Florida is a strict liability state
Under Florida Statute 767.04, the owner of a dog that bites a person is liable for damages, regardless of whether the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. The injured person does not need to prove the dog had a history of biting — the "one-bite rule" that exists in some states does not apply in Florida.
Where coverage usually comes from
Most dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. These policies typically have liability limits of $100,000 to $300,000, and sometimes higher. We routinely deal directly with the homeowner's insurer to recover the full available coverage.
Damages — and why scarring matters
Dog bite damages include past and future medical expenses (often including reconstructive surgery), lost wages, pain and suffering, and the value of permanent scarring or disfigurement. Florida courts recognize permanent scarring as a serious component of damages, particularly when it affects the face, neck, hands, or visible areas.
Why this matters with our firm
Both partners are Board Certified Civil Trial Specialists. We treat dog bite cases as the serious personal injury matters they are and take them through trial when the insurance company refuses to value the case fairly.