Experienced Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers at Slater | Grant
Dog attacks can leave victims physically scarred, emotionally traumatized, and financially burdened. At Slater | Grant, our dedicated Tampa dog bite lawyers fight relentlessly to ensure victims receive the full compensation they’re entitled to under Florida law. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may have a valid legal claim against the dog’s owner or other responsible parties. We are committed to holding negligent pet owners accountable while advocating for your rights and recovery.
Complete the free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with an attorney.
Florida Dog Bite Laws Explained
Florida operates under a strict liability statute for dog bites. This means a dog owner can be held legally responsible for injuries their dog causes—even if the dog had no history of aggression or prior bites. Under Florida Statute 767.04, victims do not need to prove the dog owner was negligent. They only need to show that:
- The dog bit them, and
- The victim was lawfully in a public place or on private property (including the dog owner’s property).
Our skilled Tampa dog bite lawyers use this legal framework to aggressively pursue claims and build strong cases that maximize your potential compensation.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Dog attacks often result in severe physical and emotional injuries, especially when the victim is a child or elderly person. Some common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones or fractures
- Nerve damage
- Infections such as rabies or tetanus
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Loss of limbs or facial injuries
These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, including surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing mental health support. Our Tampa dog bite lawyers work closely with medical professionals to assess the full scope of your damages.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Tampa?
While the dog’s owner is usually the primary party held responsible, additional individuals or entities may also be liable, depending on the situation:
- Landlords who knew of a dangerous dog on the property
- Dog sitters or caretakers who failed to control the animal
- Businesses or property managers who allowed an aggressive dog onsite
- Parents of minors if a child’s dog causes harm
Our legal team at Slater | Grant investigates every angle of your case to uncover all possible sources of liability and insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach is critical to securing full compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of dog bites in Tampa may be eligible for both economic and non-economic damages. These may include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgeries, rehab, medication)
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Scarring and permanent disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In cases of extreme negligence or malicious behavior (such as encouraging a dog to attack), punitive damages may also be awarded. Our Tampa dog bite lawyers know how to calculate, document, and demand every dollar you’re owed.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Tampa
Taking the right steps immediately after a dog bite can make a significant difference in your case:
- Seek immediate medical care. Even minor bites can become infected.
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement.
- Identify the dog owner and get their contact and insurance information.
- Take photographs of the bite, your injuries, and the location of the incident.
- Get witness information if anyone saw the attack.
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
- Contact a Tampa dog bite lawyer at Slater | Grant right away.
We will guide you through every step of the legal process and ensure your rights are protected from day one.
How Our Tampa Dog Bite Lawyers Build Your Case
At Slater | Grant, our approach to dog bite injury cases is aggressive, thorough, and strategic. We focus on building a strong claim by:
- Collecting medical records and bills
- Documenting the extent of your injuries and trauma
- Securing expert testimony, including medical and psychological professionals
- Obtaining witness statements and surveillance footage
- Reviewing animal control and prior bite reports
- Negotiating with insurance companies for maximum compensation
- Litigating in court if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement
You are never alone when you have our experienced legal team in your corner.
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Florida
In Florida, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim—such as a dog bite—is generally two years from the date of the attack. Failing to file within this time may result in your case being dismissed, and you could lose your right to seek compensation. Time is of the essence. Don’t wait to speak with one of our seasoned Tampa dog bite lawyers.
Insurance Claims in Tampa Dog Bite Cases
Navigating the insurance claim process after a dog bite can be complex and overwhelming. Insurance companies often aim to minimize payouts, which can leave victims undercompensated or pressured to accept low settlement offers. Our Tampa dog bite lawyers at Slater | Grant have extensive experience dealing with insurance adjusters and policies related to dog bite claims.
Most dog owners carry homeowner’s insurance or renters insurance that covers dog bite injuries. However, insurers frequently dispute claims by:
- Questioning the circumstances of the bite
- Arguing the victim was partially at fault
- Delaying claim processing to exhaust the victim financially
- Offering quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries
We protect your rights by thoroughly reviewing the insurance policies, documenting all injuries and damages, and negotiating firmly to secure a fair and comprehensive settlement. If negotiations fail, we are fully prepared to take your case to court to ensure the responsible party’s insurance fulfills its obligation to compensate you properly.
Having an experienced Tampa dog bite lawyer to advocate for you dramatically increases your chances of obtaining the compensation necessary to cover medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Do not let insurance companies undervalue your claim—contact us to get the legal support you need.
Why Choose Slater | Grant for Your Dog Bite Case
At Slater | Grant, we are known for our tenacity, compassion, and track record of results. When you choose our firm, you benefit from:
- Decades of combined personal injury experience
- A personalized, client-first approach
- Aggressive negotiation and litigation strategies
- No upfront fees – we only get paid if you win
- Proven success securing settlements and verdicts for dog bite victims
Our mission is simple: deliver justice and restore peace of mind to every client we represent.
Schedule Your Free Case Evaluation Today
If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog in Tampa, don’t wait to explore your legal options. Our skilled Tampa dog bite lawyers at Slater | Grant are ready to fight for your rights and help you recover what you’ve lost.
Complete our free case evaluation form or call us now at 813-995-6444 to speak directly with a compassionate and experienced attorney. We’re here to help—no cost, no obligation.
Sources
- Florida Statutes – Dog Owner’s Liability
Provides the legal framework for holding dog owners accountable in Florida.
https://www.leg.state.fl.us/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=0700-0799/0767/Sections/0767.04.html - Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Dog Bite Prevention
Offers statistics and safety tips related to dog bites nationwide.
https://www.cdc.gov/dogbite/index.html - American Veterinary Medical Association – Dog Bite Risk and Prevention
Expert insight into dog behavior and bite risk factors.
https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention
