Experienced Florida Dog Bite Lawyers

Florida law imposes liability on the owner of a dog that bites…sometimes the resulting dog attack causes disfiguring and permanent scarring for which compensation may be available…” Erik G. Abrahamson, Senior Partner

While walking in your neighborhood, on the sidewalk downtown, or on the boardwalk at the beach, the last thing you expect is to be attacked by a dog. Dog owners are legally obligated to control their pets, ensuring that their dogs are properly leashed in public spaces and securely fenced in at their homes. Sadly, not all dog owners adhere to these responsibilities, leading to severe and often traumatic dog bite injuries that are often preventable with proper animal control and leash law enforcement.

In the Tampa area, numerous unsuspecting individuals suffer serious personal injuries every year due to dog attacks. These canine attack incidents can cause physical harm, including broken bones, lacerations, infections, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. The consequences of these attacks can extend far beyond just physical injury, as many victims also experience emotional distress and mental suffering, including PTSD and mental anguish, which can affect their quality of life for years.

When a dog attack leads to lingering pain, permanent scarring, or disability, it can have long-lasting consequences for victims. In addition to these injuries, dog bite cases can involve complex legal challenges related to negligence, liability, insurance claims, and settlements. If you or a loved one has been bitten or injured in a dog attack, it’s crucial to consult with a compassionate legal specialist in canine attacks who understands comparative negligence and strict liability laws and can help you file a lawsuit within Florida’s statute of limitations.

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, our reputable and experienced Florida dog bite attorneys specialize in representing victims of dog attacks throughout the greater Tampa area. Our highly experienced expert lawyers are aggressive in protecting your rights and committed to securing the compensation you deserve. Whether your injuries are minor or catastrophic, our trial lawyers will ensure that your case is thoroughly investigated and properly handled, negotiating settlements with insurance companies and representing you in court if necessary.

If you have suffered a dog bite or been injured due to a dog attack, contact our local law firm today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our experienced dog bite injury attorneys are dedicated to providing legal advice, advocating on your behalf, and helping you recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other expenses related to the attack. We offer case evaluation with no upfront costs or out-of-pocket expenses. You do not have to face this traumatic experience alone; we are here to assist and support you in your legal journey.

With over 35 years of experience representing injury victims in the Tampa area, Abrahamson & Uiterwyk stands out as a trusted Florida dog bite law firm. Our team of attorneys has decades of combined experience and has secured millions in compensation for our clients. We understand what it takes to successfully represent victims and their families, and we are dedicated to helping each client recover the maximum compensation possible for their losses.

At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we offer:

A Team of 50+ Legal Professionals – This includes 6 attorneys whose practices focus solely on personal injury representation, supported by paralegals and case managers, plus our investigative team and support staff who gather evidence and document injuries.
A Trial–Ready Approach – While most of our clients receive settlements, we are fully prepared to litigate and take your case to trial if necessary. Our litigation experience and trial experience ensure we can prove your case with expert testimony and comprehensive evidence gathering.
A Commitment to Client Service – We know what it is like to be traumatized by a dog attack, and we pledge to treat you accordingly. We are here when you need us with same-day response and personalized attention, and we are happy to take your call. We offer 24/7 availability, evening appointments, and can provide home visits or hospital visits when needed.
A Proven Track Record – Over the last 35 Years, we have settled thousands of cases and helped numerous clients secure six, seven, and even eight-figure awards with upwards of multi-million dollar case settlement amounts.
A No–Fee Promise – Your initial consultation is completely free, and we will not charge you any legal fees unless we win your case with our contingency fee structure. This means no retainer required, and you pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you.

Call us 24/7 at 800-538-4878 to get your FREE case review.

Contact Us

¿Necesitas ayuda en Español?

CONTACTA CON NOSTOTROS

What Our Clients Say:

Over 2,000 5-star reviews.

"I am extremely pleased with Abrahamson & Uiterwyk. They are very professional, responsive and made my entire process go as smoothly as possible. I highly recommend this awesome team."

– Katie Mattas

"I was put at ease from the beginning and all along the way. This was important to me since I had no similar experience to draw on. Their prompt telephone, text and email contacts and responses were always timely and detailed. I highly recommend this firm"

– John Lilla

"Abrahamson & Uiterwyk did a phenomenal job helping me with my case. They went above and beyond my expectations. I was informed every step of the way from beginning to the end."

– Angela Cuono

"I received a referral from a friend for Abrahamson & Uiterwyk and I’m beyond glad I did. I called them while I was in the hospital and they walked me through the entire process along with my legal rights for care…I could not have been more pleased with the professionalism and care that they showed during such a difficult time. "

– Lori Smyth

"I could not recommend this group more! The employees are truly invested in doing everything they can for the best outcome for you and your case! They actually care about your well-being and go above and beyond each time you speak with them."

– Allanah Rappaport

"Very pleased with representation for my case. The entire staff is very professional but also very caring and sympathetic. Would highly recommend."

