Orlando Dog Bite Attorney

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.

At Wooten, Kimbrough, Damaso & Dennis, our Orlando dog bite attorneys bring decades of combined experience and a proven track record of success representing animal attack victims throughout Central Florida. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face after a dog attack, and our Orlando personal injury attorneys are committed to holding negligent owners accountable while fighting for the maximum compensation you deserve for your injuries

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 damages. 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 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 50 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

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.