Dog Bites

Jacksonville Dog Bite Lawyers

Fighting For Dog Bite Victims in Florida Since 1997

Dog bites are a significant public-safety concern across the United States. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), national health data show that an estimated 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention. Many of these injuries occur in familiar settings, often from dogs the victim knows.

In Florida, dog attacks and bite claims are among the highest in the nation. A recent ranking shows Florida consistently among the top states for dog bite incidents reported to agencies like the U.S. Postal Service, with Jacksonville frequently appearing on city-level lists of bite incidents.

Every year in Florida, hundreds of residents are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries, and a small number of attacks result in fatalities. Children are at particularly high risk and are more likely to suffer severe injury to the head or neck.

At the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, our legal team understands the stress that victims and families face after dog attacks. You can rely on our attorneys, who have 150+ years of combined legal experience, maximizing personal injury compensation for those who have been victimized by negligence.

Contact us online or at (904) 877-4195 for a free initial in-person or virtual consultation with our Jacksonville dog bite attorney. Hablamos español.

How We Assist Clients with Dog Bite Claims

Dog bite incidents can lead to devastating consequences, including not only physical trauma and scarring but also emotional distress, infections, permanent disability, and significant financial strain.

Pursuing a claim can involve complex legal and factual issues, from establishing liability to valuing injuries and negotiating with insurers. The Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki is prepared to assist you through every step.

Case evaluation: We review the circumstances of the attack, identify responsible parties, and determine applicable statutes.
Evidence collection: We gather medical records, witness accounts, animal control reports, and documentation of injuries to support your claim.
Liability strategy: We develop a legal strategy tailored to strict liability standards and any applicable comparative fault issues.
Negotiation with insurers: Insurance companies often delay or undervalue dog bite claims. We handle all communications and negotiate for full recovery.
Litigation when needed: If an insurer refuses fair compensation, we prepare the case for trial to protect your rights and interests.

Our experience handling serious injury claims, including those involving complex liability and contested defenses, helps ensure that dog bite victims are not left to navigate the legal system alone.

Florida Dog Bite Law

Under Florida Statute § 767.04, dog owners are generally strictly liable for dog bite injuries when a bite occurs while you are lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property. This holds even if the dog had no previous history of aggression and the owner had no prior knowledge of vicious behavior.

Strict liability means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent; simply establishing that the bite occurred under the statute’s conditions is often sufficient to recover damages.

However, Florida’s comparative negligence rules mean your conduct (for example, teasing a dog) can reduce the amount of compensation proportionately if your actions contributed to the incident.

Limited defenses are available to owners; for example, prominently posted “bad dog” signs may reduce liability (but not when the victim is under age six).

What To Do After a Dog Bite

The hours and days after a dog attack can feel overwhelming, but taking a few practical steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. First, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, even for what appears to be a minor wound, because infections and soft-tissue damage are common. It is also helpful to report the incident to local authorities, such as Jacksonville Animal Care and Protective Services or law enforcement, so there is an official record of what happened and where.

You may also want to collect names and contact information for the dog’s owner, any witnesses, and nearby neighbors, and preserve photographs of your injuries, the location of the attack, and any torn or bloodied clothing. Avoid discussing fault or signing documents with an insurance company until you have had a chance to talk with a dog bite lawyer in Jacksonville. By getting early legal advice, you can better understand deadlines, potential sources of compensation, and how to avoid common mistakes that insurance carriers may later try to use against you.

Trusted by Those We Represent

"They are the right team to have on your side!"
veryone kept us in the loop every step of the way. If I ever needed my questions answered Rhett was the first to jump on it to help me.

- Larissa
"It’s clear that they truly care about their clients!"
Throughout the process, they were always so kind, genuine, and understanding, making me feel supported every step of the way. They made what could have been an overwhelming experience feel manageable and ensured I got exactly what I needed.
"Nothing short of a blessing!"
It’s rare to find someone in this field who is not just sharp and experienced, but genuinely cares. I’ll always be thankful for the work Jeff and Kristina did for me, and I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend them to anyone who needs someone s

- Jim
"They worked hard for a positive outcome!"
These folks are first rate! My case was small, but they worked diligently and communicated with me through the whole process. I would recommend them to anyone!!! Thanks y'all for your hard work! Thank you Lisa, George and Rhett!

- James
"They were effective with communicating with me!"
I appreciate the expedited resolution of closing out my claim! Although I feel somewhat mislead with misinformation from the forwarding attorney’s office, NRH&N were effective with communicating with me!

