Dog bites are more common than many realize. Each year, thousands of people in Florida suffer injuries caused by unrestrained or aggressive dogs. While some incidents result in minor scratches, others cause serious harm that can change a victim’s life forever. In those cases, what seems like an animal incident quickly becomes a personal injury case under Florida law.
At Moore Payne Law, Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne represent victims of negligence, including those harmed by dangerous or improperly restrained dogs. Understanding when a dog bite crosses into personal injury law is the first step toward protecting your rights.
Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida has one of the strictest sets of laws in the country when it comes to dog bites. Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are held strictly liable when their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the animal has shown aggression before. This means that, unlike in some states, victims do not have to prove that the dog had a history of viciousness or that the owner knew it was dangerous.
Strict liability makes it easier for victims to pursue compensation, but it does not guarantee recovery. Victims must still show the extent of their damages and overcome defenses raised by dog owners or their insurance companies.
When a Dog Bite Is More Than a Scratch
Not every dog bite automatically turns into a personal injury lawsuit. Many small bites heal quickly without lasting effects. However, a case becomes a personal injury matter when the injuries:
- Require medical treatment such as stitches, surgery, or hospitalization
- Lead to serious infections, including rabies or sepsis
- Cause permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Result in nerve damage or loss of mobility in the hands, arms, or legs
- Create long-term emotional distress, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or fear of dogs
- Prevent the victim from working or participating in daily activities
In these situations, the impact of the bite goes beyond temporary pain—it affects the victim’s health, livelihood, and emotional well-being. That’s when legal action becomes necessary.
Emotional Trauma After a Dog Attack
Many people think only of the physical wounds after a dog bite, but the psychological effects can be just as severe. Children, in particular, often suffer nightmares, extreme fear, or behavioral changes after an attack. Adults may also struggle with flashbacks, anxiety, and avoidance of situations where dogs are present.
When emotional trauma interferes with a victim’s quality of life, it is a compensable damage in a personal injury claim. Moore Payne Law has experience working with mental health experts to document these invisible but very real injuries.
Proving Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
While Florida law makes dog owners strictly liable, proving negligence can strengthen a case—especially when pursuing damages beyond basic medical costs. Negligence may involve:
- Failure to leash or restrain the dog in public
- Allowing a dog with known aggressive tendencies to interact with strangers
- Ignoring local leash ordinances or housing rules
- Failing to warn guests or visitors about a potentially dangerous pet
Demonstrating negligence helps ensure victims are fully compensated for the true extent of their losses.
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Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims
When a dog bite qualifies as a personal injury case, victims may recover damages for:
- Medical expenses – emergency room visits, surgeries, medication, and rehabilitation
- Lost wages – if the injury prevents the victim from working temporarily or permanently
- Pain and suffering – for both physical pain and emotional trauma
- Disfigurement or scarring – particularly in cases involving the face, neck, or other visible areas
- Future care costs – including therapy, additional surgeries, or long-term medical monitoring
The exact compensation depends on the severity of the injuries and the impact on the victim’s life.
Why Legal Help Matters
Insurance companies often minimize dog bite claims, treating them as minor injuries when, in reality, the consequences can be life-altering. Without experienced representation, victims may be pressured into accepting low settlements that do not cover the full scope of their damages.
Moore Payne Law conducts thorough investigations, gathers medical records, consults with experts, and builds strong cases to prove liability and damages. Attorneys Geoff Moore and Spencer Payne are known for their trial-ready approach and willingness to take cases to court when insurers refuse to pay fair compensation.
Protecting Your Rights After a Dog Bite
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Florida, here are the steps you should take immediately:
- 1.
- Seek medical treatment – even small bites can lead to serious infections.
- 2.
- Report the incident – to animal control or local law enforcement.
- 3.
- Document everything – take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location of the attack.
- 4.
- Get witness information – if anyone saw the incident.
- 5.
- Contact a personal injury attorney – before speaking with the dog owner’s insurance company.
Taking these steps preserves your rights and strengthens your potential claim.
Conclusion
A dog bite is not always just a minor incident. When the injuries lead to medical bills, permanent scarring, or emotional trauma, it becomes a serious personal injury case. Florida’s strict liability laws make it possible for victims to hold negligent dog owners accountable, but securing fair compensation requires skilled legal advocacy.
Moore Payne Law is committed to protecting victims of dog attacks, ensuring they receive the financial recovery and justice they deserve. If you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait—seek the guidance of attorneys who understand both the law and the human impact of these injuries.
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