Broward County Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog Bite Lawyer Broward County, FL

If you were bitten by a dog in Broward County, the aftermath is overwhelming. The physical injuries are painful. The medical bills are immediate. And the emotional impact lingers long after the wounds heal. You may be afraid to walk in your own neighborhood. Your child may have nightmares. These are real consequences that deserve real compensation.

Florida law holds dog owners responsible when their animals attack. Strict liability means you do not have to prove the owner was negligent.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm has represented dog bite victims throughout Broward County and South Florida for over a decade. We have helped our clients recover millions of dollars in personal injury settlements. Our founder has been practicing law since 2006, and we handle every case on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

If you need a Broward County, FL dog bite lawyer, contact us for a free consultation.

Why Choose The Andres Lopez Law Firm for Dog Bite Cases in Broward County, FL?

We Know How These Cases Work

Some dog bites are covered by homeowner’s insurance. Others are not. Some policies exclude certain breeds. Others have sublimits that cap dog bite payouts far below the policy’s general liability coverage. Insurance denials happen frequently, and victims need attorneys who know how to challenge them.

Andres Lopez has handled dog bite claims throughout Broward County for years. He understands the specific challenges these cases present. He knows which insurance companies fight hardest and which arguments they use.

Licensed in Florida and Maryland, Andres Lopez is admitted to practice before the Southern District of Florida, the Middle District of Florida, and the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals. He earned his law degree from the University of Maryland School of Law.

Looking for a personal injury lawyer in Broward County, FL? Our firm handles these cases with the attention they require.

Proven Track Record

Our firm has helped clients recover millions of dollars across all types of personal injury cases. Dog bite cases require thorough documentation, aggressive negotiation, and willingness to go to trial if necessary. We provide all three.

Andres Lopez is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, a recognition limited to attorneys who have secured million-dollar verdicts or settlements. He was named a Florida Rising Star by Super Lawyers in 2015 and 2016.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency. You pay no attorney fees upfront or while your case is ongoing. If we do not recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

Dog bite victims face immediate medical expenses. You should not have to worry about legal fees while dealing with all of that.

What Our Clients Say

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“I had an excellent experience working with Andres Law Firm from the moment I reached out, their team was responsive, knowledgeable, and genuinely cared about my case. They walked me through every step of the process, clearly explained my options, and were always available to answer any questions. Their professionalism and attention to detail gave me peace of mind during a stressful time.” — Lavinia Martins

Read more reviews on our Google Business Profile.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Broward County

Dog attacks happen in many circumstances. The location, the dog’s history, and the relationship between the victim and owner all affect liability and damages. Here are the types of dog bite cases we handle for clients in Broward County and throughout Florida.

• Attacks on public property. Dogs attack people on sidewalks, in parks, at beaches, and in other public spaces. Under Florida’s strict liability statute, owners are responsible for bites that occur in public places where the victim has a lawful right to be.
• Bites on private property. If you were bitten while lawfully on someone else’s property, whether as a guest, a delivery person, or a service worker, the owner is liable. The key is that you were there lawfully. Trespassers have more limited rights, though children may be protected even when trespassing under attractive nuisance principles.
• Attacks by loose dogs. Dogs escape yards. They slip leashes. They run out of open doors. When an unrestrained dog attacks, the owner bears responsibility. Leash laws exist throughout Broward County for a reason.
• Attacks by dogs with prior incidents. Some dogs have bitten before. Animal control records may show prior complaints. When owners know their dogs are dangerous and fail to take adequate precautions, they may face enhanced liability.
• Child dog bite injuries. Children suffer dog bites at higher rates than adults. Their faces are often at dog level. They may not recognize warning signs of aggression. The injuries can be devastating, both physically and psychologically. These cases require special sensitivity.
• Severe and disfiguring injuries. Some dog attacks cause permanent scarring, nerve damage, or loss of function. These cases involve significant damages for medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, and long-term emotional harm.
• Attacks by multiple dogs. Pack attacks are particularly dangerous. Multiple dogs can inflict catastrophic injuries rapidly. Liability may extend to multiple owners if different people owned the dogs involved.
• Attacks on other animals. If a dog attacked your pet, you may have a claim for veterinary expenses, the value of your animal if it died, and your own emotional distress from witnessing the attack.

Florida Legal Requirements for Dog Bite Cases

Florida law provides strong protections for dog bite victims. Understanding these requirements helps you know what your attorney must prove and why Florida is considered a favorable state for these claims.

Strict Liability Under Florida Law

Florida is a strict liability state for dog bites. Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This applies regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. No prior bite history is required, and no proof of negligence is required.

In some states, victims must prove the owner knew the dog was aggressive. Florida does not have that standard. The bite itself establishes liability.

Comparative Negligence Still Applies

While Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners, comparative negligence can still reduce your recovery. Under Florida Statute 768.81, if you were partially at fault for the incident, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault.

What counts as comparative fault in dog bite cases? Provoking the dog. Ignoring warning signs. Trespassing. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages under Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule.

The “Bad Dog” Sign Defense

Florida law provides a partial defense for dog owners who display prominent “Bad Dog” signs. Under Florida Statute 767.04, an owner is not liable for injuries to persons over six years old if a “Bad Dog” sign was prominently displayed at the time of the attack. However, this defense does not apply if the owner’s negligence was a proximate cause of the attack.

This defense has limits. It does not protect owners from liability for bites to children under six. It does not apply if the owner was otherwise negligent.

Dangerous Dog Designations

Florida has procedures for designating dogs as dangerous following attacks. Under Florida Statute 767.12, local animal control can classify dogs as dangerous based on their behavior. Owners of dangerous dogs face strict requirements for confinement, registration, and insurance. Violations can result in criminal penalties.

Rabies quarantine procedures also apply after bites. The dog must be observed for signs of rabies, which affects both the animal’s fate and your medical treatment decisions.

Statute of Limitations

Under Florida Statute 95.11, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim. Contact an attorney promptly to preserve your rights.

What Damages Are Recoverable in Broward County Dog Bite Cases?

Dog bite victims in Broward County can pursue multiple categories of damages. What you can recover depends on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and the long-term impact on your life.

Economic Damages

Economic damages compensate for financial losses you can document, like bills, receipts, and pay records. These are concrete numbers.

Medical expenses often constitute the largest category, including emergency room treatment, stitches and wound care, antibiotics to prevent infection, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, tetanus shots, physical therapy if the bite affected mobility, and reconstructive surgery for disfiguring injuries.

Lost wages compensate for income you missed while recovering. Severe bites can keep people out of work for weeks or longer. If your injuries permanently reduce what you can earn, those future losses are recoverable too.

Property damage may apply if the dog destroyed your belongings during the attack. Out-of-pocket expenses include transportation to medical appointments, childcare costs while attending appointments, and similar incidental losses.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages compensate for losses without price tags. Florida law recognizes these as real and compensable.

• Pain and suffering. Dog bites hurt. Badly. The initial attack is terrifying. The healing process is long and often painful. Nerve damage can cause chronic pain that persists for years.
• Emotional distress. Many dog bite victims develop lasting psychological effects. Fear of dogs. Anxiety in public spaces. Nightmares. PTSD symptoms. Children are particularly vulnerable to long-term emotional harm.
• Scarring and disfigurement. Visible scars affect self-esteem, social interactions, and quality of life. Facial scarring is especially impactful.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. If you can no longer walk in your neighborhood, visit friends with dogs, or enjoy activities you once loved because of fear or physical limitations, that loss deserves compensation.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving egregious conduct, Florida courts may award punitive damages under Florida Statute 768.72. These apply when the owner’s behavior was particularly reckless. Keeping a dog known to be vicious without adequate safeguards. Intentionally releasing a dog to attack someone. Repeated violations of leash laws after prior incidents.

Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. They require clear and convincing evidence of intentional misconduct or gross negligence.

What Steps Should I Take After a Dog Bite?

The actions you take after a dog attack matter. They affect both your health and your ability to recover compensation. Here are ten steps to protect yourself.

1. Get to safety. Move away from the dog. If the owner is present, ask them to restrain the animal. Do not approach the dog again, even if it seems calm.

2. Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history, specifically rabies. If the owner is not present, try to remember the dog’s description, any collar or tags, and where the dog went.

3. Call 911 if injuries are serious. Severe bites require emergency medical attention. Paramedics can assess the wound and transport you if needed.

4. Seek medical attention promptly. Even bites that seem minor can become infected. Dog mouths carry bacteria. Puncture wounds are especially prone to infection because they trap bacteria deep in tissue. Doctors will clean the wound, assess whether stitches are needed, and determine if rabies treatment is necessary.