- Sonya
"10/10 highly recommend!"
I’d like to take a moment to thank Rhett Mace and Lisa Nommensen for helping me out with my case! The process was so easy and they answered any questions that I had to make sure I knew and understand everything that they were doing.

- Faith
"Highly recommend to anyone needing a trustworthy lawyer!"
I’m so grateful for the help I received from Rhett Mace. He handled everything from start to finish and made a stressful situation so much easier. He always kept me updated, explained everything clearly, and truly fought for the best outcome. I felt

- Jay
"Their dedication and attention to detail truly made a difference in my case."
I couldn’t be more grateful for the exceptional service I received from Autumn and Michael. They were knowledgeable, patient, and always made sure I understood every step of the process. Their dedication and attention to detail truly made a differenc

- Chad
"Paid attention to every detail and made sure I felt heard!"
I just want to say a huge thank you to those who worked on my son’s case; Lisa Nommensen, George Farrell & a BIG THANK YOU to Rhett Mace.

- Larissa

Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

As a dog bite victim, you may face:

Traumatic lacerations and puncture wounds
Infection risk and possible rabies exposure
Nerve and muscle damage
Dental damage or loss of teeth
Scarring or disfigurement
Medical procedures and rehabilitation
Lost income and ongoing care needs
Emotional trauma, especially in children

Beyond physical harm, dog bite victims and their families may struggle with long-term medical costs, psychological effects, and uncertainty about future care.

Winning a personal injury claim for a dog attack can result in the following types of damages:

Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Scarring or disfigurement
Permanent disability or impairment

There is no statutory cap on non-economic damages in Florida dog bite claims; the key is documenting the tangible and intangible effects of the injury.

Why Choose the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki?

Dog bite cases involve unique legal standards and often require swift action to preserve critical evidence. Our firm offers:

Personalized attention and direct attorney involvement
Strategic preparation grounded in strict liability law
Experienced negotiation and trial advocacy
Compassionate guidance through physical and emotional recovery

We have served Jacksonville and the surrounding areas in personal injury and wrongful death claims since 1997; our strong track record of results and client care is why Floridians have trusted our legal services for decades. You pay no upfront attorney fees unless we win your case.

Contact Our Dog Bite Attorney in Jacksonville Today

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog attack, you do not have to navigate the legal process alone. Dog bites could cause severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and unexpected financial burdens. We know the challenges victims face and are dedicated to helping you pursue the settlement you rightfully deserve for medical fees, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages that resulted from the attack. We take the time to listen to your story, investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, and craft a strategy tailored to your unique situation. Insurance companies could attempt to minimize your claim or shift responsibility, but we are prepared to advocate aggressively on your behalf and defend your legal rights throughout every phase of your claim. We truly believe that every client deserves personalized attention, honest communication, and dedicated legal representation. We are ready to answer your questions, explain your options, and help you make informed decisions about your future. Contact us today to request a consultation and learn more about how we could help you seek accountability and financial recovery after a serious dog attack.

Call (904) 877-4195 or reach us online for a free case review with our Jacksonville dog bite lawyers today.

What Sets Us Apart?

The Experience You Need

At the Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we combine over 150 years of experience with a proven record of more than $100 million recovered. Our team delivers the power of a large firm while maintaining the responsiveness and personal attention of a smaller practice.

We take a hands-on, collaborative approach—prioritizing clear communication, tailored strategies, and thorough preparation. This allows us to navigate complex cases with creativity and precision, often achieving results others can’t. When you hire us, you gain dedicated advocates committed to protecting what matters most to you.

150+ Years of Combined Experience
Our attorneys bring over 150 years of combined experience, delivering seasoned insight and confident guidance to every case.
Over $250 Million Recovered
We have secured over $100 million in verdicts and settlements, proving our ability to deliver meaningful results.
Personalized, Client-First Representation
You receive small firm attention, direct attorney access, and dedicated support focused entirely on your goals.
Strategic, Creative Case Solutions
We craft innovative legal strategies that achieve successful outcomes, even in complex cases others decline.

Contact Us Today

At Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (904) 877-4195 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

First Name
Last Name
Phone
Email
Are you a new client?
How can we help you?
By submitting, you agree to receive text messages from Law Offices of Nooney, Roberts, Hewett & Nowicki at the number provided, including those related to your inquiry, follow-ups, and review requests, via automated technology. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Msg & data rates may apply. Msg frequency may vary. Reply STOP to cancel or HELP for assistance. Acceptable Use Policy