Dog Bite Defense Attorney in Tampa, Orlando & Fort Myers

If you own a dog in Florida, you can be pulled into a claim even if your dog has never bitten anyone before. Florida’s dog bite law can create serious financial exposure—but owners and property defendants still have defenses, and the right strategy early can reduce or eliminate liability.

At Law Offices of Adam G. Hill, we defend dog bite and animal injury claims for individuals and businesses across Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, and Fort Myers.

Call for a free consultation / case evaluation: 833-918-1877
(Or call any of our other office numbers listed on this website.)

Been Served or Received a Demand Letter? Don’t Wait.

Dog bite cases move quickly. Early missteps can lead to:

  • Statements used against you later

  • Missed opportunities to preserve defenses

  • Higher settlement pressure

  • In worst cases, a default judgment if a lawsuit is ignored

If you’ve been served with a lawsuit or received a demand letter from a personal injury attorney, call us. We’ll review your situation and tell you what you’re up against—and what we can do about it.

Who We Defend in Dog Bite Cases

We commonly represent:

  • Dog owners facing injury claims

  • Homeowners and renters

  • Landlords and property owners

  • Property managers / short-term rental hosts

  • Businesses with dogs on premises (or alleged premises liability)

  • Anyone accused of negligence relating to a dog bite incident

Even if you think the claim “should be covered” or “should go away,” you should still understand your defenses and your risk.

Florida Dog Bite Law and Key Defenses

Florida’s dog bite statute (Section 767.04) imposes “strict liability” in many situations, which means plaintiffs often claim the owner is liable even without prior aggression.

But “strict liability” does not mean automatic liability in every case. Depending on the facts, defenses may include:

Comparative fault / victim conduct

If the injured person’s conduct contributed to the incident, that can reduce damages (and materially change settlement posture).

Provocation and assumption of risk facts

Teasing, provoking, ignoring warnings, or knowingly approaching a dog can matter—especially when supported by evidence and witness accounts.

Lawful presence and trespass issues

Section 767.04 focuses on people who are lawfully on property; trespass or exceeding the scope of invitation can be a major issue in some cases.

“Bad Dog” sign defense (specific situations)

In certain on-premises scenarios, proper warning signage may affect liability exposure under the statute.

Causation and damages defenses

Many dog bite cases turn on:

  • Whether the claimed injuries match the facts

  • Whether treatment is reasonable/necessary

  • Whether there are prior conditions, prior claims, or inconsistent records

  • Whether scarring/disfigurement allegations are supported medically

Our job is to attack unsupported claims and protect you from inflated demands.

Our Dog Bite Defense Strategy

Every case is different, but our approach typically includes:

1) Rapid case assessment

We review the incident, the claim, and any lawsuit/demand letter. We identify deadlines and immediate risks.

2) Evidence preservation

We help secure what often wins or loses dog bite cases:

  • Photos/video (home cameras, phones, neighborhood footage)

  • Witness statements

  • Vet records and vaccination records

  • Prior communications and warnings

  • Property layout and signage details

  • Prior medical history issues (where legally obtainable)

3) Strong defense posture from day one

We position the case for the best outcome—whether that’s early resolution or litigation—by building a record that pressures the claimant to be reasonable.

4) Negotiation when it makes sense

If settlement is the right move, we negotiate for terms that protect you (including releases and closure).

5) Trial-ready litigation

If the other side won’t be reasonable, we prepare to defend the case aggressively.

What You Should Do Right Now

If a dog bite incident happened and a claim is brewing:

  • Don’t give recorded statements without advice

  • Don’t guess about facts in writing/texts

  • Preserve photos/video and identify witnesses

  • Gather documents (lease terms, HOA rules, vet records, prior complaints if any)

Then call us—early strategy often makes the biggest difference.

Free consultation / case evaluation: 833-918-1877
Or call any of our other office numbers listed on this website.

Dog Bite Defense FAQs

Do I automatically lose because Florida is “strict liability”?

No. Plaintiffs cite strict liability, but defenses and damages issues still matter—often a lot.

What if the injured person was on my property?

That doesn’t end the analysis. Lawful presence, warnings, conduct, and damages evidence can change exposure.

What if it was a minor bite?

Even smaller claims can balloon with medical bills and demands. Early defense prevents unnecessary escalation.

What if I received a demand letter but no lawsuit yet?

That’s often the best time to act—before positions harden and before litigation costs grow.

How much does it cost to hire a dog bite defense lawyer?

It depends on whether there’s a lawsuit, the county, complexity, and urgency. Call 833-918-1877 and we’ll explain options after a quick review.

Talk to a Dog Bite Defense Attorney Today

If you’re facing a dog bite claim in Florida, don’t wait until the demand grows or a lawsuit is filed.

Call Law Offices of Adam G. Hill for a free consultation / case evaluation: 833-918-1877
(Or send us a message through our Contact Page.)

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