Orlando Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dog bites are not only painful in the moment, they often create long-lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences for victims and their families. From severe puncture wounds and illnesses to permanent scarring and psychological trauma, the impact of a dog attack can be devastating. If you or your child has been bitten in Orlando, you need an advocate who understands Florida’s strict dog bite liability laws and how to build a compelling claim.
At Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to representing victims of dog bites across Florida, including right here in Orlando. Our firm is AV Preeminent Rated, recognized by Best Lawyers, and proud members of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. These recognitions reflect our longstanding commitment to legal excellence and client advocacy. With decades of combined experience, we have handled a wide range of personal injury cases, including dog bite injuries, and we bring both skill and compassion to every case we accept.
Florida’s Dog Bite Law
Florida law imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means that if a dog bites someone, the owner is typically responsible for damages, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or shown prior aggression. Unlike other states with a “one-bite rule,” Florida holds owners accountable from the very first incident.
However, there are exceptions that owners and their insurers may attempt to use, such as:
- The victim was trespassing on private property
- The victim provoked the dog
- A “Bad Dog” warning sign was posted and visible
- The dog was acting defensively in certain situations
An experienced Orlando dog bite attorney can analyze the facts of your case, collect the right evidence, and build arguments that overcome these defenses.
The Consequences of Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are often far more serious than people expect. In addition to the immediate wounds, they can cause:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations requiring stitches or surgical repair
- Fractures or crush injuries when large breeds exert significant jaw force
- Nerve damage leading to numbness, loss of function, or chronic pain
- Severe illnesses including rabies, tetanus, or bacterial diseases
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement, especially in facial injuries
- Psychological trauma, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, or lasting fear of animals
Children are especially vulnerable. Because of their height, children are more likely to suffer facial and neck injuries, which can require surgery and lead to lifelong scars. Families often face the added stress of medical bills, therapy costs, and the emotional toll of helping their child recover.
Financial and Emotional Burdens
Beyond physical recovery, victims of dog bites in Orlando often face overwhelming financial strain. Emergency care, plastic surgery, rehabilitation, and counseling can result in medical expenses that last for months or even years. Lost income from time away from work, combined with the emotional cost of scarring or disability, makes these cases particularly challenging.
Our attorneys at Ligori & Ligori work closely with medical providers, economists, and psychological experts to ensure that every aspect of your damages is properly documented. This helps us pursue the full compensation you may be entitled to under Florida law.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you are bitten by a dog in Orlando, taking immediate steps can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Seek medical treatment immediately, even for seemingly minor wounds
- Report the attack to local animal control or law enforcement
- Photograph injuries, the dog if possible, and the scene of the incident
- Collect witness statements and contact information
- Request vaccination records from the dog’s owner
- Save clothing and personal items involved in the attack
- Keep copies of all medical bills and treatment records
- Contact an Orlando dog bite lawyer as soon as possible
Acting quickly helps preserve critical evidence and prevents insurers from trying to minimize your claim.
Common Defenses Raised in Dog Bite Cases
Insurance companies and dog owners often attempt to avoid responsibility. Some common defenses include:
- Claiming the victim provoked the animal
- Arguing the victim ignored posted warnings
- Stating the victim was trespassing
- Alleging the dog was acting to protect its owner or property
At Ligori & Ligori, we know how to counter these strategies. We gather detailed evidence such as animal control reports, veterinary history, property records, and witness testimony to establish liability and protect your rights.
How Ligori & Ligori Helps
When you choose Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys, you gain a team that is recognized for professionalism, dedication, and strong results in personal injury litigation. Our process for handling Orlando dog bite injury cases includes:
- Free initial consultation to assess your claim
- Investigation into the dog’s background, including prior complaints and bite history
- Review of animal control, veterinary, and police reports
- Coordination with medical professionals to document both physical and psychological injuries
- Identification of all liable parties, including owners, property managers, or landlords
- Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies
- Court representation when necessary to fight for fair compensation
Our goal is not only to help you recover financially but also to provide the support and guidance you need through the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- In most cases, yes. Florida’s strict liability standard makes owners responsible even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
- Yes. If they knew a dangerous dog was present and failed to take steps to protect tenants or guests, they may share liability.
- You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, future treatment, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and disfigurement.
- No. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.
- In Florida, most personal injury cases, including dog bites, must be filed within two years of the attack. Acting quickly helps ensure your rights are protected.
Speak With an Orlando Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Dog bite injuries can turn your life upside down, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. At Ligori & Ligori Injury Attorneys, we combine recognized legal credentials, deep experience, and a commitment to our clients. We represent victims throughout Orlando and across Florida, helping them seek accountability and financial recovery after a dog attack.
Contact us today for a free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve.