Dogs are America’s favorite pet. Nearly half of all U.S. households own at least one dog. But some furry family members can be highly protective and territorial, leading them to act aggressively and even attack in some cases.
If you or a family member suffered a dog bite injury due to a dog owner’s negligence, Florida personal injury law allows you to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
An experienced Orlando dog bite lawyer with Miller & Jacobs Injury Attorneys can lift the legal burden from you after a dog bite attack and work to secure the maximum compensation available to you. Call us today at (877) 848-5297 for a free consultation and learn how, with the right legal representation, you can pursue damages with confidence.
Table of Contents
- Why Choose an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney from Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys?
- Dog Bite Injuries in Orlando
- What Types of Dog Bite Cases Can Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys Help With?
- How Can Orlando Dog Bite Lawyers Help You Recover Maximum Compensation?
- Let Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys maximize your dog bite insurance recovery
- Managing the burden of legal timelines and evidence collection
- Common Dog Bite Injuries
- Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
- Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys | Recover Maximum Compensation with an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney
Why Choose an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney from Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys?
Serious dog bites not only require medical care; they require serious legal representation as well. When you’re dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite, you need more than legal advice; you need someone who truly understands what you’re going through and knows how to take action. We provide clients with:
Proven results in Florida injury claims
With decades of experience in personal injury law and millions recovered for clients across Florida, our track record speaks for itself. We understand how to handle high-stakes dog bite cases—and we know how to win them.
No-win, No-Fee Guarantee
We work on a contingency fee structure. You won’t pay us anything unless we recover compensation on your behalf. This means no hourly rates, no upfront costs, and no surprises. We take the financial risk so you can focus on your health.
Personalized attention for every client
We know how personal these cases are, especially when they involve friends, family members, or children. That’s why we treat each case with the care and discretion it deserves.
Deep knowledge of Florida’s strict liability laws
Florida’s dog bite laws can work in your favor—but only if they’re applied correctly. Our attorneys are well-versed in Florida’s strict liability dog bite laws and comparative negligence rules, ensuring your case is positioned for the best possible outcome.
Insurance companies take us seriously
We know the tactics insurance companies use to deny or devalue claims, and we never let them take advantage of our clients. Whether through negotiation or litigation, we advocate aggressively to secure the full compensation you need for recovery.
Ready for trial if the case demands it
Most personal injury firms settle fast. We prepare every case as if it’s going to court. If negotiations don’t result in a fair offer, we’re ready to take your case to trial and fight for your rights in front of a judge or jury.
Clear communication from start to finish
You deserve to be kept informed every step of the way. We explain the legal process in plain terms and provide updates so you never feel left in the dark about your case.
Local knowledge of Orlando courts and communities
As a firm serving clients throughout Orlando and its surrounding areas, we are familiar with local laws, ordinances, and court procedures. We use that insight to build stronger cases for our clients, whether the bite occurred near Lake Eola, Winter Park, or anywhere else in the region.
Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog, attacked at a local park, or injured while working on someone’s property, it’s important to work with a personal injury law firm that has what it takes to win these cases.
Dog Bite Injuries in Orlando
With the exception of California, more dog bite insurance claims are reported in Florida than in any other state, according to the Insurance Information Institute. The problem is getting worse, too. Data indicates that dog bites are on the rise across the state, including in Orlando.
In one recent year, 1,532 dog bite claims were filed in Florida, a noticeable increase from the previous year and a staggering 86% rise in dog bite-related injuries statewide since 2010.
Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has never bitten before. This means if a dog bites someone in a public space or while that person is lawfully on private property, the owner can be held financially responsible.
If a dog that was previously declared dangerous attacks again, the owner can face criminal penalties, including a misdemeanor or felony if the attack causes severe injury or death.
Some exceptions to Florida’s dog bite laws exist. If a victim was trespassing or provoking the dog, compensation could be reduced or barred. In Orlando, bite victims are encouraged to report the incident to Orange County Animal Control at (407) 836-3111 to help document the event and start an official investigation.
What Types of Dog Bite Cases Can Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys Help With?
