Dog Attacks
Dog attacks are frightening, painful, and often leave lifelong effects. Victims may suffer physical wounds, permanent scars, and emotional trauma that can take years to overcome. In Florida, dog owners and, in some cases, property managers and landlords can be held legally responsible when an animal causes harm. At Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys, we advocate for dog attack victims across the state, working to secure the compensation and justice they deserve.
Our firm is AV Preeminent Rated, recognized by Best Lawyers, and members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. With decades of experience, we understand the unique legal and emotional challenges victims face and are committed to handling every case with skill, compassion, and determination.
Dog Bite Liability in Florida
Florida is one of the few states that follows a strict liability law for dog bites under Florida Statute § 767.04. This means that a dog owner is legally responsible when their dog bites someone, even if the dog has never shown aggression before. Unlike states that allow a “one-bite rule,” Florida holds owners accountable from the very first incident.
Property managers, landlords, and business owners may also be responsible if they failed to act after learning a dangerous dog was on their premises. This is especially relevant in apartment complexes, hotels, and rental properties where guests and tenants should be protected from known risks.
Some defenses may still be raised by dog owners, including claims that:
- The victim was trespassing on the property
- The victim provoked the dog through intentional teasing or aggression
- Warning signs (“Beware of Dog”) were properly posted
An experienced attorney can counter these arguments by collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing veterinary, animal control, or police records.
The Impact of Dog Attacks
Dog attacks are not minor incidents. Victims may face:
- Serious physical injuries: puncture wounds, lacerations, nerve damage, or broken bones
- Permanent scars and disfigurement: particularly devastating when injuries involve the face or neck
- Severe illnesses including rabies, tetanus, or bacterial diseases
- Emotional trauma: fear of dogs, anxiety in public places, and post-traumatic stress disorder
- Financial consequences: hospital stays, surgery, counseling, rehabilitation, and lost income
Children are the most common victims of dog bites, and they are more likely to suffer facial injuries that require extensive medical care. Parents may also face long-term costs for therapy, surgeries, and special support services.
What To Do After a Dog Attack
If you or your child has been attacked by a dog in Florida, taking immediate steps can strengthen your case:
- Seek medical care right away and keep records of all treatment
- Report the attack to animal control or law enforcement
- Photograph the injuries, the dog if possible, and the location of the attack
- Obtain names and contact information for witnesses
- Request vaccination records for the dog from the owner
- Preserve clothing or items involved in the incident
- Contact an attorney quickly before evidence is lost
These actions help protect your health and preserve the evidence needed to pursue legal action.
How Ligori & Ligori Can Help
We approach every dog attack case with careful attention and aggressive advocacy. Our process includes:
- Offering a free consultation to understand your case
- Investigating the dog’s history and prior complaints
- Reviewing property records and lease agreements for potential landlord liability
- Gathering medical and psychological evaluations of your injuries
- Collecting animal control, veterinary, and law enforcement reports
- Negotiating firmly with insurance companies for fair compensation
- Litigating in court when settlement offers are inadequate
While results can never be guaranteed, our firm has a proven record of holding negligent dog owners and property managers accountable.
Focus Areas Within Dog Attack Claims
Because dog attack cases can vary by injury type and location, we provide additional resources on specific scenarios:
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries can cause lifelong physical and emotional consequences. Puncture wounds may require stitches, while deep bites can lead to nerve damage, illness, or surgery. Victims may also need psychological counseling to overcome fear and trauma. This subpage explores medical complications, long-term treatment options, and how damages are calculated for these injuries.
Key West Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites in Key West present unique challenges because of the mix of tourism, rental properties, and residential neighborhoods. Many incidents involve visitors who are unfamiliar with the area, or tenants who encounter poorly controlled dogs in shared spaces. This subpage focuses on how victims in Key West can pursue claims, what local ordinances apply, and how accountability can be established in resort and rental property settings.
Ocala Dog Bite Injuries
In Ocala, where both suburban and rural settings are common, dog attacks may involve large working breeds or multiple dogs. Victims often face resistance from owners who argue the animals were protecting property. This subpage explains how victims in Ocala can assert their rights, how liability may extend to landlords, and what evidence is critical in these cases.
Each of these subpages offers deeper guidance and will link directly from this parent page, ensuring victims can find the information most relevant to their situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Yes, Florida’s strict liability law makes owners responsible in most cases, regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggression.
- Yes. If a landlord knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and failed to act, they may also share responsibility for resulting injuries.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring.
- No. At Ligori & Ligori, we handle these cases on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
- In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Speak With a Florida Dog Attack Lawyer
Dog attacks can leave lasting scars—physically, emotionally, and financially. If you or a loved one has been harmed by a dangerous dog, contact Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys today for a free consultation. We will review your case, explain your legal rights, and fight to hold negligent dog owners and property managers accountable.