Dog Bites

Dog Bite Attorney in Panama City

Fighting for Dog Bite Victims in Northwest Florida Since 2008

Dog bite injuries can be serious, and the legal path forward isn’t always obvious. At Perry & Young, we’ve represented wrongfully injured clients throughout Northwest Florida since 2008, and our Panama City office puts us close to the people who need us most. Every case is assigned both a lead attorney and a supporting attorney, so you have someone available and nothing slips through the cracks. Reach us any time, day or night.

If you or someone you love was injured in a dog attack, don’t wait to get answers. Call our Panama City dog bite team at (850) 215-7777 for a free case evaluation with no obligation and no upfront cost.

Florida’s Dog Bite Law

Florida follows a strict liability standard for dog bites under Fla. Stat. 767.04, which means a dog owner is legally responsible for injuries their dog causes without the victim needing to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the animal was dangerous. Florida doesn’t follow a “one-bite rule.”

If you were bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own home, the statute applies on the very first incident. Lawful presence covers a wide range of situations, including being there at the owner’s invitation or under a duty imposed by law, such as a mail carrier or service worker.

Defenses That Can Affect Your Claim

Owners and their insurers will look for ways to reduce or eliminate liability.

Three defenses come up most often in Florida dog bite cases:

Comparative negligence: If your own actions contributed to the bite, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule (Fla. Stat. 768.81(6)), a victim found more than 50% at fault recovers nothing.
Trespassing: Victims who were on the property without permission aren’t considered lawfully present and generally can’t rely on the strict liability statute.
“Bad Dog” sign defense: A prominently posted warning sign can serve as a partial defense under the statute, though it doesn’t apply when the victim is under six years of age.

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Choose Us for Dog Bite Claims in Panama City

Perry & Young was founded by former legal investigators, and that background shapes everything about how we develop a case. Long before a lawsuit is filed, we’re focused on evidence preservation. In dog bite matters, early action is critical because evidence disappears quickly.

Other reasons to choose us include:

Insurance defense insight: We have a former insurance defense attorney on our team who can decode carrier evaluation models and lowball playbook tactics.
Clinical case nurse: We have a medical nurse on staff to monitor our clients.
Specialist network: We work with life-care planners, psychological experts, and more.
Around-the-clock access: We provide 24/7 availability for urgent post-incident guidance.
Dual-attorney team: Every matter is assigned a lead attorney and a supporting attorney.
Multilingual counsel: We provide representation and communication in English, Spanish, German, Italian, French, and additional languages.
Risk-free structure: There are zero upfront costs with free consultations and contingency fee representation.

With our dog bite layer in Panama City at your side, you can focus on recovery while we handle the legalities.

Your Dedicated Attorneys

You Only Pay When You Collect

Our work is conducted on a contingent fee basis. This means that you pay nothing unless we make a recovery on your behalf.
Experienced Trial Attorneys

Each case is assigned to a lead attorney and a supporting attorney. This ensures continuity during the legal process and enables us to provide responsive service.
Hundreds of Millions Recovered

At Perry & Young Law Firm, we take pride in championing the rights of our clients. We have secured hundreds of millions for our clients.

Florida’s Dangerous Dog Classification & Filing Deadline

After a serious dog attack in Panama City, local animal control may open an investigation under Fla. Stat. 767.11-767.13. Once a dog is classified as dangerous, the owner faces ongoing obligations: secure confinement, visible warning signage, and muzzling and leashing the animal outside its enclosure. If a dog already classified as dangerous bites or attacks again, Florida law requires it to be confiscated and held after the owner receives written notice. A dangerous dog classification can be valuable evidence in a civil claim and is part of what we look for when building a case.

Filing deadlines matter. Florida’s 2023 tort reform law, HB 837, shortened the window to file a dog bite lawsuit from four years to two years for incidents that occurred on or after March 24, 2023. Missing that deadline can forfeit the right to recover. If your bite happened recently, getting an attorney involved early can help protect your options.

Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims

A successful dog bite claim can recover several categories of damages:

Medical expenses: Emergency treatment, surgery, wound care, follow-up visits, and future medical needs related to the injury
Lost wages: Income lost during recovery and, in serious cases, reduced earning capacity going forward
Pain and suffering: Physical pain, emotional trauma, and compensation for scarring or disfigurement that may affect daily life long after healing

Our Panama City dog bite lawyer can thoroughly investigate your case and pursue the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

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Client's Love Us

At Perry & Young, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

Committed to the People We Serve

Perry & Young was founded here in Bay County. Our attorneys are local, and our commitment to this community runs deeper than legal work. We’re involved in veteran employment, scholarships, and safety advocacy. That investment in Northwest Florida is part of who we are. Combined with a record of hundreds of millions secured for clients, it reflects what we bring to every dog bite case we handle.

You pay nothing to talk with us and nothing unless we recover on your behalf. Call our dog bite attorneys at (850) 215-7777 to schedule your free evaluation and let us tell you where your case stands.

"The staff at this establishment are so warm and welcoming"
Seriously so thankful to have found this firm. The staff at this establishment are so warm and welcoming and they are sharks they work hard you and put your needs first. Their communication is top tier they are patient and explain things to you so you can understand them. Thank you so much Perry & Young you guys rock!

- Lisa D.
"Their support for their community is phenomenal."
Perry & Young, P.A. is an amazing attorney office. Their support for their community is phenomenal. They sponsor and constantly support many of the clubs and organizations in the Panhandle. I know personally that they sponsor the Cottondale FFA Chapter and supports us in anything we do

- Kaitlyn H.
"I would definitely utilize this law office if needed again in the future."
This law office was wonderful, and they explained everything in detail, which made the process a pleasant experience. The legal team kept me informed throughout this process. Maggie was responsive and knowledgeable when I had questions. In addition, she was quick to respond and assisted in making this legal process seamless. I would highly recommend this law office to friends or family, and I would definitely utilize this law office if needed again in the future.

- Trachell C.
"I’m grateful to have chosen a firm that was professional, caring and made the process go smoothly."
I’m grateful to have chosen a firm that was professional, caring and made the process go smoothly. Ted and his team had great follow through and kept me informed throughout the entire process. I fully trust them and wouldn’t call anyone else.

- Melissa M.
"My guy Les McFatter was very professional and always a text or phone call away"
I had a remarkable experience with Perry and Young. My guy Les McFatter was very professional and always a text or phone call away to answer any questions or concerns. He went above and beyond to make this experience as smooth as possible! Maggie Harris thank you for making communication so easy. Highly recommend! Thank you Les and Maggie!

- Travis J.
"I have recommended several clients to Perry & Young and they have provided excellent guidance."
This firm is the most professional company. I have recommended several clients to Perry & Young and they have provided excellent guidance. He has an exceptionally strong eye for detail that has been a benefit to his clients.

- Myra H.
"They treated me like family."
Perry & Young Law Firm represented me with my discrimination case. Mrs. Jeanetta Brown conducted my intake and was a great pleasure to work with! From the beginning of initial contact to the end of my settlement, they treated me like family. The defendants wanted to treat me as a nuance, but my Perry & Young Law Firm didn’t treat me as such and made sure I was fairly compensated. I appreciate their patience, handling my case with care, and respect!

- Brittany P.
"I want to Thank and Applaud P&Y Firm for supporting the Accident Scene Management class"
I want to Thank and Applaud P&Y Firm for supporting the Accident Scene Management class this past weekend. Not only did they make it affordable for motorcyclists to take this life saving class, they provided lunch with Mike Zinszer Atty present to share info on insurance tips and legal info specifically for people who ride.

- Cynthia L.