Florida Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

What Is the Florida Dog Bite Settlement Calculator?

The Florida Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is an online tool that estimates the potential value of a dog bite claim under Florida’s strict liability laws (F.S. § 767.04).

It factors in:

• Medical bills (past & future)
• Lost wages
• Injury severity
• Fault (yours and the owner’s)
• Psychological trauma
• Insurance policy limits
• Florida’s “Bad Dog” sign defense
• And more…

This calculator doesn’t give legal advice — but it does give you a smart starting point.

Florida Dog Bite Law at a Glance

Florida follows strict liability for dog bites. That means:

If a dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is usually liable — even if the dog never bit anyone before.

However, there are defenses and exceptions:

1. “Bad Dog” Sign Defense

If the dog owner had a clearly visible sign that says “Bad Dog,” and:

• The bite victim was 6 or older, and
• The owner wasn’t negligent,
  the owner might not be liable.

2. Comparative Fault (F.S. § 768.81)

Florida uses a modified comparative fault rule. If the victim is 51% or more at fault, they can’t recover anything.

How the Calculator Estimates Your Dog Bite Settlement

The calculator uses a formula based on real Florida laws and case valuation logic. Here’s how it works:

Step 1: Economic Damages

You enter your actual financial losses:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost income and reduced future earning potential
• Property damage (e.g., torn clothes, broken glasses)

Step 2: Pain and Suffering (Non-Economic Damages)

This is estimated based on:

• Bite severity (Dunbar scale)
• Location of injury (Face and head injuries tend to be worth more)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety)
• Long-term impact (Disability, scarring)

More severe and visible injuries lead to higher multipliers.

Step 3: Owner Liability Modifiers

The tool checks for:

• Was a “Bad Dog” sign present?
• Did the owner act negligently (e.g., letting the dog roam)?
• Did the dog have a history of aggression?

These factors can void the sign defense and increase the settlement value.

Step 4: Your Fault (Comparative Negligence)

If you were:

• Trespassing
• Teasing the dog
• Behaving recklessly
  … your compensation is reduced. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Step 5: Insurance Policy Cap

Even if your total damages are high, your final settlement might be capped by the dog owner’s insurance policy limit.

Real-World Example

Let’s say:

• Your medical bills total $8,000
• You lost $2,000 in wages
• You have visible scars on your face
• The dog had a prior bite history
• The owner didn’t post a “Bad Dog” sign

Based on these inputs, the calculator might estimate your total compensation at $75,000 – $120,000 (depending on severity, fault, and other factors).

Why Use a Calculator Before Calling a Lawyer?

• Understand your baseline: Know what your case could be worth.
• Avoid lowball offers: If insurance offers $5,000 and the calculator says $50,000, you know something’s off.
• Prepare for legal consultations: Bring your estimate with you when speaking to an attorney.

This tool is for educational use only. It’s not legal advice. For an accurate evaluation, consult a licensed Florida personal injury attorney.

Key Takeaways

• Strict liability means owners are usually responsible for dog bites in Florida.
• Fault matters — if you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t collect.
• The “Bad Dog” sign is a real defense — but only in limited cases.
• Your final settlement depends on economic costs, pain and suffering, and insurance caps.
• The calculator helps estimate what your case might be worth — fast and free.

Calculate Dog Bite Settlement Compensation by State with Our Free Calculator