Florida's strict liability dog bite law gives victims a strong legal foundation. But knowing you have a right to compensation and actually recovering it are two different things. Here is how a Florida dog bite lawsuit works from start to finish.

Most dog bite cases resolve through insurance claims before a lawsuit is ever filed. The process begins with documenting your injuries and identifying the responsible parties.

Seek medical care immediately and follow through with all recommended treatment. Your medical records are the foundation of your claim. They document:

• The nature and severity of the bite wounds
• Treatment required (stitches, surgery, antibiotics)
• Infection or complications
• Psychological treatment if sought
• Future treatment needs

You need the owner's name, address, and contact information. If you do not know the owner, animal control can often help identify the dog and owner through licensing records.

Report the bite to local animal control. This creates an official record and triggers an investigation into the dog's vaccination and bite history.

• Photograph your injuries at the time of the bite and throughout healing
• Photograph the location where the bite occurred
• Identify and collect contact information for witnesses
• Keep all medical bills, records, and receipts
• Keep a journal documenting pain, limitations, and emotional impact

Most dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. Contact the owner's insurer with your claim.

The insurer will investigate the claim, review your medical records, and make a settlement offer. Initial offers are almost always below fair value.

Consider hiring a dog bite attorney if:

• Your injuries are serious (deep wounds, surgery, scarring, nerve damage)
• The insurer denies the claim or disputes liability
• The settlement offer does not cover your medical bills and other losses
• You suffered significant psychological trauma
• The bite occurred to your face, hands, or other areas causing permanent scarring

If the insurance claim does not resolve the case fairly, your attorney files a lawsuit in the appropriate Florida court.

• County court: Claims up to $50,000
• Circuit court: Claims over $50,000

The complaint sets out the facts of the bite, the legal basis for liability (Florida's strict liability statute), and the damages sought.

The defendant (dog owner) must be formally served with the lawsuit.

After the lawsuit is filed, both sides exchange information through the discovery process:

• Interrogatories: Written questions each side must answer under oath
• Requests for production: Documents each side must provide (medical records, insurance policies, prior bite reports)
• Depositions: Sworn testimony taken before trial — the victim, the dog owner, witnesses, and experts may be deposed

Florida courts typically require mediation before trial. A neutral mediator helps the parties negotiate a settlement. Most cases settle at or before mediation.

If mediation does not resolve the case, it proceeds to trial. A jury hears the evidence and determines:

• Whether the defendant is liable
• The amount of damages

Dog bite trials in Florida are relatively uncommon — most cases settle — but having an attorney who is prepared to try the case gives you leverage in settlement negotiations.

You have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. Do not wait. See our guide on Florida's personal injury statute of limitations for all key deadlines.

Juan Cordero Lawyers handles dog bite and Slip and Fall Lawyer Florida cases throughout Florida. If you were bitten by a dog and want to understand your legal options, call 305.525.8957 for a free consultation — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.