A vicious dog bite, a sudden shark strike, or an unexpected alligator encounter can change your life in an instant, leaving you with painful injuries, trauma, and mounting medical bills. At Souder Law, we fight relentlessly to hold negligent owners and responsible parties accountable. With over $40 million recovered for clients across South Florida and the Treasure Coast, we stand ready to aggressively pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What Are Animal Attacks?
Animal attacks are more common in Florida than many realize. Each year, hundreds of Floridians are hospitalized due to dog bites, and the state consistently ranks among the highest in the nation for these claims. On top of that, Florida leads the world in unprovoked shark bites and experiences multiple alligator attacks annually, some fatal. From household pets to wild predators, animal-related injuries remain a serious and recurring threat across the state. An animal attack refers to an incident where a person is harmed by a domestic or wild animal. Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, the law holds dog owners liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. Claims involving wild animals or non-bite injuries typically require proof of negligence. In general, an animal attack claim in Florida must prove:
- The defendant owned, controlled, or was responsible for the animal
- The victim was lawfully present in a public or private place
- The animal caused the injury (bite or other harmful action)
- The injury resulted in damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering
Common Causes of Animal Attacks:
- Unrestrained or unleashed dogs in public spaces
- Dogs with a known history of aggression, but not properly controlled
- Lack of warning signs or barriers around dangerous animals on private property
- Children approaching or playing with unfamiliar pets
- Provoked animal behavior due to teasing, stress, or neglect
- Encounters with wild animals such as alligators in Florida waterways
- Shark bites along Florida’s beaches, particularly in high-activity surf zones
- Snakes or other wildlife near residential areas or hiking trails
How We Handle Your Animal Attack Claim
When you come to Souder Law after an animal attack in Florida, we immediately get to work to investigate every detail of your case. We gather police reports, animal control records, medical documentation, and eyewitness accounts to establish liability. If the attack involves a dog, we analyze local leash laws, prior complaints, and owner negligence to strengthen your claim. For cases involving wild animals, we investigate whether property owners or businesses failed to provide proper warnings or safeguards.
We also work closely with medical experts to document the full extent of your injuries, from immediate medical treatment costs to long-term rehabilitation or psychological trauma. Our team also calculates both economic and non-economic damages, building a claim that truly reflects your losses. Then, we aggressively negotiate with insurance companies or litigate in court if necessary, ensuring you have a relentless advocate fighting for your rights.
Damages Available in Animal Attack
In Florida, securing fair compensation after an animal attack often depends on correctly identifying all liable parties. This may include a negligent pet owner, a landlord who failed to enforce safety measures, or even a business that allowed dangerous conditions to exist on its property. By holding every responsible party accountable, victims can pursue the full financial recovery they deserve for the physical, emotional, and financial toll of an attack.
The types of compensation available in an animal attack case generally include:
- Medical expenses (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Wrongful death damages (in fatal attacks)
Can I File a Claim for a Wild Animal Attack in Florida?
Yes, but the responsible party may differ. If the attack occurred on private property or business premises, liability may rest with the property owner for failing to provide adequate warnings or safety measures. For example, if an apartment complex has an alligator-infested pond but does not post warning signs or maintain protective barriers, the landlord could be held accountable.
Steps to Take Immediately After an Animal Attack:
- Seek immediate medical attention, even for minor injuries
- Report the attack to local authorities or animal control
- Identify and document the animal and its owner, if possible
- Gather contact information from any witnesses
- Take photographs of your injuries, the animal, and the scene
- Preserve torn or bloodied clothing as evidence
- Avoid giving statements to insurance companies before speaking with a lawyer
- Contact an experienced animal attack attorney at Souder Law to protect your rights
Find Out What Your Case is Worth (At No Cost)
Souder Law is here to fight for you after an animal attack. Based in Jupiter and serving all of Palm Beach County, South Florida, and the Treasure Coast, we aggressively pursue justice and full compensation for our clients. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning it costs you nothing upfront to pursue your claim. You only pay if we win. Contact us today for a free case review for animal attacks and let us hold the responsible parties accountable.
