A dog attack is a traumatic, life-altering event that happens in an instant but leaves behind physical and emotional scars that can last a lifetime. Beyond the immediate rush to the emergency room, victims are often left dealing with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the uncertainty of how to hold a negligent owner accountable. If you or a loved one has been injured, a Naples dog bite lawyer at Pitkin Law can help you navigate Florida’s personal injury statutes to secure the compensation you deserve.
At Pitkin Law, we understand that Florida’s outdoor lifestyle means frequent interactions with pets in parks, neighborhoods, and outdoor dining areas. While most dogs are well-behaved, a single moment of aggression can result in catastrophic injuries. Our team is dedicated to providing compassionate legal support while aggressively pursuing the financial recovery you need.
Florida has specific statutes that govern how dog bite claims are handled. Unlike some states that require victims to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression, Florida’s laws are designed to provide a clearer path to recovery. However, understanding the nuances of these statutes is essential for a successful claim.
Yes, Florida is a strict liability state regarding dog bites. This is a significant advantage for victims compared to the “one-bite rule” found in many other states. In “one-bite” jurisdictions, a dog owner is often only held liable if the dog had previously bitten someone or shown a propensity for violence, which essentially gives the owner a “free pass” for the first incident.
Florida does not follow this rule. Under Florida Statute Section 767.04, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites another person, regardless of the dog’s former viciousness or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness. Whether the attack happened in a public place or lawfully in a private place, the owner is responsible. As your Florida dog bite lawyer, we primarily need to prove that the bite occurred and that you were lawfully present at the location.
Florida also maintains dangerous dog classifications under Statute 767.11. A dog may be legally declared dangerous if it has aggressively attacked or endangered a human, severely injured a domestic animal while off the owner’s property, or approached a person in a menacing fashion in a public area without provocation.
Once a dog is classified as dangerous, the owner must follow strict registration and confinement rules. If a dog previously declared dangerous attacks again, the owner may face criminal charges in addition to civil liability claims.
While the owner of the dog is the primary party held responsible under strict liability, other factors can influence a Naples dog bite lawsuit. Liability can sometimes extend to property owners or landlords if they were aware of a dangerous animal on their premises and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
It is also important to understand Florida’s comparative negligence system. If an owner can prove that the victim’s own actions, such as provoking or tormenting the dog, contributed to the attack, the victim’s compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault. This is why having an experienced dog bite attorney is vital. At Pitkin Law, we can protect your rights against insurance companies that try to shift the blame onto you.
Tragically, children are the most frequent victims of serious dog attacks. Because of their small stature and natural curiosity, children often sustain injuries to the face, neck, and head. Florida law is particularly protective of minors in these scenarios. While an adult’s damages might be reduced if they ignored a “bad dog” sign, Florida law specifies that for children under the age of six, the presence of such a warning sign does not exempt the owner from liability.
At Pitkin Law, we understand the sensitivity required when handling cases involving minors. We work to ensure that settlements account not just for immediate emergency care, but for future plastic surgery to reduce scarring and psychological counseling to help the child overcome the trauma of the attack.
A dog’s jaws can exert hundreds of pounds of pressure, and their teeth are designed to tear flesh. This can lead to several types of severe, long-lasting injuries:
The actions you take in the minutes and days following an attack can significantly impact both your health and your potential legal case. We recommend following these steps to protect your interests:
In Florida, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including dog bites, is typically two years from the date of the incident. While this may seem like a long time, evidence can disappear quickly. Witnesses move away, and surveillance footage from nearby businesses may be deleted. Contacting a Florida personal injury attorney ensures that all evidence is preserved and your claim is filed within the legal deadline.
When Pitkin Law files dog bite lawsuits, we seek damages to make you feel whole again. These include economic damages, which cover tangible financial losses such as hospital bills, physical therapy, medication, and lost wages if you miss work.
We also pursue non-economic damages. These cover intangible losses such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and the trauma associated with permanent disfigurement.
Because Florida is a strict liability state, you are generally entitled to these damages unless the owner can prove significant provocation. At Pitkin Law, we meticulously calculate the full lifetime cost of your injury to ensure you don’t settle for a low-ball offer from an insurance company.
You might think that because Florida is a strict liability state, you don’t need a lawyer. However, most dog bite claims are paid out through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. These companies have teams of professionals dedicated to denying claims or offering the smallest possible settlements.
Pitkin Law can act as your shield. We handle the paperwork, the negotiations, and the investigations so you can focus on your physical recovery. We know the local courts and the specific tactics used by insurance adjusters in Southwest Florida.
At Pitkin Law, we don’t just file papers; we build a comprehensive narrative of the incident. To learn more about our team and our dedication to clients, you can meet the attorneys who will be handling your case. To build a winning case, we typically perform the following:
Are you searching, “dog bite attorney near me?” If so, you need to speak with a dedicated dog bite and animal attack attorney immediately.
Pitkin Law is ready to help. We represent clients throughout Naples and the surrounding Florida communities on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let an owner’s negligence or a dangerous animal’s actions dictate your future.
Contact Pitkin Law at (239) 438-1114 to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced Naples dog bite lawyer.
