Personal Injury — Dog Bites
Bitten or Attacked by a Dog?
From Ilona’s Desk
A Dog Attack Is Terrifying.
A Dog Attack Is Terrifying.
What Comes After Shouldn’t Be.
Dog bites and attacks cause more than physical injuries. The puncture wounds, the scarring, the reconstructive procedures — those are real and serious. But I’ve also seen clients struggle with anxiety, fear of animals, post-traumatic stress, and a changed sense of safety in their own neighborhood long after the physical wounds healed. These are legitimate harms, and they deserve to be part of your claim.
Most states where I practice — including Florida, California, and Texas — hold dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone. That means you generally don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The bite happened. The owner is responsible. What remains is making sure you’re fully compensated for everything it cost you.
I know it can feel awkward to pursue a claim — especially if you know the dog’s owner. But your medical bills, your recovery, and your peace of mind matter. Let’s talk about how to protect all three.
We Handle These Cases
Types of Dog Bite and Animal Attack Claims
Dog Bites and Puncture Wounds
Deep bites that break the skin carry real risk of infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Even a single bite from a first-time offender is actionable in most states.
Dog Attacks Causing Falls
A dog doesn’t have to bite to cause serious injury. A large dog jumping on or knocking over a person — especially a child or elderly adult — can result in fractures, head injuries, and worse.
Attacks on Children
Children are the most frequent victims of serious dog attacks. Facial injuries, scarring, and lasting psychological trauma are common. Claims on behalf of minors have specific legal considerations — and we handle them with care.
Off-Leash Dog Incidents
An owner who violates local leash laws is automatically in breach of their duty of care. If their off-leash dog attacked you, that violation strengthens your claim significantly.
Attacks by Neighbor’s or Friend’s Dog
Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance — not paid out of pocket. Knowing the owner personally doesn’t change your right to be compensated.
Postal Workers, Delivery Personnel, and Service Workers
Dog bites are an occupational hazard for people who enter properties as part of their work. If you were bitten while legally on someone’s property, you have a strong claim regardless of your profession.
After the Attack
7 Steps That Protect Your Claim
Dog bite cases move quickly — and so does the owner’s insurance company once they find out. Here’s what to do right away to make sure your rights are protected from the start.
1
Get Medical Care Immediately
Dog bites carry a serious risk of infection — including rabies and MRSA — even from vaccinated animals. Clean the wound thoroughly and see a doctor the same day. Your medical records are the cornerstone of your claim.
2
Report the Bite to Animal Control
File a report with your local animal control agency as soon as possible. This creates an official record, triggers an investigation into the dog’s history, and may reveal prior bite incidents that strengthen your case significantly.
3
Identify and Document the Dog and Owner
Get the owner’s full name, address, and contact information. Note the dog’s breed, size, and color. Ask about vaccination records — you’re entitled to this information after a bite. If the owner is uncooperative, let animal control handle it.
4
Photograph Your Injuries Right Away
Take photos immediately — and continue photographing as the wounds heal. Dog bite injuries evolve over days and weeks, and a visual record of that progression is powerful evidence of the full extent of your injury.
5
Get Witness Information
Anyone who witnessed the attack — neighbors, passersby, other dog owners at the park. Their account of what the dog did and how the owner responded can be invaluable, especially if the owner later disputes the facts.
6
Don’t Discuss the Incident With the Owner’s Insurer
The owner’s homeowner’s insurance will likely get in touch. Be polite, but don’t provide a recorded statement or discuss fault without legal guidance. What you say at this stage can directly affect what you receive.
7
Document Emotional Impact Too
Keep a journal of anxiety, nightmares, fear of dogs, changes in your daily routine, and any therapy or counseling you receive. Psychological harm from a dog attack is real and compensable — but it needs to be documented just like a physical injury.
What You May Recover
Dog Bite Injuries Cost More
Dog Bite Injuries Cost More
Than Most People Realize.
Between emergency care, reconstructive surgery, infection treatment, therapy, and lost work time, the true cost of a serious dog bite adds up fast. And that’s before accounting for the psychological impact — the anxiety, the changed behavior, the fear that follows victims long after the wound has closed.
In states where our firm is licensed — California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Texas — dog bite victims may be entitled to:
- Emergency and ongoing medical expenses
- Reconstructive surgery and scar treatment
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
- Psychological therapy and counseling costs
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement damages
Every case is different. Let’s sit down — free of charge — and I’ll give you an honest picture of what yours is worth.
$0
Upfront. Always.
Upfront. Always.
No Win, No Fee — Period.
You’re already dealing with enough. Our contingency fee model means we only get paid when you do. There’s no financial risk to getting the legal help you need right now.
Got Questions?
Dog Bite Claim FAQ
Does it matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
In most states where we practice — including Florida, California, and Texas — strict liability applies to dog bites. This means the owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression and the owner had no warning. You generally don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The bite happened on your body. That’s enough.
What if I know the dog owner personally — a neighbor or friend?
This is the most common reason people hesitate to pursue a dog bite claim — and it’s understandable. But here’s what most people don’t realize: in the vast majority of cases, the claim is paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not out of their personal pocket. Pursuing a claim doesn’t have to mean a financial battle with someone you know — it means their insurance covers what happened to you.
My child was attacked. Can I file a claim on their behalf?
Yes. As a parent or guardian, you can pursue a claim on behalf of a minor child. Dog attacks on children often result in serious facial injuries, lasting scars, and significant psychological trauma — and the law takes this seriously. In most states, the statute of limitations is also paused until your child turns 18, giving families more flexibility — though acting sooner preserves evidence and witness accounts.
What if I was partially at fault — for example, if I approached the dog?
Comparative fault rules may apply if you provoked the dog or ignored clear warning signs. However, simply approaching or petting a dog that then bites you is generally not considered provocation under the law. Each situation is fact-specific. Call us and describe exactly what happened — we’ll give you an honest assessment of how fault is likely to be allocated.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
Statutes of limitations vary by state — generally two to four years from the date of the bite. Florida has a four-year statute for dog bite claims, while California is two years. Don’t assume you have plenty of time. Animal control records, witness memories, and photographic evidence all fade. The sooner we start, the stronger your case.
Can I claim for emotional trauma and PTSD after a dog attack?
Absolutely. Psychological injuries from a dog attack — anxiety, PTSD, fear of dogs, nightmares, changes in behavior and daily routine — are fully compensable alongside physical injuries. These damages need to be properly documented through medical and therapy records, which is why keeping a symptom journal and seeking professional support matters both for your recovery and your case.
Do you handle dog bite cases in my state?
We’re licensed in California, Colorado, Florida, Nevada, New York, and Texas. Dog bite laws vary meaningfully from state to state — strict liability, negligence standards, leash law violations — and knowing the specific rules in your state matters. If you were bitten in any of those states, reach out. We’ll walk you through exactly where you stand.
Ready When You Are
Let’s Talk — Free, No Pressure,
Let’s Talk — Free, No Pressure,
No Obligation.
I know reaching out to an attorney can feel like a big step. It doesn’t have to be. Tell me what happened, and I’ll give you an honest picture of your options — no judgment, no sales pitch, just real guidance.
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