I used to defend dog owners and their insurers.Now I represent the people they hurt.
A dog bite happens in seconds. The scars, the infections, and the fear can last for years, especially when the victim is a child.
For years, homeowners, property management companies, and their insurance carriers hired me to defend dog bite claims. I know how those claims get evaluated, which defenses carriers reach for, and how they try to keep the payout low. Now I use that experience for people who’ve been bitten.
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The things people ask first.
You can recover if you are 50% or less at fault. Your award is reduced by your share. Fla. Stat. § 768.81
No fees or costs unless we win. Your consultation is free.
Under Florida law, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone in a public place or someone lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own home. You don’t have to prove the dog bit before or that the owner knew it was dangerous. Fla. Stat. § 767.04
Florida law also makes owners responsible for other injuries their dog causes, like knocking someone down or causing a bike crash. Fla. Stat. § 767.01
In most cases, the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance pays a dog bite claim. Some policies exclude certain breeds or cap dog bite coverage, so I get the policy early. Where a landlord, property manager, or HOA knew about a dangerous dog and had the ability to address it, they may be responsible too.
Most Florida negligence claims, including dog bites, must be filed within two years. Don’t wait on the insurer to tell you that. Fla. Stat. § 95.11
I know where they’ll push back. Florida makes dog owners responsible for most bites, so carriers rarely win by denying the bite happened. They fight on other ground: a “Bad Dog” sign, a claim you provoked the dog, a claim you were partly at fault, or an argument that your injury is worth less than it is. I’ve made those arguments. I build your case to answer them before the adjuster raises them.
I find every policy that can pay you. The dog owner’s homeowners or renters policy is usually the first place to look, but it’s not always the only one. When a dog lives at a rental property, an apartment complex, or a managed community, a landlord or property manager may share responsibility if they knew the dog was dangerous and could have done something about it. I defended those companies. I know what to look for in their records. More coverage means more room to fully pay for your injury.
I know what a scar is worth to an insurer. Bite injuries often look minor in an early photo and heal into permanent scars, nerve damage, or a lasting fear of dogs. Adjusters value a claim on what they can document. I make sure the full picture is documented: the photos over time, the treatment, the scar revision consult, the counseling if your child needs it. That’s how the number goes up.
I handle your case personally. Not a case manager. You call or text, I answer.
Steps that protect your claim.
Dog bites get infected fast. See a doctor the same day, even if the wound looks small.
Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and ask whether the dog is current on its rabies vaccine.
Call local animal control. In Hillsborough County, that’s the Pet Resource Center. The report creates an official record of the bite.
The wound on day one, and again as it heals. Your torn clothing. The spot where it happened, including any gate, fence, or leash.
Neighbors, delivery drivers, and anyone else who saw it.
The owner’s insurer will call. Their first goal is to find a reason to pay less. Call me first.
My office is on North Dale Mabry in Carrollwood. You don’t have to come to me. I’ll meet you at the office, at your home, or at the hospital. Most clients handle everything by phone, text, and email.
Bring what you have: photos, the exchange form, insurance letters, medical bills. It doesn’t need to be organized. That’s my job.
Call or text me at (813) 547-4707.
What your claim can include
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Usually, yes. Florida doesn’t give dogs a “first bite free.” The owner can be responsible the first time.
In most cases, their homeowners or renters insurance pays the claim, not them personally, as long as it stays within their policy limits. That’s what the coverage is for.
Sometimes. If the landlord or property manager knew the dog was dangerous and had the power to do something about it, they may share responsibility. I’ve defended those companies, so I know what to look for.
Not necessarily. The sign doesn’t protect the owner when the victim is under 6 or when the owner’s own carelessness caused the bite.
Two years for most Florida dog bite claims. Call early, before the evidence and witnesses fade.
Nothing unless we win. My fee and case costs come out of the recovery. If there is no recovery, you owe nothing.
Every case is handled by me. Not assistants, case managers, or call centers.
Written by Jacob Gordon, Florida Bar No. 125004 · Updated October 2026