Attacked by a dangerous dog?
Get the legal help you deserve — we fight for maximum compensation & never charge unless we win.
A serious dog bite can leave you dealing with medical treatment, infection risk, scarring, missed work, and questions about who is responsible. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Central Florida, an experienced Orlando dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights under Florida law and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Hundreds of cases won!
Florida based Dog Bite Attorney
Why Choose Maaswinkel Law for Your Dog Bite Case?
When you or a loved one has suffered a vicious dog bite injury in Florida, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fierce advocate who understands Florida’s strict dog bite laws. At Maaswinkel Law, we combine deep local knowledge with national-level results to fight for every dollar you deserve.
Proven Results
Millions recovered for Orlando clients, including dog attack victims.
No Upfront Costs
You pay nothing unless we secure a dog bite settlement or verdict.
Local & Responsive
Based in Orlando, we know the courts, the dog owners, and their insurers.
Personalized Service
You’ll always talk to your attorney, not a call center, about your injury claim.
Common Dog Bite Injuries & Damages
Dog attacks can lead to severe and lasting physical and psychological trauma.
Dog attacks can lead to severe and lasting physical and psychological trauma. While often perceived as minor incidents, dog bites frequently result in serious harm, ranging from deep physical wounds that require extensive medical intervention to profound emotional distress. These injuries can impose significant financial burdens through ongoing medical bills, lost wages, and potentially lifelong therapy. Our firm is dedicated to helping victims recover maximum compensation for the full spectrum of damages they endure.
- Puncture wounds & deep lacerations
- Facial injuries & disfigurement
- Bone fractures (especially in children)
- Nerve damage & tissue loss requiring grafts
- Infections (e.g., cellulitis, rabies)
- Psychological trauma, PTSD, anxiety
The Maaswinkel Law Difference
What We Fight to Recover:
- Medical expenses (past & future)
- Lost wages & loss of earning capacity
- Pain & suffering, emotional distress
- Reconstructive surgeries & scar revision treatments
- Psychological counseling & therapy for trauma
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence or known dangerous dogs)
Not sure what you can claim? Contact us now — we’ll help you understand what your case is worth.
What You Should Do After a Dog Bite Accident
Your actions immediately following a dog attack are crucial for your health and your legal case.
Seek immediate medical attention for all wounds, no matter how minor. Document everything.
Identify the dog and owner: Get their contact information and, if possible, vaccination records.
Collect evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog (if safe).
Report the bite: Contact Animal Control in Orlando to file an official report.
Avoid discussing fault with the dog owner or their insurance company.
Do not sign any documents or accept any settlement offers without legal counsel.
Call Maaswinkel Law before making any statements to insurance adjusters.
Florida has strict liability dog bite laws, meaning the owner is generally responsible regardless of prior viciousness.
Florida Dog Bite Law
Florida law can hold dog owners responsible when their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. Liability issues can still depend on the facts, including where the bite happened, whether a warning sign was posted, and whether the injured person may be accused of contributing to the incident. A lawyer can help evaluate how these rules apply to your case. For further details, review our Florida Dog Bite Law Explained blog article to understand liabilities and implication.
Dog Bites Involving Children
Dog bite injuries involving children can be especially traumatic. In addition to emergency care, families may face concerns about infection, facial injuries, scarring, and emotional distress. If your child was bitten by a dog in the Orlando area, it is important to document the injury carefully and understand all available legal options.
Compensation in a Dog Bite Claim
- Emergency room and follow-up treatment
- Plastic surgery or scar revision
- Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
How Maaswinkel Law Handles Your Case
From day one, we take care of the heavy lifting so you can focus on healing and finding the best medical care.
Case Evaluation & Investigation
We gather Animal Control reports, medical records, interview witnesses, and investigate the dog's history (if any).
Settlement Negotiation
We demand full compensation from the dog owner's homeowner's insurance or other applicable policies, leveraging Florida's strict liability laws.
Filing a Lawsuit
If insurers refuse a fair offer, we file a formal lawsuit to protect your rights in court.
Discovery & Mediation
We engage in depositions, gather expert testimony (e.g., medical experts, psychologists), and participate in formal settlement talks.
Dog Bite Trials
Florida Dog Bite Laws & Statistics
As experienced dog bite lawyers in Orlando, we know Florida’s specific legal landscape. Florida operates under a strict liability statute for dog bites, meaning an owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone in a public place, or lawfully in a private place. This applies even if the dog has never shown aggression before. Exceptions can apply if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. We handle cases involving all breeds and circumstances, from minor nips to severe maulings.
Common Questions
When clients meet with an Orlando Dog Bite Attorney, the same questions often come up.
Do I have a case? You likely have a case if a dog bit you while you were lawfully on public or private property, regardless of the dog’s prior history.
What are the deadlines? Under Florida law, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury claim for a dog bite.
Is it expensive? No, at Maaswinkel Law, there are no upfront fees; we only get paid if we win your case (contingency fee basis).
What if I provoked the dog? Florida law may reduce or eliminate your compensation if it’s proven you provoked the dog, but every case is unique.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Orlando, Florida? Our dog bite guide helps you take some immediate next steps including preparation to meet with our team.