One moment you're walking through your neighborhood or visiting a friend's home. The next, you're injured by a dog bite and suddenly dealing with medical bills, emotional trauma, and uncertainty about what happens next.
At Burnetti, P.A., we know how serious and overwhelming dog attacks can be. Florida law protects victims, but many people aren't aware of what legal options are available or how negligence plays a role in their case. If you or a loved one has been bitten, understanding the law can be the first step toward holding the dog owner accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
What Is Dog Bite Negligence?
Negligence happens when a dog owner doesn’t take reasonable steps to keep others safe from their pet. Maybe the dog was off-leash in a public space, wandering around unsupervised, or not properly controlled, even though the owner knew the dog had shown signs of aggression before.
If you’ve been bitten, proving negligence usually means showing that the owner had a responsibility to prevent the harm, didn’t live up to that responsibility, and that their failure directly led to your injury. You also need to show that you suffered real harm, like medical bills, emotional distress, pain, or time missed from work.
If all of that applies to your situation, there’s a good chance you have a strong legal claim, and we’re here to help you move forward.
Florida's Strict Liability Law
Florida law generally follows the principle of strict liability in dog bite cases. That means a dog owner is legally responsible when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the dog has shown previous signs of aggression. As long as the person bitten was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred, the owner may be held liable for injuries.
Strict liability is designed to protect victims and promote responsible pet ownership. However, some dog owners and insurance companies may try to avoid responsibility by arguing that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. This is why having knowledgeable legal representation on your side is so important.
Evidence That Can Strengthen Your Case
Specific details can help support your claim and make it more difficult for the dog owner or insurance company to dispute what happened. For example, if the dog has a known history of aggressive behavior and the owner did nothing to prevent further incidents, this can be a powerful element of your case. Allowing an aggressive dog to run free or failing to use a muzzle when necessary may be viewed as an apparent failure to act responsibly.
Violating local ordinances can also support your claim. If a dog bites someone in a public place where leash laws are in effect and the dog was not properly restrained, that alone may point to negligence.
Photos of the injury, witness statements, medical records, and other documentation can provide vital support. Even social media posts or videos that show prior aggressive behavior could help establish the owner's lack of control or care.
The Lasting Impact of Dog Bites
A dog bite can cause serious physical and emotional harm, from lasting scars to trauma that’s especially tough on children. Recovery often takes time, medical care, and support. You shouldn’t have to face it alone, and the right legal team can help you move forward.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, your safety and well-being come first. Seeking immediate medical attention is essential. You should also report the incident to local authorities or animal control to ensure an official record is created. If possible, document everything, including your injuries, the location of the incident, and any witnesses who saw what happened.
It is also important to avoid speaking with the dog owner's insurance company until you've spoken with an attorney. Insurance companies often look for ways to minimize payouts, and anything you say could be used against you later.
How Burnetti, P.A. Can Help
At Burnetti, P.A., our experienced Florida dog bite attorneys understand how challenging these cases can be. We work closely with victims and families to explain their rights, gather crucial evidence, and pursue the full compensation they are entitled to receive.
If you've been injured by a dog bite, don't try to navigate the legal process alone. We're here to guide you every step of the way and fight for the justice you deserve. Contact Burnetti, P.A. online or call (888) 444-8508 today to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.