged her dominant writing hand, and the case was settled during the lawsuit. (We cannot disclose the amount due to a confidentiality agreement).
- A barking dog caused a man to fall and injure his arm. We filed the lawsuit based on both negligence and Florida Statute 767.01 imposing liability on the dog owners for damage done by their dogs. We reached a settlement of $100,000.
Often, dog bite victims can seek compensation through the pet owner’s homeowners’ insurance policy to cover medical bills and other damages. In some dog bite claims, we may recover damages exceeding the policy’s limits.
Florida Laws for Animal Attacks
Florida has two main statutes governing dog owners’ liability for their dogs. The statutes make an owner of a dog responsible for any injury, harm, or loss caused by the owner’s dog, with a few exceptions:
- Under Florida Statute 767.04, the owner of a dog can be liable for dog bite injuries to a person bitten by the dog. It makes no difference whether the dog has bitten someone in the past, and it makes no difference whether the owner of the dog knows about the dog biting someone in the past. The owner can be strictly liable for the injuries caused when the dog bites another person.
- Florida Statute 767.01 establishes that dog owners are liable for any damage done by their dogs to a person, property, or to any animal, domestic animal, and livestock. The owner of a vicious dog could be responsible for any damage caused by the dog, regardless of physical contact. For example, in one case, a dog chased someone, and the person tripped and was injured while trying to escape the dog attack. No contact is required between the dog and the injured party for the owner to be liable if the dog’s action caused the injuries.
In addition, disease control measures may play a role in certain dog bite cases, especially if the attack exposes the victim to rabies or other illnesses. These medical concerns further highlight the importance of pursuing legal action with an experienced dog bite lawyer to ensure your health and financial well-being.
Get in Touch With a Dog Bite Attorney in Orlando Today
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite in Orlando, it’s imperative that you employ an Orlando personal injury attorney as soon as possible. The lawyers at Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. have decades of combined experience fighting to get our clients the compensation they deserve. If you are in need of an experienced dog bite lawyer, contact us today by calling (407) 843-7060 or submit a contact form. Free consultations.
Frequently Asked Questions to a Lawyer in Orlando About Dog Bite Cases
When should I contact a dog bite lawyer after a dog attack?
You should contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after a dog attack to protect your rights and ensure evidence is preserved. Prompt legal action can help you recover compensation for dog bite injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Many dog bite attorneys also offer free consultations to discuss your case and guide you through the legal process.
What compensation can dog bite victims receive in personal injury cases?
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, rehabilitation costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma caused by the incident. In some personal injury cases, victims may also recover damages for disfigurement, long-term disability, or psychological therapy stemming from the attack.
How do dog bite attorneys prove liability in dog bite cases?
Dog bite attorneys use evidence such as witness statements, medical reports, and local ordinances to prove liability in dog bite cases. Florida’s strict liability laws hold dog owners accountable for dog bite injuries, even if the dog has no history of aggression. Additionally, they may argue negligence if the owner failed to control the animal during the dog attack.
What steps should dog bite victims take immediately after an attack?
After a dog attack, dog bite victims should seek medical attention right away, even for minor injuries, as untreated wounds can lead to infections or complications. Report the incident to local authorities and obtain the dog owner’s contact and insurance information. Consulting an experienced dog bite lawyer can help you pursue a claim and ensure you are compensated for your injuries.
Can emotional trauma from a dog attack be included in dog bite cases?
Yes, emotional trauma is often a factor in dog bite cases, especially if the attack resulted in lasting psychological harm, such as fear of dogs or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A skilled dog bite lawyer can include non-economic damages like emotional suffering in your claim to ensure you receive full compensation for all aspects of your recovery.
Legally Written and Reviewed by a Managing Partner
Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis
Our content is written and reviewed by our founding attorneys Butch Wooten, Orman Kimbrough, Mike Damaso, and Tom Dennis. With over 100 years of combined courtroom experience, 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.