Even the friendliest dogs can have their moments. Whether it’s a playful nip that goes too far or an encounter with a dog you don’t know, dog bites are more common than you might think. In Florida, there are over 1,500 dog bite-related insurance claims annually according to Florida Department of Health. But when you’re dealing with a bite, it’s not just about the financial impact—the real worry often comes down to health risks like rabies.
The Risks of Rabies: What You Need to Know
Rabies may be the first disease that comes to mind after a dog bite, but in the United States, it’s relatively rare—especially from dogs. Most rabies cases stem from wild animals like raccoons, bats, and skunks. However, the risk isn’t zero. Rabies spreads when the saliva of an infected animal enters the body through a bite or scratch. While many dogs are vaccinated against rabies, ensuring they can’t contract or spread the disease, not every dog is protected.
Although rare in humans, rabies is a deadly disease. Early symptoms include fever, headaches, and a sense of weakness or discomfort, which some victims may mistake for the flu, delaying treatment. Many cases become fatal if untreated. If you or your child is bitten, try to locate the dog’s owner to confirm the dog’s vaccination history. If the dog’s rabies status is unknown, seek medical help immediately. Rabies is almost always fatal if untreated, but timely post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP)—a series of rabies shots—is highly effective. The first shot should be administered within 24 hours of the bite, as recommended by health authorities in the United States.
Except for rabies, dog bites might can cause more than just surface wounds. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to infections like cellulitis and sepsis if untreated. Tendons, muscles, and nerves can also be damaged, sometimes requiring surgery or physical therapy. Left untreated, rabies progresses from flu-like symptoms to more severe complications and is almost always fatal. Early intervention is critical. Seeking medical care not only protects your health but also provides documented evidence of your injuries, which is crucial if you pursue legal action.
Taking swift action after a dog bite can help prevent complications, including the risk of rabies. Proper wound care and timely medical attention are essential, which leads to the next steps you should take.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Swift action can reduce complications and help prevent infection. Here’s what to do right away:
- Clean the Wound: Wash the bite with soap and warm water for at least five minutes to remove bacteria. Avoid scrubbing, which can damage tissue.
- Apply an Antiseptic: Use an antiseptic solution to disinfect the wound.
- Control Bleeding: If the bite is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth.
- Cover the Wound: Protect the area with a sterile bandage.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the wound seems minor, consult a healthcare professional to assess the risk of infection, nerve damage, and rabies exposure.
For Parents:
- Stay calm to reassure your child.
- Clean the wound thoroughly, as children are more susceptible to infections.
- Watch for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or fever.
- Ensure your child is up-to-date on their tetanus vaccine, as dog bites can introduce tetanus bacteria.
This preventive care not only protects health but also plays a role if legal issues arise due to the bite. Understanding the legal framework surrounding dog bites is essential for protecting your rights.
Florida’s Dog Bite Laws in 2025
Florida enforces a strict liability rule, meaning dog owners are legally responsible for any injuries their dog causes—regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. This rule is outlined in Section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes, which states that owners are liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of whether the dog has shown prior aggression. However, the law does include some exceptions:
- If the person bitten is found partially at fault, the owner’s liability is reduced proportionally.
- If the dog owner had a clearly readable “Bad Dog” sign displayed in a prominent location on their property, they may not be liable—unless the victim is under six years old or the injury resulted from the owner’s negligence.
Recent 2025 amendments to Florida’s dog bite laws have strengthened protections for victims by:
- Increasing penalties for owners of dogs that cause serious injury, particularly repeat offenders.
- Introducing enhanced containment regulations and mandatory liability insurance for certain breeds.
- Clarifying compensation rights, ensuring victims can seek damages for medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress.
These legal updates ensure that victims of dog bites have a clear path to seek financial recovery while holding negligent dog owners accountable.
Why Prompt Medical Care Matters
Dog bites can cause more than just surface wounds. Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to infections like cellulitis and sepsis if untreated. Tendons, muscles, and nerves can also be damaged, sometimes requiring surgery or physical therapy. Left untreated, rabies progresses from flu-like symptoms to more severe complications and is almost always fatal. Early intervention is critical. Once your immediate medical needs are addressed, it’s important to consider your options for financial recovery.
Seeking Compensation After a Dog Bite
Medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma shouldn’t be your burden to bear. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, Florida law allows you to seek compensation from the dog’s owner. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our Florida dog bite lawyers helped numerous dog bite victims recover the financial support they needed to cover treatment, therapy, and long-term care. Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help with your dog bite case.