Why Trust Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, P.A. with Your Orlando Dog Bite Case?
Choosing the right Orlando dog bite accident lawyer can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Here’s how our Orlando personal injury law firm stands out:
- Proven Track Record: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients and have established ourselves as trusted advocates for dog bite accident victims, including both local residents and tourists.
- No Win, No Fee: Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.
- Extensive Experience: We’ve helped the injured since 1966 and have the knowledge and resources to fight for the fair compensation you deserve, whether you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, wrongful death, or the complexities of Florida’s no-fault insurance laws.
- Deep Knowledge of Insurance Processes: Navigating the complexities of insurance claims can be challenging, whether you’re a local resident or a visitor unfamiliar with Florida’s no-fault system. Our deep understanding of insurance company processes allows us to advocate strongly on your behalf, ensuring that your rights are protected.
- Expert Negotiators: Our Orlando personal injury attorneys have extensive experience in dealing with insurance companies and their tactics to minimize payouts, ensuring you receive the maximum compensation possible.
- Comprehensive Case Handling: We handle all types of auto accident cases, from rear-end collisions to complex rollover accidents, with a deep understanding of Orlando’s unique driving challenges.
- Support for Tourists and Visitors: Orlando is a major tourist destination, and we frequently assist out-of-town visitors who have been involved in dog bite accidents while on vacation. Whether you live in Florida or are visiting from another state or country, our team is equipped to manage your case efficiently and effectively, even after you’ve returned home.
- Holistic Support: We understand that auto accidents can have far-reaching consequences beyond physical injuries. Many accident victims experience emotional trauma, anxiety, and financial stress. Our attorneys provide compassionate guidance to help you navigate these challenges.
- Personalized Legal Representation: We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our ability to deliver results. We tailor our legal representation to your unique needs, offering aggressive advocacy and compassionate support through every step of the process.
- Experience with Various Types of Accidents: Our experience extends beyond dog bite accidents to include motorcycle, commercial vehicle, pedestrian, bicycle, and truck accidents, allowing us to provide comprehensive representation no matter the circumstances of your case.
- Specialized Knowledge: Our attorneys bring specialized knowledge in handling cases involving Lyft, Uber, and other ride-sharing services, as well as delivery trucks and taxis, ensuring all aspects of your accident are thoroughly addressed.
We pride ourselves on our commitment to our clients and our ability to deliver results. We understand the challenges that Orlando dog bite accident victims face, and we are dedicated to providing personalized legal representation tailored to your unique needs.
Contact us today for a free consultation by calling (407) 843-7060 or filling out our contact form if you’ve been injured in a dog bite accident in Central Florida.
The unexpected violence of a dog attack can transform a routine moment into a life-altering trauma in seconds. Beyond the immediate physical injuries—from deep puncture wounds and severe lacerations to nerve damage and permanent disfigurement – dog bite victims often face extensive medical treatments, psychological trauma, and financial burdens from medical bills and lost work. In Florida, where dog bites remain a significant safety concern with hundreds of hospitalizations annually, victims need skilled legal representation to navigate the path to fair compensation.
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.
Understanding Florida Dog Bite Laws
Under Florida law, dog owners can be held liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. The law protects individuals invited onto property for business or social purposes and covers both physical injuries and resulting psychological trauma.
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.
Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Florida follows a comparative negligence standard, which means compensation may be reduced based on any percentage of fault assigned to the victim. For example, if you were deemed 20% responsible for provoking the dog, your compensation might be reduced by that percentage.
Important Exceptions and Time Limitations
Several crucial factors can impact your dog bite claim. The statute of limitations for injuries from dog bites is four years unless the dog injury resulted in a claim for negligence, in which case the limitation period is two years. However, numerous exceptions can extend or shorten these deadlines, including cases involving minors, government entities, or when the injury wasn’t immediately discoverable. Because these timeframes can vary significantly depending on the unique details and factors surrounding your specific case, consulting with an experienced dog bite attorney promptly ensures your legal rights remain protected.
Dog owners who prominently display a “Bad Dog” sign may escape liability in certain situations, except in cases involving children under six years old or negligence by the owner. Government employees performing their duties when bitten may face different legal standards.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite injuries often result in substantial damage. As your Orlando dog bite attorneys, we pursue comprehensive compensation across several categories to address all aspects of your suffering and financial losses.
