Dog Bite Laws in Florida: What Are Your Rights as a Victim in Tampa?

Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional injuries, leaving victims with costly medical bills, pain, and lasting trauma. In Tampa, dog owners are legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, but understanding Florida’s dog bite laws is essential when pursuing compensation. 

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, knowing your rights can help ensure that you receive the justice and financial recovery you deserve.

Florida’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bites, meaning that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of prior aggression or negligence. Under Florida Statute 767.04, a victim does not need to prove that the owner was aware of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. The key factors for liability are:

• The victim was in a public place or lawfully on private property when the bite occurred.
• The victim did not provoke the dog before the attack.

This law differs from states that require a history of aggression before holding an owner liable, making it easier for Tampa victims to seek compensation.

Comparative Negligence and Dog Bite Cases

While Florida’s strict liability law favors victims, comparative negligence can impact compensation. If the victim contributed to the attack, for example, by provoking the dog, their settlement may be reduced based on their percentage of fault. Additionally, Florida law allows dog owners to post “Beware of Dog” signs, which may limit liability if the victim was over six years old and ignored the warning.

An experienced Tampa dog bite lawyer can help counter these defenses and maximize compensation by proving that the owner failed to take proper precautions.

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims

Victims of dog bites in Tampa may recover compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, surgeries, physical therapy, and future treatments.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time off work for recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional distress, scarring, and long-term trauma.

In cases where the dog owner acted recklessly, such as allowing a known dangerous dog to roam freely, victims may also pursue punitive damages to hold the owner accountable.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Tampa

If you or a loved one suffers a dog bite, taking the right steps can strengthen your legal claim:

• Seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection and document injuries.
• Report the bite to Tampa Animal Control or local authorities.
• Gather evidence, take photos of injuries, the dog, and the location, and obtain witness statements.

Speak with Fulgencio Law Today

Florida’s dog bite laws protect victims, but navigating the legal process can be challenging. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tampa, Fulgencio Law can help you seek fair compensation and hold negligent owners accountable. A dog bite can leave you with serious injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. 

Understanding your rights under Florida’s strict liability law is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. At Fulgencio Law, we are committed to helping dog bite victims in Tampa hold negligent owners accountable and recover damages for their injuries. 

Our experienced Tampa dog bite lawyers will guide you through the claims process and fight for the best possible outcome in your case. Call us today at (813) 463-0123 for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue justice and financial recovery.