Gainesville Dog Bite Injury Lawyer – Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.
When a dog attack turns your ordinary day into a nightmare, you need more than medical care; you need justice and a skilled dog bite injury lawyer. At Jimenez Law Firm, P.A., our Gainesville dog bite injury lawyers help victims recover full compensation for their injuries, emotional trauma, and financial losses caused by negligent pet owners.
Dog bites are not rare in Florida, the state ranks 7th nationally for dog bite claims, with average settlements exceeding $52,000 per case, according to the Insurance Information Institute. In Alachua County, animal control responds to hundreds of bite incidents each year, many involving children or delivery workers. You deserve a law firm that understands both the law and the human impact behind every bite.
Understanding Your Legal Rights After a Dog Bite in Gainesville
Florida’s dog bite laws are based on strict liability, meaning a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries even if the animal never showed aggression before. This differs from many other states that follow the “one-bite rule.”
Under Florida Statute §767.04, a dog owner is liable if:
- Their dog bites a person in a public place or lawfully in a private space.
- The victim did not provoke the dog.
- The injury results in medical treatment, scarring, or emotional distress.
Our Gainesville dog bite attorneys help victims prove liability, collect evidence, and file claims that hold negligent owners accountable.
Did you know? Florida recorded more than 1,250 emergency room visits for dog bites in 2023, with nearly 40% of victims under age 14, according to Florida Health CHARTS.
Learn more about your rights as a Florida resident and how strict liability laws apply to Gainesville dog bite victims.
Why Choose Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. for Your Dog Bite Case
We know what it takes to win complex injury cases. Our firm stands out because we combine legal skill, local experience, and compassionate representation.
- Proven Track Record – Our attorneys have secured millions in verdicts and settlements for Florida injury victims.
- 24/7 Availability – We’re open day and night to answer your call and provide immediate guidance.
- Local Expertise – We understand Gainesville’s courts, laws, and local insurance adjusters.
- No Fees Unless We Win – You owe nothing unless we recover compensation on your behalf.
- Personalized Representation – Every client receives one-on-one attention from an attorney, not just a case manager.
- Comprehensive Support – We assist with medical care coordination, claim documentation, and insurance communications.
If you or your loved one was injured, visit our About Our Law Firm page to learn about our team’s credentials and history of successful outcomes.
Contact our team today or call (904) 559-5600 to start your free consultation.
How Our Gainesville Dog Bite Lawyers Fight for Your Compensation
At Jimenez Law Firm, P.A., we use proven legal strategies to build strong, evidence-based injury claims. Our approach is detailed and aggressive because insurance companies often try to minimize payouts for animal attacks.
1. Investigating Liability and Negligence
We collect:
- Medical records and photographs of injuries to document severity.
- Witness statements from neighbors, delivery drivers, or bystanders.
- Animal control and veterinary reports detailing the dog’s prior behavior.
- Surveillance footage or smart doorbell video showing the attack.
In some cases, we work with animal behavior experts to establish that the dog posed a known danger, strengthening your claim
2. Calculating Full Damages
Dog bite victims often face both visible and invisible scars. We seek compensation for:
- Medical bills, hospital stays, and reconstructive surgeries.
- Therapy and counseling for post-traumatic stress or fear of animals.
- Lost wages from missed work or long-term disability.
- Scarring and disfigurement that may require future cosmetic treatment.
- Pain and suffering, including loss of enjoyment of life.
In severe cases involving permanent disability or child victims, settlements can exceed $150,000–$250,000.
3. Meeting Legal Deadlines
Florida’s personal injury statute of limitations allows only two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. Missing this window could forfeit your right to compensation. Our attorneys ensure all filings meet state deadlines and insurance requirements.
4. Overcoming Case Challenges
Insurance companies may argue you provoked the dog or entered private property unlawfully. Our team counters these tactics with:
- Photos, police reports, and animal control documents.
- Testimony from medical and psychological professionals.
- Proof of leash law violations or prior bite incidents.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Type of Damage | Description |
Economic | Medical costs, lost wages, surgeries, rehabilitation, future care |
Non-Economic | Emotional trauma, PTSD, scarring, loss of enjoyment of life |
Punitive | When owners knowingly ignored leash laws or kept an aggressive dog |
Child and Elderly Victims: Special Legal Protection
Children under 10 and seniors over 65 make up nearly 60% of all dog bite fatalities nationwide, according to the CDC. Florida law allows higher compensation for these vulnerable victims, acknowledging lifelong psychological or physical impacts. Our firm collaborates with child trauma therapists and medical experts to document these long-term effects and secure maximum recovery.
Explore additional legal protections in similar injury cases, such as slip and fall accidents and wrongful death claims.
PRACTICE AREAS
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
Dog attacks can cause devastating physical and emotional injuries. Some of the most common include:
- Deep puncture wounds and torn skin leading to severe bleeding or infection.
- Nerve and tendon damage, often requiring physical therapy.
- Facial injuries and disfigurement, especially in children.
- Fractures from being knocked down or bitten through bone.
- Psychological trauma such as nightmares, panic attacks, or anxiety.
According to Florida Health CHARTS, dog bites send over 600 Alachua County residents to the ER annually, with the majority requiring stitches or antibiotics.
For other types of serious personal injuries, see our catastrophic injury attorneys and brain injury lawyers.
Gainesville’s Dangerous Dog Laws and Animal Control Role
The City of Gainesville enforces animal control under Alachua County Ordinance Chapter 72, which includes registration, vaccination, and leash laws.
If a dog is declared “dangerous,” the owner must:
- Keep it securely confined with warning signs.
- Register it annually with animal services.
- Carry liability insurance of at least $100,000.
Failure to comply can result in fines, impoundment, or criminal charges. Victims should report every incident to Alachua County Animal Services (352-264-6880) to create an official record and protect the public.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Gainesville
- Get medical help immediately. Dog saliva can transmit infections like Capnocytophaga or Staphylococcus aureus.
- Report the attack to Alachua County Animal Services for documentation.
- Collect evidence: photos, torn clothing, and witness details.
- Avoid discussing liability with the dog owner’s insurance.
- Call a Gainesville dog bite attorney as soon as possible to protect your claim.
These steps strengthen your evidence and ensure you receive fair treatment from insurers.
For related safety resources, refer to CDC’s Dog Bite Prevention Guidelines.
How Long Do Dog Bite Cases Take in Gainesville?
The timeline for resolving a dog bite claim varies depending on injury severity and insurance cooperation:
- Minor cases may settle within 3–5 months.
- Moderate injuries with therapy or surgery often take 6–9 months.
- Litigated cases can extend beyond a year if insurers dispute liability.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial, ensuring leverage for faster and fairer settlements.
What Our Clients Say About Jimenez Law Firm, P.A.
At Jimenez Law Firm, P.A., our mission is to provide top-notch legal services with compassion and professionalism. We are proud to have made a positive impact on our clients’ lives, as reflected in their thoughtful reviews:
Our clients’ trust and satisfaction are at the heart of what we do. Ready to experience the same dedicated service? Contact us today to see how we can help you.
Local Insight: Dog Ownership and Bite Trends in Gainesville
- Gainesville ranks among Florida’s most pet-friendly cities, with over 55% of households owning at least one dog.
- State Farm reports $16 million in Florida dog bite claims paid in a single year.
- Alachua County Animal Services investigates roughly 450 reported bites annually.
- Common breeds involved include pit bulls, mixed breeds, retrievers, and terriers.
Areas We Serve Near Gainesville
Our firm proudly represents clients across North Central Florida, including:
Contact a Gainesville Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Today
Don’t let a dog bite injury define your life. You have the right to recover and rebuild. The Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. has the legal strength and compassion to guide you every step of the way.
Call (904) 559-5600 or request a consultation online.
Address: 1443 San Marco Blvd, Suite 201, Jacksonville, FL 32207
Hours: Open 24 Hours | Google Business Profile
Frequently Asked Questions
You generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim under Florida law. Acting quickly ensures important evidence and witness statements remain available.
Get medical care right away, report the bite to Alachua County Animal Services, and take photographs of your injuries. These steps protect your health and strengthen your legal claim.
In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers medical costs, lost income, and other damages. Our attorneys negotiate directly with the insurer to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Yes. Florida follows strict liability laws, meaning owners are responsible for bites regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
Victims often experience infections, scarring, nerve damage, and emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable to long-term anxiety and post-traumatic stress.
Yes. Anyone lawfully on private property, such as a delivery worker or postal carrier, has the right to pursue compensation under Florida’s strict liability statutes.
Absolutely. Violations of Alachua County leash laws strengthen your case by proving negligence on the part of the dog owner.
Contact Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. Today
If you or a loved one has been injured, don’t wait to seek legal help. Contact Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. at (904) 559-5600 for a free consultation.
Areas We Serve in Jacksonville, Florida
Jimenez Law Firm, P.A. proudly serves all neighborhoods in Jacksonville, including:
- Arlington
- San Marco
- Riverside
- Avondale
- Baymeadows
- Southside
- Orange Park
- Jacksonville Beach
- Neptune Beach
- Atlantic Beach
- Fernandina Beach
- Ponte Vedra Beach
- Northside Jacksonville
- Westside Jacksonville
No matter where you are in Jacksonville, we’re here to provide expert legal support.
Monday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Tuesday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Wednesday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Thursday: 8:30AM – 5PM
Friday: 8:30AM – 4PM
Calls Received 24/7