🐕 Dog Bite Attorney in St. Augustine, FL: Protecting Victims, Holding Owners Accountable

By St. Johns Law Group
Date: May 31, 2025

A dog may be man’s best friend—but when dogs attack, the consequences can be serious. Victims of dog bites and animal attacks often face painful injuries, infections, scarring, and emotional trauma. At St. Johns Law Group, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with the aftermath of a dog bite, especially when the animal belongs to a neighbor or acquaintance.

If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in St. Augustine or St. Johns County, you may be entitled to compensation under Florida dog bite law. Our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and fight for the justice you deserve.

⚖️ Florida Dog Bite Law: What You Need to Know

Florida has one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the country. Under Florida Statute 767.04, a dog owner can be held strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or while lawfully on private property—even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

What does “strict liability” mean?

It means the victim does not need to prove the dog owner was negligent. If you were bitten and were not trespassing or provoking the dog, the owner is typically responsible for your injuries.

🧒 Children & Dog Bites

Children are the most common victims of dog attacks, and they often suffer the worst injuries—especially to the face, head, and neck. The emotional impact of a dog attack can also be long-lasting.

At St. Johns Law Group, we provide compassionate, family-centered representation for injured children and work to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses (ER, surgery, stitches, infection treatment)

• Plastic surgery and future medical needs

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional distress and psychological counseling

• Long-term scarring or disfigurement

🚑 Common Injuries from Dog Attacks

Even small dogs can cause serious harm. We’ve handled cases involving:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations

• Torn muscles and tendons

• Broken bones from falls during attacks

• Infections like rabies or cellulitis

• Facial injuries requiring cosmetic surgery

• PTSD, anxiety, and fear of animals

We work with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries and pursue the compensation you need to recover.

💼 How a Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You

Many victims are hesitant to take legal action—especially if the dog’s owner is a friend or neighbor. But the reality is that most dog bite claims are covered by homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance, not out of the dog owner’s pocket.

Our St. Augustine dog bite lawyers will:

• Investigate the incident and gather witness statements

• Identify all sources of insurance coverage

• Work with doctors and specialists to understand your medical needs

• Negotiate with insurers to get a fair settlement

• File a lawsuit if necessary to protect your rights

You shouldn’t have to pay for someone else’s failure to control their dog. We’ll take care of the legal process while you focus on healing.

💰 What Damages Can You Recover?

Depending on the facts of your case, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room and hospital bills

• Surgery or future medical treatments

• Lost wages and time off work

• Pain and suffering

• Emotional trauma or counseling

• Permanent scarring or disfigurement

• Punitive damages (in cases of extreme negligence or illegal dog ownership)

We’ll fight to recover every dollar you’re owed.

🐶 Dangerous Dog Laws in Florida

In some cases, a dog may be classified as “dangerous” if it has previously attacked or displayed aggressive behavior. Under Florida law, owners of dangerous dogs have special responsibilities, including secure enclosures, warning signs, and strict leash requirements.  Some Cities and Counties, such as St. Johns County, have special laws concerning leashes and dangerous dogs.

If an owner fails to follow these rules and the dog attacks again, they may face additional civil and criminal penalties. Our attorneys will determine whether these rules apply to your case and use them to strengthen your claim.

📍 Why Choose St. Johns Law Group?

As St. Augustine’s largest law firm, St. Johns Law Group has the experience, reputation, and local knowledge to handle your case with care and confidence. We offer:

• 🧠 Decades of combined experience in personal injury law

• 🏡 Strong ties to the St. Johns County community

• 🏥 Relationships with medical professionals and expert witnesses

• ⚖️ Aggressive negotiation and trial-ready strategies

• 🧑‍⚖️ Compassionate, client-centered representation

We are not a call center or billboard firm—you’ll speak directly with an attorney who knows your name, your story, and your goals.

📞 Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in St. Augustine Today

If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in St. Augustine, don’t wait. Evidence fades, witnesses forget, and time limits apply.

Let us help you get the compensation you deserve.  FREE, no-obligation consultation.

📍 St. Johns Law Group
104 Sea Grove Main Street
St. Augustine, FL 32080
📞 (904) 495-0400
📧 info@sjlawgroup.com
🔗 Contact Us Online

We offer free consultations and handle personal injury cases on a contingency basis—you don’t pay unless we win.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific legal advice, please consult a licensed Florida attorney.  See Terms & Conditions.

🏛️Largest Law Group in St. Augustine.  Depth of Experience.  Knowledge.  Full-Service.  Speak Directly to Your Attorney.