A dog attack can leave lasting scars — physical and emotional, especially for children. The good news for Florida victims is that state law is on their side, and it's stronger than in many other states.
Many states follow a "one bite" rule, where an owner is only responsible if the dog had shown aggression before. Florida is different: owners are strictly liable for bites, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner did nothing wrong.
The law generally protects you if you were bitten in a public place or lawfully on private property — including the owner's own property. You don't have to prove the owner was careless; you have to show you were lawfully there and the dog bit you.
People often hesitate to file because the owner is a neighbor, friend, or family member. But dog-bite claims are typically paid by the owner's homeowner or renter insurance — not out of their pocket.
Recovery can include emergency care, reconstructive surgery and scar revision, counseling for trauma, lost wages, and compensation for pain and disfigurement. Bites to the face — common with children — can carry significant value because of scarring.
Marshall personally reviews every case and returns calls the same day. No fee unless we recover for you.
This article is general information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different; for advice about your situation, contact a licensed attorney.