Florida Dog Bite Attorneys

Representing Dog Bite and Dog Attack Victims in Orlando, Winter Park, and Throughout Florida

More than 32 years of combined trial experience. Pursuing compensation for serious injuries, scarring, and the lasting effects of dog attacks.

A dog attack can happen in seconds, but its effects can last far longer. Victims may face painful injuries, permanent scarring, missed work, and anxiety that continues long after the physical wounds begin to heal. When a child is injured, the experience can be especially difficult for the entire family.

At Tonelli & Tonelli, we help people injured by dogs understand their rights and pursue compensation for the harm they have suffered. From our office in Winter Park, we represent clients throughout Florida, providing clear guidance and determined advocacy.

You do not need to know whether the dog had attacked someone before or whether insurance will cover your injuries before contacting us. We can review what happened and explain your options.

Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Florida?

Florida generally applies strict liability to dog bite claims. This means a dog’s owner may be held responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner had no reason to believe it was dangerous. The injured person generally does not have to prove that the owner was careless to establish liability under Florida’s dog bite statute, Section 767.04.

This protection generally applies when someone is bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, including the dog owner’s property. An owner’s statement that the dog “has never done this before” does not, by itself, defeat a claim.

The circumstances still matter. If the injured person’s own negligence contributed to the bite, their compensation may be reduced. A properly displayed “Bad Dog” sign can also affect an owner’s liability, although that defense has exceptions, including for children under six and injuries caused by the owner’s negligence.

We examine where the attack occurred, how it happened, and the evidence supporting responsibility.

Injuries Can Extend Beyond the Bite

Dog attacks can cause puncture wounds, torn skin, nerve damage, and injuries that require surgery or ongoing treatment. Scarring and disfigurement can affect a person’s confidence, relationships, and daily life. Some victims also experience lasting fear, sleep disturbances, or difficulty returning to places and activities they once enjoyed.

For victims who must undergo preventive rabies treatment, the ordeal can extend beyond the attack itself. A series of injections can add substantial pain, fear, and repeated medical visits while the victim is already recovering from serious injuries. These burdens deserve to be taken seriously and fully accounted for when pursuing compensation.

The harm is not always limited to a bite. A dog may knock someone down or cause a fall, resulting in fractures or other serious injuries. Depending on the circumstances, these incidents may also support a claim.

A thorough evaluation considers both the immediate injuries and the lasting effects of the attack.

What Compensation May Be Available?

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, preventive rabies treatment, and follow-up care.
• Future medical care, including treatment for scarring or other lasting injuries.
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity.
• Physical pain and suffering, including pain associated with necessary treatment.
• Scarring and disfigurement.
• Emotional distress and loss of enjoyment of life.

An early settlement offer may arrive before the long-term effects of an injury are clear. We work to understand the medical outlook and document how the attack has affected your life before helping you evaluate a proposed resolution.

What to Do After a Dog Attack

Your immediate safety and medical care come first. Once you are safe, the following steps can help document what happened:

• Identify the dog and its owner. Obtain contact information and available information about the dog’s vaccinations.
• Report the incident. Contact the appropriate local animal control agency and request a copy of the report when available.
• Photograph the injuries and location. Continue documenting visible injuries as they heal.
• Identify witnesses. Save their names and contact information, along with any available photographs or video.
• Keep records. Preserve medical bills, treatment records, missed-work information, and communications with the owner or insurer.
• Understand what you are signing. Seek legal advice before accepting a settlement or signing a release.

You do not need to complete every step before reaching out. We can help identify what information is still needed.

Local Animal Services and Reporting Resources

If an attack occurred in Orange County or a nearby county, the following official resources can help you locate animal services contacts and reporting information. Contact the agency serving the location where the incident occurred. Some cities handle animal control separately from the county.

• Orange County Animal Services
• Seminole County Animal Services — Reporting an Animal Complaint
• Osceola County Animal Services
• Lake County Animal Services
• Brevard County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services
• Volusia County Animal Services
• Polk County Sheriff’s Office Animal Services
• Sumter County Animal Services
• Marion County Animal Services

For information about potential rabies exposure and next steps, visit the Florida Department of Health’s rabies information page. If you believe you may have been exposed, contact your medical provider and county health department promptly.

Reporting an attack helps document the incident, but it does not replace medical care or pursuing a claim for compensation.

How Tonelli & Tonelli Helps

A dog bite claim requires more than submitting medical bills to an insurance company. Responsibility may be disputed, coverage may be limited, and the lasting effects of the injuries may be underestimated.

We investigate the circumstances, obtain available animal control records, preserve evidence, and identify potentially applicable insurance coverage. Homeowners, renters, or other liability policies may provide coverage, depending on their terms and exclusions.

We also work to document your injuries, treatment needs, financial losses, and the personal impact of the attack. We handle communications and negotiations with insurers and opposing counsel, explain significant developments, and help you evaluate decisions throughout the case.

If litigation is necessary, we prepare to present the evidence and pursue your claim in court.

Why It Is Important to Seek Advice Early

Legal deadlines apply to dog bite and other dog-related injury claims. The time available depends on the legal basis of the claim and the circumstances involved.

Evidence can also become harder to obtain with time. Surveillance footage may be overwritten, witnesses may become difficult to locate, and important details may be disputed.

Seeking advice early allows an attorney to assess the applicable deadlines and take steps to preserve evidence while you focus on your recovery.

Talk With Us About What Happened

If you or your child was injured by a dog, contact Tonelli & Tonelli. Speaking with us is free, and there is no obligation to hire our firm. We will listen, review the circumstances, and explain whether a claim may be available.

Call 407.883.HURT (407.883.4878) or contact us online.

Serving Winter Park, Orlando, Central Florida, and clients throughout Florida.