Medical Expenses and Recovery Costs
We work to secure compensation for all medical treatment related to your dog bite. This includes emergency care and hospitalization immediately following the attack, as well as surgical procedures that may be necessary to repair tissue damage or address complications. Our attorneys also fight for coverage of ongoing expenses such as prescription medications, physical therapy, rehabilitation services, and psychological counseling to address trauma. For severe cases, we ensure future medical needs are calculated into your compensation package.
Economic Impact on Your Career and Income
Dog bites frequently force victims to miss work during their recovery period, creating immediate financial strain. In more severe cases, injuries can permanently affect your ability to perform your job or even necessitate a career change. Our team diligently documents all lost wages during your recovery period and works with economic experts to accurately calculate any reduction in earning capacity resulting from permanent limitations. When necessary, we include job retraining costs in your compensation demand.
Non-Economic Damages for Trauma and Suffering
Beyond the calculable economic damages, we pursue compensation for the significant physical pain and emotional suffering caused by dog attacks. Physical pain from injuries can be debilitating, while the psychological impact – including emotional distress, PTSD, and anxiety related to dogs or the attack location – often persists long after physical wounds heal. We also account for the impact of scarring and disfigurement, which can affect your quality of life and self-confidence for years to come.
How Our Orlando Dog Bite Attorneys Help You
When you choose Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis to represent your dog bite case, we provide comprehensive legal support tailored to your unique situation and designed to maximize your recovery.
Building Your Case Through Thorough Investigation
We begin by conducting a detailed investigation to establish a solid foundation for your claim. Our process includes identifying and confirming the dog owner’s identity and legal responsibility, thoroughly documenting the attack scene, and collecting statements from witnesses who observed the incident. We also obtain official animal control reports and research any previous bite history that could demonstrate the owner’s prior knowledge of aggression. When appropriate, we consult with medical experts who can provide professional assessments of your injuries and their long-term implications.
Strategic Negotiations with Insurance Companies
Most dog bite claims involve negotiations with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance provider. Our experienced attorneys manage all communications with insurance adjusters, protecting you from potentially damaging statements while advocating for your interests. We develop comprehensive demand packages that clearly demonstrate the full extent of your damages, backed by medical documentation and expert opinions. When faced with initial lowball settlement offers, we counter with evidence-based arguments and negotiate strategically to maximize your compensation while avoiding unnecessary delays.
Litigation Expertise When Fair Settlement Isn’t Offered
If insurance companies refuse to offer a fair settlement, our trial-ready attorneys prepare your case for court presentation. This preparation includes filing all necessary legal documents within required deadlines and conducting thorough depositions and formal discovery to strengthen your position. We work closely with expert witnesses who can testify about your injuries and their impact on your life, and we develop persuasive presentation strategies to effectively communicate your story to a jury.
Get Personalized Legal Help
Since 1966, our board-certified attorneys have personally handled thousands of injury cases with exceptional care and attention. Each case receives collaborative support from our entire team.
Get Help From Our Orlando Dog Bite Lawyers Today
After suffering a dog bite, seeking immediate medical attention should be your first priority. Your next step should be consulting with our experienced legal team to protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Florida’s statute of limitations means time restrictions apply to your case, so prompt action is essential.
At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our Orlando personal injury attorneys have been fighting for injury victims throughout Florida for over 60 years. Our award-winning legal team provides personalized attention and aggressive representation while you focus on recovery. Contact us today at (407) 843-7060 or through our contact form for a free consultation about your dog bite case.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orlando Dog Bite Cases
What is Florida’s strict liability law for dog bites?
Florida operates under a strict liability dog bite law (Florida Statute §767.04), meaning dog owners are automatically liable for injuries their dog causes when biting someone—regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before or if the owner knew the dog could be dangerous. This is a major advantage for victims because you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or knew their dog was aggressive, unlike many other states that follow the “one bite rule.” Under Florida’s law, the owner is liable if two conditions are met: the victim was bitten by the dog, and the victim was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property (including the owner’s property). “Lawfully on private property” includes anyone with an expressed or implied invitation, such as guests, mail carriers, utility workers, delivery drivers, or anyone performing official duties. However, important exceptions exist: if the owner prominently displays a clear “Bad Dog” sign on their property, they may avoid liability except when the victim is under 6 years old or when the owner’s negligence caused the bite; if you were trespassing on private property, strict liability doesn’t apply; and Florida’s comparative negligence law reduces your compensation if you’re found partially at fault for provoking the dog or ignoring warnings. For example, if you’re awarded $100,000 but deemed 25% responsible for provoking the dog, you’d receive $75,000. Beyond the strict liability statute, Florida Statute §767.01 holds dog owners liable for any damage their dog causes—even without physical contact—such as when a dog chases someone causing them to fall and injure themselves. Our Orlando dog bite attorneys leverage Florida’s strict liability laws to hold owners accountable and maximize your compensation without needing to prove the owner’s prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies.
How much compensation can I get for a dog bite injury in Orlando?
Orlando dog bite settlements typically range from $10,000 to $100,000+ depending on injury severity, with severe cases involving permanent disfigurement, nerve damage, or psychological trauma often reaching $200,000 to $500,000 or more. Your compensation depends on multiple damage categories: medical expenses including emergency care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, reconstructive procedures, rabies treatment, and future medical needs; lost wages for time missed from work during recovery, plus lost earning capacity if injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or require career changes; pain and suffering compensation for physical pain from injuries, emotional distress and psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, or fear of dogs, and diminished quality of life; scarring and disfigurement damages, particularly important for facial injuries or permanent visible scars that affect self-esteem and social interactions; and out-of-pocket expenses like transportation to medical appointments, household help during recovery, and psychological counseling. Dog bite cases often involve the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which typically carries $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage—significantly higher than many people expect. In severe cases, we may recover damages exceeding policy limits by identifying additional insurance sources or pursuing the owner’s personal assets. Factors affecting your settlement value include: injury severity and whether permanent damage occurred, whether facial injuries or disfigurement resulted, the attack’s impact on children (child victims often receive higher compensation), infection complications like MRSA or sepsis, psychological impact requiring ongoing therapy, clear evidence of owner negligence, and your comparative fault percentage under Florida law. Studies show that victims represented by experienced dog bite attorneys recover 3-4 times more than those handling claims alone, even after legal fees. Contact us through our online form for a free case evaluation to understand what your specific Orlando dog bite claim is worth.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Orlando?
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite in Orlando can dramatically strengthen your legal claim and protect your health. First, prioritize medical care: immediately wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water for at least 5 minutes to reduce infection risk; seek emergency medical attention within hours even if the bite seems minor (dog bites carry serious infection risks including MRSA, sepsis, and rabies); accept ambulance transport if offered to document injury severity; get tetanus shot and rabies treatment if recommended by doctors; and follow all medical treatment instructions completely, attending all follow-up appointments. Second, document everything at the scene if possible: take photos of your injuries from multiple angles immediately after the attack and throughout healing; photograph the dog, the attack location, and any visible hazards or conditions; identify the dog owner and get their contact information, homeowner’s/renter’s insurance details, and dog’s vaccination records; obtain contact information from all witnesses who saw the attack or can testify about the dog’s aggressive history; note the dog’s breed, size, color, and any identifying features; and document any visible “Bad Dog” signs or lack thereof. Third, report the incident officially: file a police report immediately to create an official record; report to Orange County Animal Services or local animal control to document the attack and ensure the dog is quarantined for rabies observation; request copies of all official reports; and check if the dog has a bite history through animal control records (prior bites strengthen your case significantly). Fourth, protect your legal rights: do not sign any documents or accept settlement offers from the owner or their insurance without attorney consultation; avoid giving recorded statements to insurance adjusters without legal representation; document all expenses related to the attack including medical bills, prescription receipts, lost wages, transportation costs, and psychological counseling; keep a journal documenting your physical pain, emotional trauma, activity limitations, and recovery progress; and preserve all evidence including torn/bloodied clothing and photographs. Finally, contact an Orlando dog bite attorney immediately—ideally within 24-48 hours—to ensure evidence is preserved and your rights are protected. Contact us through our online form for immediate legal guidance.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases is four years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit, however, the time frame is dependent on the unique details and factors surrounding your specific case. This timeframe becomes two years if your claim is based on negligence rather than strict liability, creating potential confusion about which deadline applies to your case. The four-year deadline applies when using Florida’s strict liability dog bite statute (§767.04), while the two-year deadline applies for negligence-based claims under §767.01, such as when a dog causes injury without actually biting (like knocking you down or chasing you causing you to fall). Because determining which statute applies requires legal analysis, and because evidence deteriorates and witnesses’ memories fade over time, we strongly recommend contacting an attorney immediately after any dog attack—not waiting months or years. Important exceptions and complications include: if the victim is a minor under 18, the statute of limitations doesn’t begin until they turn 18, giving them until age 22 (or 20 for negligence claims) to file; if the dog owner is a government entity or employee, much shorter notice requirements apply (often just 3 years for state entities or even shorter timeframes for local governments); if you didn’t immediately discover the full extent of your injuries (like infections or psychological trauma that developed later), the “discovery rule” may extend your deadline; and if the dog owner concealed their identity or the dog’s aggressive history, equitable tolling might extend your timeframe. Beyond the lawsuit filing deadline, practical reasons exist to act quickly: critical evidence disappears (surveillance footage gets deleted, witnesses move away, animal control records become harder to obtain), insurance companies are more cooperative when claims are fresh, medical records establishing causation between the bite and injuries are clearer when documented immediately, and dog owners’ homeowner’s insurance policies may have strict notice requirements for timely claim reporting. Our Orlando dog bite attorneys recommend acting within days or weeks of the attack, not years, to maximize your compensation and preserve your legal rights.
