Dog attacks can happen suddenly and without warning, leaving victims with serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and lasting scars. In Florida, dog bites are a significant public safety issue, sending thousands of people — many of them children — to emergency rooms each year.
Unlike many other personal injury cases, dog bite claims in Florida are governed by a strict liability standard. This means that, in many situations, the dog owner can be held legally responsible even if the animal has never shown signs of aggression before.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne represent individuals and families across Florida who have suffered injuries due to dog attacks. Their goal is to protect victims’ rights, hold negligent owners accountable, and secure the compensation needed for recovery.
Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law Explained
Florida Statute §767.04 establishes a strict liability rule for dog bite injuries. Under this law, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior.
A victim generally does not need to prove that the owner was careless or knew the dog was dangerous. Instead, liability applies when:
- The victim was lawfully on public or private property
- The dog bite caused injury
- The dog owner owned or controlled the animal
This legal framework exists to protect the public and encourage responsible pet ownership.
When Dog Owners May Still Defend a Claim
While Florida’s law strongly favors victims, dog owners may attempt to limit or avoid liability in certain situations.
Common defenses include:
- The victim was trespassing on private property
- The victim provoked the dog
- A clearly visible “Bad Dog” sign was posted (which may reduce, but not eliminate, liability)
- Comparative negligence, where the victim’s actions contributed to the incident
Even in these situations, liability is often still possible, especially when children are involved. Moore Payne Law carefully evaluates every case to counter these defenses and protect the victim’s right to recovery.
Where Dog Bite Injuries Commonly Occur
Dog attacks can happen in many everyday settings, including:
- Private homes and backyards
- Apartment complexes and rental properties
- Public sidewalks and parks
- Beaches and outdoor recreation areas
- Friends’ or neighbors’ homes
- Common areas of condominiums or gated communities
In some cases, liability may extend beyond the dog owner to property owners, landlords, or homeowners’ associations if unsafe conditions or known dangers were ignored.
Children and Dog Bite Injuries
Children are particularly vulnerable to dog attacks. Due to their size, dog bites to children often result in:
Florida courts recognize the heightened duty of care owed to children, especially when dog owners or property owners knew children were likely to be present. Moore Payne Law aggressively advocates for families when children are harmed in preventable attacks.
Types of Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bites can cause far more than puncture wounds. Common injuries include:
- Deep lacerations and tissue damage
- Nerve injuries and loss of sensation
- Infections, including rabies or bacterial complications
- Broken bones from bites or knockdowns
- Scarring and disfigurement requiring plastic surgery
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, and PTSD
Many victims require ongoing medical treatment, therapy, or multiple surgeries.
Who Can Be Held Liable Beyond the Dog Owner
Depending on the circumstances, additional parties may be legally responsible for a dog bite injury, including:
- Landlords who allowed dangerous dogs on the property
- Property managers who failed to enforce pet restrictions
- Homeowners’ associations that ignored known risks
- Businesses that allowed aggressive animals on premises
Moore Payne Law investigates ownership records, lease agreements, prior complaints, and insurance policies to identify all possible sources of compensation.
Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog attacks in Florida may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization
- Surgeries, stitches, and reconstructive procedures
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Psychological counseling or trauma therapy
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
In cases involving severe injury or negligence, compensation may be substantial and reflect long-term consequences.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Florida
If you or a loved one is bitten by a dog, taking the right steps early can protect both your health and your legal claim.
You should:
- 1.
- Seek immediate medical attention
- 2.
- Identify the dog and its owner
- 3.
- Report the incident to animal control or local authorities
- 4.
- Document injuries with photos and medical records
- 5.
- Obtain witness contact information
- 6.
- Avoid direct communication with insurance companies
- 7.
- Contact Moore Payne Law for legal guidance
Prompt action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.
How Moore Payne Law Handles Dog Bite Cases
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne bring a detailed, victim-focused approach to dog bite litigation. Their process includes:
- Investigating ownership and insurance coverage
- Reviewing animal control records and prior incidents
- Consulting medical experts regarding long-term impact
- Countering insurance company tactics
- Preparing every case for trial if necessary
Insurance carriers often try to minimize dog bite claims by blaming victims or downplaying injuries. Moore Payne Law pushes back with evidence, preparation, and relentless advocacy.
Why Experience Matters in Dog Bite Claims
Dog bite cases may seem straightforward, but insurers frequently dispute liability and damages. Experienced legal representation is critical to ensure victims are treated fairly.
Moore Payne Law’s background in serious injury and negligence litigation gives clients a powerful advantage. The firm understands Florida’s liability laws, insurance practices, and courtroom strategies needed to achieve meaningful results.
Protecting Florida Dog Bite Victims
No one expects a dog attack — but when it happens, victims deserve protection, support, and justice. Florida law provides strong rights to those injured by dog bites, and Moore Payne Law is committed to enforcing those rights.
Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne fight for accountability, compensation, and safer communities across Florida.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, contact Moore Payne Law today for a free and confidential consultation. The right legal guidance can make all the difference in your recovery.
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