Legally Reviewed by Attorney Simon Wiseman on September 23, 2026
How to Handle a Dog Bite Injury
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year. Of those, about 800,000 require medical attention. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite, you may be wondering what to do next. Here are the steps to take to help protect your health and your ability to recover compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
If you have been bitten by a dog, seek medical attention right away, even if the wound seems minor. A doctor can clean the wound and determine whether you need additional treatment, such as a tetanus shot or antibiotics. Dog bites carry a meaningful risk of infection, and some complications are not obvious right away.
Wash & Cover the Wound
If you have a minor wound, wash it with warm water and soap for at least five minutes to help reduce the risk of infection. You should also:
- apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth to stop the bleeding, and
- apply a bandage to the wound.
Identify the Dog & Its Owner
If possible, get the name and contact information of the dog’s owner. If you are unable to do so, ask any witnesses who may be able to provide it. It is also important to find out if the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. If not, you may need preventive treatment, which can be costly and time-sensitive.
Document the Scene
If possible, take pictures of the dog that bit you and the scene of the incident. Document the injury with photographs, and save all medical bills and receipts related to the incident. This documentation matters if you later decide to pursue a personal injury claim.
File a Police Report
File a police report after being bitten by a dog, even if the owner gives you their contact information. A police report can serve as evidence in a personal injury claim. In many cases, your doctor will also report the incident to a health agency or animal control, which can further support your case.
Understand How Florida’s Dog Bite Law Applies to Your Case
Florida Statute § 767.04 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in a public place or while the injured person is lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own property. This means an injured person generally does not need to prove the owner was negligent, only that the bite occurred while they were lawfully present. There are exceptions, including situations where the injured person was trespassing or provoked the dog, so the specific facts of the incident still matter. Our related article on liability when a dog bites a trespasser covers how that exception works from the property owner’s side.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite cases can be complex, so it helps to have an experienced attorney on your side who can guide you through the legal process and work to maximize your compensation. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, take action promptly to protect your legal rights. At The Wiseman Law Firm, our attorney has decades of legal experience and is committed to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve.
Schedule an initial consultation today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
Do I need to prove the dog owner was negligent to recover compensation?
Generally no. Florida’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability on owners when the injured person was lawfully present, meaning you typically do not need to show the owner was careless, only that the bite happened while you had a legal right to be where you were.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including dog bite cases, is generally four years from the date of the incident. Waiting too long can make it harder to gather evidence, so acting sooner is always better.
What if the dog that bit me had no known history of aggression?
Florida’s strict liability statute does not require a showing that the dog had a prior history of biting or aggression. The focus is on whether the injured person was lawfully present when the bite occurred.
Can I still recover damages if I was partly at fault for the incident?
Florida applies comparative negligence principles, which can reduce, but not necessarily eliminate, your recovery if you contributed to the incident. An attorney can evaluate how this might apply to your specific facts.
What compensation can a dog bite claim cover?
Depending on the severity of the injury, compensation can potentially cover medical expenses, lost wages, scarring, and pain and suffering. The specific damages available depend on the facts and extent of the injury in your case.
About the Attorney
Founding Attorney, The Wiseman Law Firm
Simon Wiseman brings decades of legal experience to Central Florida personal injury clients, including dog bite claims, and is committed to helping injured clients pursue the compensation they deserve.