– Joanne Michel

Our former clients have provided hundreds of positive online reviews. Nevertheless, each case is different and prospective clients may not obtain the same or similar results. We always strive for excellent client communication and client satisfaction. We would be honored to have the opportunity to review your case.

View All Client Reviews

The Abrahamson & Uiterwyk Attorneys and Injury Law Team

“When someone places their trust in our firm during one of the most difficult times in their life, we have a responsibility to earn that trust every single day. That belief has guided me for more than 35 years and continues to shape everything we do at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk.”

– Erik Abrahamson, Injury Attorney & Partner

Meet Your Injury Law Team

Client Services Manager

Kelly Anne Kelly

As Client Services Manager, Kelly is dedicated to enhancing client satisfaction by continually looking for ways to meet clients’ needs and address their concerns. Kelly works closely with our legal team to ensure every client receives exceptional service, clear communication, and timely updates throughout their case. Kelly is committed to making the client experience as smooth and stress-free as possible.

Florida’s dog attack laws are more complicated than those in some other states. However, they also provide certain protections that many other states’ laws do not offer. This raises questions like, can a landlord be liable for a tenant’s pit bull attack? Understanding these laws is critical, especially when dealing with dangerous dog breeds and unprovoked attacks where premises liability may apply to property owners.

1. Owners are “strictly Liable” for Dog Bites.

Under Florida law, dog owners are “strictly liable” for injuries sustained due to dog bites. Section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes reads:

Dog owner’s liability for damages to persons bitten. The owner of any dog that bites any person while such person is on or in a public place, or lawfully on or in a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by persons bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of such viciousness.

In other words, if someone else’s dog bites you, as long as you were not trespassing at the time of the attack, the dog’s owner is most likely going to be financially responsible for your bite-related injuries. This is true regardless of whether the dog owner was negligent in allowing the attack to occur. In most cases, if you were bitten and suffered injuries, you are entitled to financial compensation. This strict liability protection applies even if the dog has no bite history or prior record with animal control.

Florida’s dog bite law includes one partial exception: If you were negligent in causing the dog to attack you (for example, if you were teasing or harassing the dog), then your financial recovery can be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. However, even if you think that you may have been partially to blame, this should not dissuade you from seeking legal representation by our qualified Florida dog bite lawyers.

2. Owners Are Liable for Other Attacks Resulting From Negligence.

If Florida’s “strict liability” law only applies to dog bites, what are your rights if you suffer injuries that are not caused by a bite?

Often, dogs will attack people – whether maliciously or not – causing them to stumble and fall. If you were injured when a dog knocked you down, you may still be able to seek compensation. Under Florida law, the distinction between dog bite injuries and other dog attack injuries is that, in order to recover for non-bite injuries, you need to be able to show that the dog’s owner was negligent (or, failed to exercise reasonable care) in failing to prevent the attack.

However, this is no different than any other personal injury claim. The “strict liability” law is the exception to the rule – the vast majority of injury claims are based on negligence. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have decades of experience representing thousands of injury victims, and we can do what it takes to fight for the compensation that you deserve.

If you or a loved one was injured in a dog attack, you need to know your rights. In Florida:

You have the right to seek medical attention. After a dog attack, it is important that you see a doctor right away. Immediate medical treatment is essential to diagnose injuries, prevent rabies exposure, and document your injuries with medical records. Any medical expenses that you incur will be subject to reimbursement as part of your claim. You do not want to jeopardize your health by worrying about the costs of your treatment. If you have concerns, we urge you to initiate consultation with our dog bite liability lawyers right away.
You have the right to be fairly compensated. For many dog attack victims, the consequences of their attacks extend far beyond the bills from a single trip to the hospital. Surgeries, physical therapy, counseling, plastic surgery, reconstructive surgery, rehabilitation, and other forms of treatment can cost tens or hundreds of thousands of dollars, and victims with serious injuries often incur significant additional expenses as well. Then, there are the non-financial losses: Pain, suffering, scarring and disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life. You may also be entitled to compensation for future medical costs, lost earning capacity, disfigurement compensation, and scar revision procedures. These are all losses for which you are entitled to seek compensation under the law.
You have the right to experienced legal representation. Dog attack claims are complicated, and the insurance companies (read below for more on insurance coverage issues) know what they are doing when it comes to minimizing payouts for dog attack injuries. Insurance companies may issue claim denials or engage in bad faith insurance practices to avoid paying what you deserve. To protect yourself, it is important that you hire an experienced Florida dog attack injury attorney. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we believe that all injury victims deserve experienced representation, and that is why we do not charge any fees unless we obtain a settlement or verdict on your behalf. Check out our post on Florida dog bite settlement amounts.

Florida’s statute of limitations for dog bite cases gives you a limited time to file your lawsuit. It’s critical to understand these legal deadlines and take immediate action to protect your rights. Our attorneys can help you file your claim promptly and ensure all documentation is submitted within the required timeframe. Don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation to determine how much time you have left and what your case is worth.

