Florida Dog Bite Attorneys Who Know the Law — and How to Use It
Dog bites can leave you with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and a fear that doesn't go away when the wound heals. Florida law is clear: if a dog bit you while you were somewhere you had a right to be, the owner is liable — no prior history of aggression required. Our dog bite attorneys have spent decades enforcing that law for injured Floridians, and we're ready to do the same for you.
Florida Doesn't Give Dogs a Free First Bite
Many states follow what's known as the "one bite rule" — a legal standard that shields an owner from liability the first time their dog attacks someone, as long as the owner had no reason to expect it. Florida is not one of those states. Under Florida's strict liability statute, a dog owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog regardless of whether the animal had ever shown aggression before. The owner saying "he's never done this" is not a defense.
What matters under Florida law is straightforward: you were bitten, and you were in a place you had a legal right to be — a sidewalk, a park, a neighbor's yard as an invited guest. That's the standard. Prior behavior doesn't factor in.
What a Dog Bite Claim in Florida Can Cover
People often assume a dog bite claim is just about the urgent care visit. It isn't. Florida law allows injured victims to recover for the full scope of what a dog attack costs them — financially, physically, and psychologically.
A dog bite claim may include compensation for:
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment, including surgery, wound care, and reconstructive procedures
- Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working during recovery
- Scarring and disfigurement, which Florida courts treat as a distinct category of harm
- Emotional distress and psychological injury, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs that affects daily life
- Pain and suffering, both physical and non-physical
- Future medical costs if your injuries require long-term care or additional procedures
The stitches are the beginning of the claim, not the end of it.
Your Neighbor's Insurance Is Designed to Handle This
One of the most common reasons people hesitate to file a dog bite claim is concern about the personal impact on the dog's owner — especially when it's a neighbor, a friend's family member, or someone they see regularly. That concern is understandable. But here's what most people don't realize: homeowners' insurance and renters' insurance policies routinely include dog bite liability coverage. In most cases, your claim is handled through their insurer, not out of their personal savings.
Filing a claim doesn't mean you're taking money from someone you know. It means you're using the insurance coverage that exists precisely for situations like this. You were hurt through no fault of your own. Recovering what you're owed is not personal — it's practical.
The Psychological Injuries Are Real — and Compensable
Dog attacks don't end when the wound closes. Many victims experience lasting anxiety, nightmares, hypervigilance around animals, and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress. These aren't abstract complaints — they are recognized injuries under Florida personal injury law, and they belong in your claim.
We work with clients whose psychological injuries have outlasted their physical ones. We know how to document emotional distress, connect it to the incident, and present it as a legitimate component of your damages. A full dog bite claim accounts for what happened to your peace of mind, not just your skin.
Why Injured Floridians Choose Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian
Our firm has represented injured Floridians for more than 40 years. We built our practice on claimant-side personal injury and workers' compensation work — which means we have spent decades on your side of the table, not the insurance company's. Several of our attorneys previously worked in defense and carrier-side representation. We know how insurers evaluate dog bite claims, where they look for reasons to reduce a payout, and how to counter those tactics directly.
Our team includes Board Certified attorneys, Super Lawyers honorees, and attorneys recognized by Florida Legal Elite and Best Lawyers. We serve clients throughout Florida from offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Land O' Lakes, with virtual appointments available statewide. We also serve Spanish-speaking clients in both English and Spanish — bilingual partner-level attorneys are part of our team, not an afterthought.
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Dog Bite Claims
Does it matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
No. Florida follows strict liability for dog bites, which means the owner is responsible regardless of the dog's history. You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the dog bit you and you were lawfully present, you have a claim.What if I was partially at fault — like I reached out to pet the dog?
Florida uses a comparative fault system, which means your compensation may be reduced if you were found partially responsible. However, partial fault does not eliminate your claim entirely. An attorney can help you understand how fault is likely to be allocated in your specific situation.How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?
For most personal injury claims in Florida, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the injury. Waiting too long can bar you from recovering anything, so it's worth speaking with an attorney as soon as possible after the attack.Will I have to sue my neighbor directly?
In most cases, no. Homeowners' and renters' insurance policies typically include dog bite liability coverage. Your claim is generally filed against the owner's insurer, not against them personally. Many dog bite cases resolve through insurance without any lawsuit being filed.What if my injuries seem minor — is it still worth calling an attorney?
Yes. Dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and scarring that aren't immediately apparent. Psychological effects may develop over days or weeks. An attorney can help you understand the full scope of your potential damages before you accept any settlement offer from an insurer.Do you handle dog bite cases outside of Tampa?
We represent dog bite victims throughout Florida. Our firm has offices in Tampa, St. Petersburg, and Land O' Lakes, and we offer virtual consultations for clients across the state, including Sarasota, Clearwater, Lakeland, and beyond.
The Attorneys Handling Your Personal Injury Case
Personal injury litigation at Barbas Nunez Sanders Butler & Hovsepian is led by three attorneys whose backgrounds bring distinct strengths to every case.
Kelly Barcia Nunez
Kelly Barcia Nunez is a Florida Bar Board Certified attorney and founding partner with more than 30 years of litigation experience. Her command of Florida injury law and her direct client communication style have made her one of the firm's most trusted advocates for accident victims.
L. Gray Sanders
L. Gray Sanders spent time on the defense side of civil litigation before joining the firm, which means he approaches every personal injury case understanding exactly how the opposing carrier will evaluate and contest it. That inside knowledge shapes case strategy from the first file review.
Kristen Emerson
Kristen Emerson holds a nursing degree alongside her law license. In personal injury cases involving serious physical injuries, disputed diagnoses, or contested medical causation, her clinical background is a concrete advantage — she understands what happened to your body, not just what the records say.
Talk to a Florida Dog Bite Attorney Today — at No Cost to You
Dog bite cases move on timelines set by Florida law. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the better your position. We offer free consultations, we don't charge fees unless we win, and we're available to speak with you now — in English or Spanish. If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog in Florida, let's talk about what you're owed.