When a dog owner disputes your version of events, a lawyer can be an indispensable ally. An attorney will thoroughly investigate the incident by collecting evidence, including witness statements, surveillance footage and medical reports, in order to construct a factual narrative that supports your claim.

They can also consult with experts to demonstrate the behavior of the dog and assess any prior tendencies that could indicate the owner’s knowledge of the potential risk. With legal representation, you stand a better chance of countering any dispute by presenting a strong and substantiated case.

In Florida, strict liability means that a dog owner is responsible for a bite even if they had no prior knowledge of the dog being aggressive or if the dog had never bitten anyone before. This liability holds regardless of the dog’s history, effectively removing the “one-bite rule” that exists in some other jurisdictions. The owner cannot argue that they took reasonable care to prevent the bite; if their dog injured someone, they are typically held liable for those injuries.

Dog bite injuries can be particularly severe due to the potential for deep tissue damage, which often leads to catastrophic injuries. The risk of infection is high, and victims may require extensive medical treatment, including emergency care and sometimes multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Beyond the physical injuries, dog bites can also inflict significant emotional trauma, sometimes resulting in conditions like PTSD, especially in children. The combination of physical and psychological damage can make recovery a long and costly process, necessitating comprehensive compensation.