5. Report the attack to animal control. Broward County Animal Care requires dog bites to be reported. Animal control involvement creates official documentation and initiates rabies quarantine procedures. The report becomes evidence in your case.

6. Document everything. Photograph your injuries immediately and as they heal. Photograph the location where the attack occurred. Photograph the dog if possible. Take notes about what happened while details are fresh.

7. Get witness information. Did anyone see the attack? Get their names and contact information. Witnesses can corroborate your account of what happened.

8. Follow medical advice carefully. Take prescribed antibiotics. Attend follow-up appointments. Complete the full course of rabies treatment if prescribed. Failure to follow medical advice can both harm your health and hurt your claim.

9. Keep records. Save all medical bills, receipts, and documentation. Keep a journal of your pain levels, emotional state, and limitations on daily activities. This evidence supports your claim for damages.

10. Contact a dog bite attorney. An experienced attorney can investigate the attack, identify insurance coverage, handle communications with the owner and their insurer, and pursue full compensation. Understanding your legal recourse starts with a consultation.

Broward County Dog Bite Infographic

Dog Bite Statistics in Broward County

Dog bites are far more common than most people realize. The statistics illustrate why responsible pet ownership and legal accountability matter.

According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, dogs bite more than 4.5 million Americans each year, with nearly one in five bites becoming infected.

The American Veterinary Medical Association also reports that dogs bite more than 800,000 Americans severely enough to require medical attention each year. The actual number of bites is far higher because many go unreported.

Florida sees significant dog bite activity. The Florida Department of Health tracks animal bites as part of rabies surveillance. Thousands of dog bites are reported statewide each year. Broward County, with its dense population and high rates of dog ownership, sees its share.

Insurance industry data shows the financial impact. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims average over $50,000 per incident. Homeowner’s insurance pays out hundreds of millions of dollars annually for dog-related injuries. Florida consistently ranks among the top states for dog bite claims.

Certain demographics face elevated risks. The National Institutes of Health has published research showing children ages 5-9 have the highest bite rates. Boys are bitten more often than girls. Most bites involve dogs known to the victim, often family pets or dogs belonging to friends and neighbors.

Breed is a controversial factor. Some jurisdictions have breed-specific legislation targeting pit bulls and similar breeds. Broward County has historically had such restrictions, though enforcement varies by municipality. Regardless of breed, any dog can bite under the right circumstances. Owner behavior and training matter more than genetics.

Broward County Dog Bite Lawyer FAQs

Does Florida require proof that the owner knew their dog was dangerous?

No. Florida is a strict liability state. Under Florida Statute 767.04, dog owners are liable for bites regardless of whether they knew the dog might bite. You do not have to prove prior aggressive behavior or that the owner was negligent. The bite itself establishes liability.

What if I was bitten by a dog at someone’s home while visiting?

If you were lawfully on the property, whether as a guest, a delivery person, or a service provider, the owner is liable for the bite. The key question is whether you had a lawful right to be there. Social guests, mail carriers, plumbers, and similar visitors are all protected.

What if the dog owner has a “Beware of Dog” sign?

Florida law provides owners some protection if they display a “Bad Dog” sign prominently. However, this defense only applies to victims over age six, and it does not apply if the owner was negligent in some other way. Children under six are protected regardless of signage.

Can I sue if my child was bitten?

Yes. Children are frequent dog bite victims, and their claims are often significant due to scarring, emotional trauma, and the impact on their development. Parents can file claims on behalf of minor children. The “Bad Dog” sign defense does not apply to children under six.

What if the dog owner has no insurance?

Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance typically covers dog bite claims, but not everyone has coverage. Some policies exclude certain breeds. Some owners are uninsured. If no insurance exists, you may have a claim directly against the owner’s personal assets. We investigate coverage thoroughly.

What compensation can I receive for dog bite injuries?

You may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, scarring and disfigurement damages, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving egregious owner conduct, punitive damages may be available.

How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?

Two years from the date of the attack. Missing this deadline typically bars your claim. Building a strong case takes time. Contact an attorney promptly after any significant dog bite.

What if the dog was a stray with no identifiable owner?

These cases are challenging because there may be no liable party with insurance or assets. However, if the dog was on someone’s property with the property owner’s knowledge, or if a landlord allowed a dangerous dog to remain on rental property, alternative defendants may exist.

Should I report the bite to animal control?

