oTallahassee Dog Bite Attorney

Trusted Legal Support For Dog Bite Victims In Tallahassee

A dog bite can change your life in a moment. Medical treatment, scarring, time away from work, and mounting bills create stress when you should be focused on healing. In Tallahassee and across Leon County, Florida law allows victims to pursue compensation for medical care, lost income, and the lasting impact of a bite or attack.

For 25 years, Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. has guided injured clients in Tallahassee neighborhoods like Midtown, Killearn, Southwood, and around the FSU and FAMU campuses. We know how to investigate quickly, work with insurers, and build claims that reflect the real cost of dog bite injuries.

Call for a free case evaluation at (850) 629-7226 or send us a message now. No fees unless we recover for you.

Tallahassee Dog Bite Claims We Handle

Dog bite cases are unique because they often involve people you know, rental properties, or common areas where multiple parties may share responsibility. Our firm approaches each matter with compassion and a clear plan to secure the compensation you need.

We represent clients in cases involving:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, crush injuries, and nerve damage
• Facial injuries and scarring, including scar revision planning
• Infection care and post-exposure treatment, including rabies protocols
• Psychological trauma, anxiety, and sleep disturbance
• Attacks in apartments, private homes, businesses, parks, and public spaces
• Delivery drivers, postal carriers, utility workers, and rideshare drivers
• Injuries to children and college students in and around campus housing

Florida Dog Bite Liability Overview

Florida generally holds dog owners responsible when a bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. Prior knowledge of the dog’s behavior is not always required, but defenses can arise. Our evaluation focuses on:

• Where the incident occurred and whether you were lawfully present
• Who owned, kept, or controlled the dog at the time of the attack
• Whether gates, leashes, or warning signs were present and compliant with local rules
• The role of landlords or property managers in multi-unit housing
• Available insurance coverage under homeowners, renters, landlord, or business policies

We identify the facts, apply the law, and map out the most effective route to recovery based on our 25 years of case experience.

What To Do After a Dog Bite in Tallahassee

Your health and your claim both depend on early, careful steps.

• Get medical care right away. Even small punctures can lead to infection or scarring. Keep all records and receipts.
• Report the incident. Contact local authorities or animal control to create an official report and document vaccination status if available.
• Preserve evidence. Take photos of injuries, the scene, fences or broken gates, torn clothing, and any warning signs. Save messages with the owner or witnesses.
• Avoid recorded statements to insurers. Speak with a lawyer first to protect your claim.

Consult a Tallahassee dog bite attorney. Early investigation helps locate witnesses, surveillance video, and insurance coverage.

How We Build Your Dog Bite Injury Claim

Evidence drives results. Our process includes:

• Obtaining animal control and incident reports
• Interviewing witnesses and canvassing for surveillance footage
• Coordinating with your medical providers to document injury progression
• Consulting with specialists for scar evaluation and future care needs
• Calculating lost income and diminished earning capacity
• Identifying all applicable insurance policies and exclusions
• Negotiating with insurers and preparing for litigation when needed

Compensation Available For Dog Bite Injuries

Every case is different, but we pursue the full measure of damages available under Florida law.

You may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency treatment, hospitalization, surgery, and rehabilitation
• Scar revision, plastic surgery consultations, and future medical care
• Infections, medications, and vaccine protocols
• Lost wages, reduced earning capacity, and missed school or training
• Pain, suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
• Out-of-pocket costs such as transportation, dressings, and counseling
• Property damage, including torn clothing, glasses, or mobile devices

Special Considerations For Children And Students

Children may experience long term physical and psychological impacts, and scarring can require future revisions as they grow. For college students, missed classes or on campus restrictions can create unique economic losses. We build claims that reflect these realities and coordinate with pediatric and mental health providers when appropriate.

Liability And Insurance In Florida Dog Bite Cases

The most common question after an attack is who pays. Often, the answer is an insurance company, not the person you know.

Potential sources of compensation include:

• Homeowners or renters policies carried by the dog’s owner
• Landlord or property owner policies when the premises' conditions contribute
• Commercial policies when bites occur at businesses or rental offices
• Additional defendants who shared custody or control of the animal

We also address coverage issues like breed exclusions, policy notice requirements, and alleged violations of local rules. If an insurer denies or limits coverage, we challenge those decisions with the facts and policy language.

How Comparative Fault Can Affect Recovery

Insurers sometimes argue the victim bears some responsibility for approaching the dog or ignoring warnings. Florida’s comparative fault rules may reduce recovery if a share of fault is assigned. We develop a clear timeline of events, gather witness statements, and use our 25 years of case handling to counter blame shifting and protect the value of your claim.

The Shapiro Law Firm, P.A. Approach

Clients choose our firm because we combine local insight with a proven, disciplined process that keeps cases moving.

Our approach includes:

• A free consultation to explain your options and answer questions
• Immediate investigation and evidence preservation
• Ongoing coordination with your medical providers
• A detailed demand package supported by records and specialist opinions when needed
• Strategic negotiation and, if necessary, filing suit and preparing for trial

Deadlines And Why Timing Matters

Florida law imposes deadlines for filing injury claims. Evidence can be lost, and witness memories can fade quickly. Contacting an attorney as soon as possible helps protect your rights and strengthens your case from the start.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?

Deadlines apply and can vary based on your situation. Acting promptly helps preserve evidence and ensures your claim is filed on time.

Do I need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?

Florida law can hold owners responsible for bites even without prior incidents. There are exceptions and defenses, so a case-specific evaluation is important.

What if the dog owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member?

Most claims are paid by insurance, not by the individual. We handle the process professionally to minimize conflict while pursuing the compensation you need.

Can I recover for scarring and emotional distress?

Yes. Damages can include medical care, scar revision, counseling, and compensation for pain and suffering. We document both physical and emotional impacts.

What if I was working when the bite happened?

You may have both a workers compensation claim and a third party claim against the dog’s owner or custodian. We coordinate both to maximize recovery.

Who pays if the owner has no insurance?

We look for other responsible parties and policies, including landlords, property managers, or businesses. We also evaluate your own coverage for potential benefits.

Will my case go to trial?

Many cases resolve through negotiation, but preparation for trial increases leverage. Our firm is prepared to file suit when it is in your best interest.

Ready to protect your Tallahassee recovery today

A dog bite can leave lasting scars and financial strain. Put 25 years of Tallahassee injury experience to work for you and take control of your next step toward recovery.

Schedule your free consultation now or call (850) 629-7226 to speak with our Tallahassee dog bite lawyer today.