Dog bite incidents happen in all kinds of situations. Whether it’s a family pet or a dog in a public setting, the physical and emotional scars can be life-altering. At Miller & Jacobs, we handle a wide range of dog bite cases with the special skill and compassion they require.
Attacks by family pets
Many dog bite victims know the animal that attacked them. In fact, an estimated 60-75% of dog bites happen in familiar settings, like the victim’s own home or a friend’s home. While it can feel uncomfortable to take legal action in these situations, your health and recovery must come first, and you shouldn’t have to pay for all your damages out of pocket.
Often, these attacks happen because the dog’s owner didn’t act responsibly. Common reasons include:
- Lack of supervision, especially around children
- Ignoring signs of aggression or behavioral issues
- Letting dogs roughhouse without clear boundaries
- Failing to secure the dog in the home or yard
Even when it’s a family friend or relative’s dog, you have the right to pursue compensation. If you are concerned about filing a claim in these sensitive situations, Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys will be happy to talk with you about your concerns. Our Orlando dog bite attorneys handle these sensitive cases with professionalism and discretion, always keeping your best interests in mind.
Bites in public spaces
Orlando’s parks, sidewalks, and recreational areas offer great places to relax, but they’re also common sites for dog bite injuries. Dogs that are not properly leashed or under control can pose serious risks in these shared environments.
Public space bites often occur in places such as:
- Neighborhood sidewalks and greenways
- Dog parks or public play areas
- Apartment complexes or housing community courtyards
- Retail plazas or store parking lots
- Trails and recreation paths around Lake Eola or Bill Frederick Park
These injuries typically happen when owners:
- Ignore leash laws or allow their dog to run loose
- Bring aggressive dogs into crowded areas
- Fail to remove pets from stressful or overstimulating environments
- Don’t supervise their dog in shared residential spaces
Dog bite cases can involve complex questions about responsibility and local leash ordinances. Our team knows how to investigate the circumstances and hold negligent owners accountable.
Incidents with service workers and visitors
Every day, service professionals enter private properties to do their jobs, and they often encounter dogs that aren’t properly secured. Sadly, they’re among the most frequent victims of dog bites.
Common examples of where and how these incidents occur include:
- Postal carriers or delivery workers bitten on entry
- Utility and maintenance workers attacked while doing their jobs
- Real estate agents or home inspectors visiting occupied properties
- Cable and internet technicians visiting a home
These injuries are often preventable, and usually the result of property owners failing to:
- Secure their dogs before service visits
- Post clear warnings about a potentially aggressive pet
- Maintain locked gates or fences to prevent unsupervised access
At Miller & Jacobs, we fight to protect the rights of workers who’ve been harmed by preventable dog attacks. You shouldn’t have to suffer the consequences of someone else’s lack of care.
Child victim cases
Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks. More than half of all dog bite victims in Florida are children, with the highest risk seen in those aged 5 to 9. These cases often involve painful injuries, long-lasting physical scars and emotional trauma.
Dog bites to children most often happen:
- In their own home or at a relative’s house
- During playtime or social visits with other families
- At daycare providers or homes with unrestrained pets
- While walking in neighborhoods or parks
Pet owners may be at fault when they:
- Fail to supervise kids interacting with dogs
- Allow children to roughhouse or play too closely
- Disregard signs of discomfort or stress in their pets
- Leave larger dogs unattended with young children
Dog bite injuries to children can be especially severe, often involving the head, face, or neck due to a child’s height. Our firm works closely with families to ensure all medical and psychological needs are addressed while pursuing fair compensation.
Workplace dog bite cases
Many workers must visit homes and businesses, but not all dog owners take the steps necessary to restrain their dogs. From landscapers to HVAC technicians, workers are at risk of being bitten when pets are not secured properly.
These bites often happen:
- On residential or commercial job sites
- During scheduled repair or installation appointments
- While reading meters or performing inspections
- In shared office parks or mixed-use buildings
Many of these incidents stem from poor communication and a lack of preparation. Owners may:
- Forget to mention that a dog is present during scheduling
- Fail to put the dog in another room or yard
- Assume the dog won’t be aggressive toward strangers
If a dog bite interrupts your ability to work or results in medical bills and lost wages, Miller & Jacobs is here to evaluate your case and protect your legal rights.
