Suffering a dog bite can leave you with painful injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected medical bills. When an attack happens because a dog owner failed to act responsibly, you shouldn’t have to face the physical, emotional, and financial fallout alone.

Perenich Law has helped thousands of injured Floridians rebuild their lives. We’re dedicated to restoring stability in your life and pursuing justice on your behalf so you can focus on healing—not the legal battle.

Contact us today for a free consultation.

Why Choose Perenich Law

Our firm has spent generations advocating for individuals who need someone in their corner. We investigate dog attacks, determine liability, and pursue full compensation with urgency and compassion.

We have obtained millions of dollars on behalf of our clients through jury verdicts and settlement awards. While no attorney can guarantee outcomes, our record reflects our commitment to justice and accountability.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Taking the right steps after a dog attack protects your health and strengthens your claim.

1. Seek Medical Care Immediately

Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and can cause deeper tissue damage than you may realize. A medical professional will document your injuries and create a clear link between the attack and your medical needs.

2. Report the Attack

Contact local authorities or animal control to report the incident. An official report helps establish what happened and may identify whether the dog has a history of aggression.

3. Gather Evidence

If possible, collect photos or videos of:

• Your injuries
• The dog
• The location of the attack
• Any torn clothing or damaged property
• Warning signs or lack thereof

4. Exchange Information Carefully

Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance information. Avoid making statements about fault or apologizing.

5. Identify Witnesses

Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the attack.

6. Stay Off Social Media

Avoid posting anything about the incident on social media. Insurance companies can use your posts against you. Keep the details private.

7. Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies Alone

Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. Before speaking with an adjuster, speak with Perenich Law. Our attorneys can handle these communications to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if I have a case?

You may have a claim if you were bitten, suffered financial losses, and the dog owner may be responsible. Florida’s strict liability laws often make it easier to pursue compensation. Our attorneys can assess your situation and explain your legal options.

How does Florida’s dog bite law work?

Florida is a strict liability state. This means dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs even if the dog has never shown aggression before. You must have been lawfully on public or private property and must not have provoked the dog.

What damages can I recover?

If you pursue legal action following a dog attack, you may be entitled to:

Economic damages:

• Medical bills
• Future medical care
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Rehabilitation
• Property damage
• Other out of pocket expenses

Non-economic damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Scarring or disfigurement
• PTSD or anxiety
• Inconvenience

In rare cases, punitive damages may apply if the owner acted with gross negligence or intentional misconduct.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is different. Factors include injury severity, medical needs, long term impact, scarring, emotional trauma, and liability. While we cannot guarantee a specific outcome, we can help you pursue maximum compensation.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?

Initial offers are often far below what victims need to cover their losses. Once you accept, you cannot ask for more even if additional costs arise. Consult Perenich Law before agreeing to any settlement.

What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Florida law still holds the owner liable. A lack of prior attacks does not excuse negligence.

Can the dog owner face criminal consequences?

Yes. If the dog was previously designated as dangerous and the owner failed to follow required safety measures, criminal penalties may apply.

How Perenich Law Helps You

When you partner with Perenich Law, an experienced dog bite attorney works directly with you to fight for the justice you deserve. You can focus on healing while we build a
strong case. We will:

• Review your dog bite incident and determine if you have a case
• Answer your questions and guide you through the legal process
• Thoroughly investigate the attack and gather evidence
• Work with medical and financial experts to substantiate your claim
• File all legal documents before the statute of limitations expires
• Negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
• Take your case to trial if necessary

We fight to hold negligent parties accountable and secure the compensation you need to move forward.

Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents

Dog attacks often stem from preventable behaviors and unsafe conditions, including:

• Failure to leash or restrain a dog in public
• Poorly secured dogs on private property
• Lack of warning signs
• Owners ignoring known behavioral issues
• Dogs escaping yards or enclosures
• Negligent supervision around children
• Violations of local leash laws

If you were injured in any of these scenarios, our attorneys can evaluate your case and explain your legal options.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites and attacks can cause severe and sometimes permanent injuries, including:

• Exposure to rabies and infections, resulting in long-term injuries
• Broken bones, which require surgery and long-term recovery and rehabilitation
• Puncture wounds, lacerations and tearing injuries, which may require sutures
• Facial trauma, scarring and disfigurement, needing extensive and possibly multiple surgeries
• Nerve damage, which may be difficult to treat
• PTSD, resulting in stress or anxiety
• Wrongful death of a loved one

Prompt medical care and legal guidance are critical.

Florida’s Statute of Limitations

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the dog attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Exceptions may shorten or extend this deadline.

Waiting too long can weaken your case—evidence disappears, memories fade, and witnesses become harder to locate. Perenich Law can ensure your claim is filed correctly and on time.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Today

When a dog owner’s negligence turns your life upside down, you need a legal team that stands with you and fights for you. Perenich Law is here to help you pursue justice and rebuild your future. We’re your partner on the road to recovery.

Call today for your free consultation.