Dog Bite Attorney
Florida's strict liability law holds dog owners responsible for bites — no prior history required. We pursue full compensation for victims of dog attacks throughout Florida.
Florida is one of the strictest states in the country for dog bite liability. Under Florida Statute §767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property — regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before or whether the owner had any reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
This means you do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was vicious. You simply need to show you were bitten, you were in a lawful location, and you did not provoke the dog. Juan Cordero Lawyers handles the legal complexity so you can focus on healing.
Dog bites cause serious physical and psychological injuries — especially to children, who are the most common victims. We pursue full compensation including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent scarring.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
Florida's strict liability statute makes dog bite claims more straightforward than most personal injury cases — but insurance companies still fight them aggressively.
Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites in public places or when the victim is lawfully on private property. No prior bite history required — the owner is liable for the first bite.
Florida's 2023 tort reform reduced the statute of limitations for personal injury claims to 2 years from the date of the bite. Missing this deadline permanently bars your claim.
If the victim's negligence contributed to the bite (e.g., ignoring a warning sign), damages may be reduced proportionally. If the victim is more than 50% at fault, recovery is barred under Florida's 2023 tort reform.
If you were lawfully on the property — as a guest, delivery person, or invited visitor — Florida's strict liability statute applies. The owner's homeowner's insurance typically covers dog bite claims. If you were trespassing, the strict liability statute does not apply, though a negligence claim may still be possible.
Florida's strict liability statute (§767.04) applies specifically to bites. However, if a dog knocked you down and caused injury, you may have a negligence claim against the owner under §767.01, which imposes liability for damage caused by a dog's behavior. These claims require proving the owner's negligence.
If the owner has no insurance, you may still pursue a personal judgment against them. An attorney can investigate whether the owner has assets to satisfy a judgment and whether any other parties (a landlord, property manager, or business) may share liability.
Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We come to you — home, hospital, or our offices.
Attorney Juan Cordero explains Florida's strict liability dog bite statute and how to pursue a claim against a negligent dog owner.
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Florida Dog Bite Law — Strict Liability Explained
Why Florida dog owners are liable for bites even if the dog has never bitten before — and what your claim is worth.
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