If you’ve been attacked by a dog, taking the right steps immediately can strengthen your case. First, seek medical treatment right away to diagnose and document your injuries. Next, report the incident to animal control and request a police report. If possible, gather witness statements and document the scene with photos. Collect the dog owner’s contact and insurance information. Keep all medical records and bills related to your treatment. Our investigative team can help you gather evidence and prove your case, even if you didn’t take all these steps initially.

If the person whose dog attacked you owns a home, his or her homeowner’s insurance policy most likely provides coverage for dog attack injuries. This is a standard inclusion in most policies, and in fact, more than one-third of all homeowners’ insurance payouts go to compensating victims of dog bites and other attacks. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we have had significant success securing insurance negotiation settlements for dog attack victims in the Tampa area.

However, insurance coverage can be complicated. Some policies have breed restrictions or policy limits that may affect your case value. In cases where the dog owner has an umbrella policy, additional compensation may be available. If the dog owner has no insurance, we can explore other options to ensure you receive fair compensation.

If an insurance adjuster contacts you, do not answer any questions or sign any documents until you have spoken to one of our personal injury attorneys. You do not want to say anything that could harm your chances of securing a full financial recovery. When you hire our Florida injury lawyers for your claim, we will deal with the insurance companies for you and make sure that you have all of the relevant information before you make any decisions about settling your claim. We will send a demand letter, handle the discovery process, and if necessary, pursue mediation services or take your case to trial to fight bad faith insurance practices.

Regardless of who owns the dog that attacked you, you owe it to yourself to stand up for your legal rights. It costs you nothing to speak with the highly-experienced Florida dog bite lawyers at Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, so contact us to find out if you have a claim today.

Initial Offer	Final Result	The AU Difference
$1,500,000	$5,000,000	$3,500,000
$0	$5,000,000	$5,000,000
$300,000	$1,600,000	$1,300,000
$0	$1,575,000	$1,575,000
$675,000	$1,330,000	$655,000
$0	$1,260,000	$1,260,000
$450,000	$1,250,000	$800,000
$300,000	$1,074,168	$774,168
$500,000	$1,000,000	$500,000
$80,000	$938,077	$858,077
$125,000	$690,000	$565,000
$7,500	$650,000	$642,500
$50,000	$775,000	$725,000
$58,644	$525,000	$466,356
$9,000	$450,000	$441,000
$55,000	$455,000	$400,000
$65,000	$650,000	$585,000
$55,000	$500,000	$445,000

Do I Need a Lawyer for My Dog Bite Case?

While you’re not legally required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation significantly increases your chances of receiving fair compensation. Insurance companies often offer low settlements to unrepresented victims. Our dog bite attorneys know how to prove your case, document injuries properly, and negotiate for maximum compensation. We work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing unless we win.

How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?

The case value depends on several factors: the severity of your injuries, medical treatment required, permanent scarring or disfigurement, lost wages, future medical costs, and pain and suffering. Our Florida dog bite lawyers provide a free case evaluation to assess your claim’s potential value. We’ve secured settlements ranging from thousands to millions of dollars for our clients.

How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take?

The timeline varies depending on case complexity, injury severity, and whether a settlement vs trial is required. Some cases settle within months through negotiation, while others may take longer if litigation is necessary. Our results-driven approach focuses on securing maximum compensation as efficiently as possible while keeping you informed throughout the process.

What If the Dog Owner Has No Insurance?

Even if the dog owner lacks homeowner’s insurance, you may still have options for recovery. We can explore the owner’s personal assets, pursue premises liability claims against property owners, or investigate other potential sources of compensation. Our investigative team will thoroughly examine all avenues to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

What Questions Should I Ask When Choosing a Dog Bite Lawyer?

When selecting an attorney, ask about their experience with dog bite cases specifically, their track record of settlements and verdicts, whether they work on contingency, how they communicate with clients, and what to bring to your consultation. At Abrahamson & Uiterwyk, we’re happy to answer all your questions during your free, no-obligation consultation.

Should I Accept the Insurance Company's Settlement Offer?

Never accept a settlement offer without consulting an experienced attorney first. Initial offers are often far below what your case is truly worth. Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quickly before understanding your full rights. Our attorneys will evaluate any offer and negotiate for the compensation you truly deserve, as shown in our case results where we’ve increased initial offers by hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars.

Our dog bite injury lawyers in Florida are ready to help you. Here are just some of the areas we serve:

Tampa
St. Petersburg
Clearwater
Brandon
Spring Hill
Lakeland
Town ‘N’ Country
Largo
Palm Harbor
Pinellas Park
New Port Richey
…and more (see all our office locations here)

The highly-experienced Florida personal injury law firm of Abrahamson & Uiterwyk also provides:

Get Help Now

Experienced Florida Dog Bite Lawyers