Can I sue if the dog attack happened on the owner’s property?
Yes, you can absolutely sue for a dog bite that occurred on the owner’s property—in fact, Florida law specifically states that dog owners are liable for bites that happen “on the property of the owner of the dog” when the victim was lawfully present. Florida Statute §767.04 protects people who were lawfully on private property, which includes a broad range of situations: social guests invited for parties, dinners, or visits; delivery personnel including Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and food delivery drivers; postal workers and mail carriers; utility company workers reading meters or performing maintenance; service providers like contractors, plumbers, electricians, or landscapers; salespeople or religious representatives with implied permission to approach the door; children who may have wandered onto the property (courts are particularly protective of children); and anyone performing official duties required by state or federal law. The key legal question is whether you were “lawfully” on the property, which essentially means you weren’t trespassing and had either an expressed invitation (explicit permission) or implied invitation (circumstances suggesting permission to be there, like an unfenced yard with a walkway to the front door). Important scenarios affecting liability on owner’s property include: if the owner displayed a prominent, easily readable “Bad Dog” sign, they may avoid liability except for children under 6 or cases involving owner negligence; if you were trespassing or burglarizing, strict liability doesn’t apply, though the owner could still face liability under negligence theories if they intentionally sicced the dog on you; if the owner warned you about the dog’s aggressive nature and you proceeded anyway, comparative negligence may reduce your compensation based on your percentage of fault; and if you provoked the dog through teasing, hitting, or threatening behavior, your compensation will be reduced or eliminated based on your fault percentage. Many homeowners and renters carry liability insurance specifically covering dog bite injuries, typically $100,000 to $300,000, making compensation available even when owners lack personal resources to pay. Our Orlando dog bite attorneys know how to navigate property-based claims and maximize your recovery.
What if the dog didn’t bite me but I was injured trying to escape?
You can still recover compensation even if the dog never physically bit you—Florida Statute §767.01 holds dog owners liable for any damage their dog causes, not just bites. This broader statute covers injuries resulting from a dog’s actions including: being knocked down by a jumping or charging dog causing broken bones, head injuries, or hip fractures (especially common with elderly victims); falling while running away from an aggressive dog and suffering injuries like sprains, fractures, or traumatic brain injury; crashing your bicycle, motorcycle, or vehicle while swerving to avoid a loose dog; being scratched by a dog causing lacerations, eye injuries, or infections; and suffering heart attacks or other medical emergencies triggered by the terror of a dog attack. Under §767.01, you must prove the owner’s negligence—meaning they failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling their dog—rather than relying on automatic strict liability. This requires showing: the owner knew or should have known their dog was aggressive or prone to chasing people, the owner failed to properly restrain or control the dog (violated leash laws, left gates open, inadequate fencing), the dog’s behavior directly caused your injuries, and you suffered actual damages. Common scenarios where non-bite injuries occur include: loose dogs chasing joggers, cyclists, or children causing them to fall; large dogs jumping on elderly people or children knocking them down; aggressive dogs causing people to back away and trip over obstacles; dogs running into traffic causing vehicle accidents; and dogs creating dangerous situations at business properties. While non-bite cases require proving negligence rather than relying on strict liability, our Orlando dog bite attorneys successfully recover substantial compensation for victims injured by dogs even without physical bites. The key is thoroughly investigating the dog’s history, documenting the owner’s failure to control their animal, and proving how the dog’s actions directly caused your injuries.
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.