A dog attack happens fast. One moment you are walking through your Palm Beach County neighborhood or visiting a friend’s home, and the next you are bleeding, shaking, and trying to make sense of what just happened. If a dog bit you or someone you love in Florida, you have legal rights, and the decisions you make in the days that follow can directly affect your ability to recover compensation.

At Ludwin Law Group, we represent dog bite victims throughout Palm Beach County, Delray Beach, and the surrounding areas. This guide explains Florida dog bite law, what to do after an attack, and how a dog bite attorney in Florida can help you hold the responsible party accountable.

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Florida Dog Bite Law — What You Need to Know

Florida dog bite law applies to bites that break the skin, but depending on the facts of your case, other injuries from a dog attack such as being knocked down or scratched may support additional claims. If you were hurt by a dog in Palm Beach County, Delray Beach, or anywhere in Florida, consulting a dog bite lawyer as early as possible protects your rights. Schedule a free consultation or call (561) 455-4455.

Florida’s Strict Liability Rule

The foundation of Florida dog bite claims is Florida Statutes Section 767.04. This statute establishes that a dog owner is liable for damages to any person bitten while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog’s owner. Liability applies regardless of the dog’s prior viciousness or whether the owner had any knowledge of that viciousness. A person is considered lawfully on private property when performing a duty imposed by state or federal law, or when present by the express or implied invitation of the owner.

There are limited defenses available to dog owners under this law. If a dog owner prominently displayed a sign with the words “Bad Dog” on the premises, that may serve as a complete defense against liability. This defense does not apply if the victim is a child under six years old, and it does not apply if the owner’s own negligent act or omission contributed to causing the injury. Whether a posted sign was sufficiently prominent and readable is a factual question for the court or jury.

Comparative negligence may also apply. If the victim’s own negligence contributed to the incident, for example by provoking the dog, a court may reduce the owner’s liability proportionally. Navigating these defenses is exactly why working with an experienced dog bite injury attorney matters. An attorney who understands Florida’s strict liability dog bite rules can anticipate the arguments the dog owner’s insurance company will raise and counter them with the facts of your case.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Florida

What you do in the hours and days after an attack can shape the outcome of your case. Follow these steps if a dog bites you in Palm Beach County or anywhere in Florida:

Seek medical attention right away. Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection, including puncture wounds that may look minor but are deep enough to reach muscle or bone. Get evaluated even if you do not think you need stitches. Medical records from this visit are critical evidence.

Report the bite. In Palm Beach County, dog bites are reported to the Animal Care and Control Division, which operates under the Board of County Commissioners and is responsible for enforcing county animal ordinances and state laws related to animal bites and rabies control. A formal report creates an official record of the incident.

Document everything. Photograph your injuries immediately and continue photographing them as they heal. If possible, get the dog owner’s name, contact information, and proof of rabies vaccination. Identify any witnesses.

Do not give a recorded statement. The dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company may contact you quickly. Do not provide a recorded statement or sign anything before speaking with a dog bite lawyer in Florida.

Contact a dog bite attorney. Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years, a period that was shortened from four years when Governor DeSantis signed HB 837 into law on March 24, 2023. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the more time your legal team has to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Dog bite compensation in Florida can cover a broad range of losses depending on the severity of your injuries. A dog bite settlement or jury verdict may include:

Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, and future treatment
Lost wages if your injuries kept you from working
Loss of earning capacity if long-term limitations affect your ability to earn income
Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
Emotional distress and trauma, including PTSD, which is common after violent animal attacks
Scarring and disfigurement, recoverable when the scarring is permanent and significant

Serious bites to the face, hands, or arms can result in lasting physical and psychological damage, especially for children. The value of a dog bite case depends on the nature and severity of the injuries, the available insurance coverage, and the strength of the evidence. An experienced dog bite injury attorney will evaluate all of these factors before advising you on what your case may be worth.

Why Dog Bite Cases in Palm Beach County Are Different

Palm Beach County has a high concentration of gated communities, multifamily housing, and residential neighborhoods where dog ownership is common. Dog attacks often happen during routine activities: jogging, walking to a mailbox, or visiting neighbors, in places where victims had every right to be.

Local factors matter when pursuing a dog bite claim. Animal Care and Control records, neighborhood association rules about dog ownership, prior bite complaints involving the same dog, and local leash ordinances can all become relevant to your case. A dog bite attorney in Palm Beach County who knows the local courts and procedures is better positioned to use that information on your behalf.

If you were bitten in Delray Beach specifically, Ludwin Law Group is located in the heart of the community you call home. We are not a regional call center. We are your neighbors, and we treat your case accordingly.

Why Choose Ludwin Law Group?

Ludwin Law Group is a boutique civil litigation firm where cases are handled with close attorney oversight and personalized attention from start to finish. We represent dog bite victims throughout Palm Beach County and Delray Beach, and we understand how overwhelming it feels to deal with injuries, medical bills, and legal questions all at once.

When you work with us, you get direct access to the legal team handling your file. You are not passed off to junior staff or left waiting weeks for a return call. Our firm holds a 5.0 rating on Martindale-Hubbell and 54 five-star Google reviews from real clients across Palm Beach County. Attorney Adam M. Ludwin is admitted to the Florida Bar and the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Florida’s strict liability dog bite law?

Florida Statutes Section 767.04 holds dog owners liable for bites that occur in public places or on property where the victim was lawfully present, regardless of the dog’s prior bite history. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

Can I sue for a dog bite in Florida if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. Florida’s strict liability rule means prior bite history is not required. If you were lawfully present and the dog bit you, the owner may be held liable under Section 767.04.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?

Two years from the date of the injury. Florida reduced the personal injury statute of limitations from four years to two years when HB 837 took effect in 2023. Missing this deadline can permanently bar your claim, so contact a dog bite lawyer in Florida as soon as possible.

What is a typical dog bite settlement in Florida?

There is no typical settlement. Every case depends on the severity of injuries, available insurance, and the facts. Cases involving permanent scarring, nerve damage, infections, or psychological trauma tend to result in higher compensation. An attorney can give you a realistic assessment after reviewing your records.

Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim in Florida?

You are not required to have one, but insurance companies representing dog owners routinely offer less than cases are worth when claimants are unrepresented. A dog bite injury attorney who knows Florida dog bite law levels that playing field.

What should I do if the dog owner’s insurance company calls me?

Do not give a recorded statement and do not sign any release before speaking with an attorney. Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company, not for you. A single statement can be used to minimize your recovery.

Talk to a Dog Bite Attorney in Delray Beach Today

You did not ask to be attacked. You deserve to recover, physically and financially, without fighting the insurance company alone.

Ludwin Law Group represents dog bite victims throughout Palm Beach County and Delray Beach. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation. There is no obligation, and we will give you a straight answer about your options.

Hurt by a Dog in Florida? Here Is What a Dog Bite Attorney Wants You to Know