How Can Orlando Dog Bite Lawyers Help You Recover Maximum Compensation?
Most dog attacks happen because the owner failed to take proper precautions. Under Florida law, owners are strictly liable for their dog biting someone, but they may still attempt to deny responsibility or blame the victim. Our attorneys understand how to hold negligent owners accountable for actions such as:
- Allowing known dangerous dogs to interact freely with others
- Ignoring leash laws, including Orlando’s leash requirements
- Failing to secure gates, fences, or entryways
- Not addressing prior aggressive behavior or previous incidents
We build strong claims by collecting incident reports, photos of injuries, witness statements, and relevant animal control or veterinary records. We establish clear liability so that you can focus on healing, not fighting with insurers or property owners.
Let Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys maximize your dog bite insurance recovery
Many people trust insurance companies to do the right thing and pay them fairly for all their damages and losses. However, this is almost never the case. Most homeowners' or renters' insurance will try to reduce, delay, or deny your dog bite injury claim to protect their company’s profits. Without legal support, victims often face:
Settlement offers that don’t come close to covering medical and emotional damages
- Blame-shifting strategies to reduce payout amounts
- Denial of claims involving specific breeds or unclear circumstances
- Pressure to sign releases or accept minimal compensation quickly
Our Orlando dog bite attorneys are prepared to deal with these tactics head-on. We’ll review all applicable policies—whether it's a homeowner's plan, renter’s insurance, or umbrella coverage—and pursue full compensation. If the insurance company refuses to offer you a fair deal, we are prepared to take them to court to secure the compensation you deserve.
Managing the burden of legal timelines and evidence collection
Strong evidence is essential in dog bite cases, but it doesn’t last forever. Unfortunately, many victims wait too long to seek legal help and end up losing valuable proof that could support their claim. Our team acts quickly to preserve the evidence needed to build your case, including:
- Photographs of the injuries right after the incident
- Surveillance footage from nearby homes or businesses
- Medical reports that document the full extent of your harm
- Witness interviews while memories are still fresh
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury cases typically allows two years from the date of the injury, but waiting can put your case at risk. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and gathering the key evidence for your case.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Some dog bite injuries heal in a few weeks; others may lead to permanent disability or disfigurement. The severity depends on the dog’s size and breed, the nature of the attack, and the part of the body affected. Some of the more common injuries we see in Orlando dog bite claims are:
- Puncture wounds
- Torn ligaments or muscle damage
- Fractures or broken bones
- Facial injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections
- Psychological trauma
Miller & Jacobs works closely with you and your doctors to ensure that all of your long-term needs are considered when calculating damages.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
The goal of any personal injury claim is to recover the full extent of your losses. At Miller & Jacobs, we look at the big picture, ensuring that nothing is left out when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Economic damages
Out-of-pocket costs associated with your injury, including:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, follow-up visits)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation expenses
- Prescription medications
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Future medical care needs related to the injury
Non-economic damages
The damages aren’t as tangible, but they’re just as real:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Anxiety or trauma from the attack
Wrongful death damages
In rare but tragic cases, a dog bite may lead to fatal injuries. When that happens, surviving family members may be able to recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of financial support
- Mental and emotional suffering
Our team works with families to understand their loss and pursue justice with compassion and care.
Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys | Recover Maximum Compensation with an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney
Dog bite cases involve more than just proving an injury happened—they involve medical records, liability laws, insurance claims, and, most importantly, a deep understanding of how your life has been affected. At Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys, we are fully committed to helping you get your life back on track.
We handle every case with professionalism, compassion, and determination. From your first call to the final resolution of your claim, we are here to provide guidance and pursue the compensation you deserve. You don’t have to go up against the insurance companies or negligent dog owners. When you work with us, your fight becomes our fight.
Call Miller & Jacobs Accident Attorneys at (877) 848-5297 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation with an Orlando dog bite lawyer who will fight to protect your rights and help you move forward.