Pensacola Dog Bite Attorneys at Michles & Booth

Florida's Dog Bite Law: What Victims Need to Know

Florida Statute 767.04 establishes strict liability for dog owners, meaning an owner is responsible for injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the animal had ever shown aggression. There is no "one free bite" rule in Florida. If you were lawfully in a public place or on private property when the attack occurred, the owner is liable.

Florida also requires dog owners to keep their animals under full control at all times. Dogs must be secured behind appropriate fencing or on a leash strong enough to restrain the animal. Violations of local leash ordinances can strengthen a victim's claim.

One factor that can affect your recovery is Florida's comparative fault rule. Under Florida Statute 768.81, a dog owner's insurer may argue that your own actions contributed to the attack. If a court assigns partial fault to you, your compensation is reduced by that percentage. A dog bite attorney in Pensacola can assess the facts of your case and counter these arguments before they affect your recovery.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

The severity of a dog bite injury depends on the size of the animal, the location of the bite, and how quickly the victim received medical care. Even wounds that appear minor at first can develop into serious medical situations requiring surgery or hospitalization. The experienced team at Michles & Booth handles the full range of dog bite injuries that Pensacola victims face.

Lacerations and Puncture Wounds

These are the most common types of dog bite injuries. A dog’s teeth can penetrate the skin deeply, and wounds that appear minor at first may require stitches, wound debridement, or follow-up procedures. A dog bite claim can cover the full cost of your medical treatment, including plastic surgery for scarring.

Infections

Bacteria and other pathogens can enter a wound, leading to a serious infection that can spread throughout the body. Dog bite infections may require hospitalization, powerful antibiotic regimens, and even surgery.

Nerve Damage

Severe dog bites can damage nerves, causing numbness, tingling, weakness, or loss of function in the affected area. Nerve damage can have long-term consequences that extend well beyond the initial recovery period. We pursue compensation that accounts for ongoing medical care and rehabilitation, not just the initial treatment.

Scarring and Disfigurement

Dog bites can cause permanent scarring and disfigurement that require plastic surgery or other corrective procedures. Facial scarring carries a particular emotional weight, affecting a victim's confidence and daily life long after the wound has healed. Sometimes, with child dog attack victims, they have to wait for years in order to receive plastic surgery because they are still growing. We pursue compensation for both the cost of corrective treatment and the lasting impact disfigurement has on your quality of life.

Emotional Distress

A dog attack can lead to anxiety, phobias, nightmares, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological conditions. These psychological injuries can be present long after your physical wounds have healed. We can help you seek compensation for the emotional trauma you have endured.

Broken Bones

The force of a dog attack can knock a victim down or cause trauma to the hands and arms as the victim tries to defend themselves. Broken bones are a common result, particularly when large or aggressive dogs are involved. Treatment may include casting, surgical repair, and physical therapy.

Eye and Facial Injuries

Dog attacks directed at the face can affect the eyes, ears, and soft tissue around the nose and mouth. Eye injuries from a dog attack may cause partial or complete vision loss and often require specialist care beyond a standard emergency room visit.

Proof We Can Handle Your Case: Our Case Results