Yes. Reporting serves multiple purposes. It creates official documentation. It triggers rabies quarantine procedures. It may reveal prior incidents involving the same dog. The report becomes evidence supporting your claim.

What if I was partially at fault for the bite?

Your recovery may be reduced under Florida’s comparative negligence rules. If you provoked the dog, ignored warnings, or were trespassing, your damages could be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover. We analyze fault carefully and fight allegations that victims provoked attacks.

Will the dog be put down after biting me?

Not necessarily. Euthanasia depends on the severity of the attack, the dog’s history, and local animal control decisions. Dogs that cause severe injury or have prior incidents face higher risk of being deemed dangerous and potentially euthanized. Minor bites with no prior history usually do not result in euthanasia.

What if I was bitten while working?

You may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party claim against the dog owner. Delivery drivers, home healthcare workers, repair technicians, and others bitten while working may pursue compensation through multiple channels. We can evaluate all available options.

How much does a dog bite lawyer cost?

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. The fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not from your pocket upfront. There is no financial risk to you.

What if the dog owner is a friend or family member?

This situation is uncomfortable but common. Most claims are paid by insurance, not out of the owner’s pocket. Filing a claim does not mean suing your friend personally. It means seeking compensation from their insurance company, which is what insurance is for.

How can I get legal help for my dog bite case?

Contact a dog bite attorney for a free consultation to get legal help after an attack. We will review the facts of your case, explain your rights, and outline your options. No obligation. No pressure.

Most Dangerous Locations for Dog Bites in Broward County

Dog bites occur throughout Broward County, but certain situations and locations see higher rates.

• Residential neighborhoods. Most dog bites happen in or near homes. Visitors bitten by family pets, children bitten while playing at a neighbor’s house, and mail carriers bitten during deliveries. Residential areas account for the majority of incidents.
• Parks and recreational areas. Dog parks carry obvious risks, but regular parks see bites too. Dogs slip leashes. Owners lose control. Off-leash dogs approach children. Popular parks in Fort Lauderdale, Pembroke Pines, and other Broward municipalities see regular incidents.
• Apartment complexes and condominiums. Multi-family housing concentrates dogs and people in close quarters. Common areas, stairwells, and parking lots become encounter zones. Not all residents control their animals properly.
• Streets and sidewalks. Dogs escape yards through open gates or under fences. They break free from walkers who cannot control them. Runners and cyclists encounter loose dogs regularly.
• Commercial properties. Outdoor dining areas. Retail stores that allow dogs. Farmers markets. Any business that welcomes pets creates potential for incidents when dogs react to unfamiliar people or other animals.
• School zones and playgrounds. Children gathering near schools attract loose dogs. Playgrounds combine running, screaming children with dogs that may interpret the activity as threatening or exciting. Either reaction can lead to bites.

What Are Important Local Resources for Broward County Dog Bite Victims?

If you were bitten by a dog in Broward County, FL, these local resources may help during your recovery.

• Broward County Animal Care handles dog bite reports, rabies quarantine, and dangerous dog investigations. Reporting bites is required by law. (954) 359-1313
• Broward Health Medical Center provides emergency and trauma services for serious dog bite injuries. (954) 355-4400
• Memorial Regional Hospital offers emergency care and reconstructive surgery services in Hollywood. (954) 987-2000
• Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital specializes in pediatric care including treatment of child dog bite victims. (954) 265-5324
• Florida Department of Health in Broward County coordinates rabies surveillance and can provide information about post-exposure treatment requirements. (954) 467-4700
• Broward Sheriff’s Office responds to dog attacks involving serious injuries or criminal conduct and can document incidents.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm does not endorse any of these organizations. This information is provided for your convenience only.

The Andres Lopez Law Firm, Broward County Dog Bite Lawyer

7351 Wiles Rd #101, Coral Springs, FL 33067

Contact The Andres Lopez Law Firm

A dog bite changes things. The physical pain is real. The scars may be permanent. The fear lingers. You may find yourself crossing the street to avoid dogs or struggle with other psychological challenges.

Dog owners are responsible for the harm their animals cause. Their insurance exists to compensate victims like you. But insurance companies do not pay willingly. They look for reasons to deny claims. They offer settlements far below what injuries are worth, and they blame victims for provoking attacks.

You need someone who fights back.

Our firm handles dog bite cases on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation. Our attorneys at The Andres Lopez Law Firm speaks Spanish and offers 24/7 live call answering. Contact us today to discuss your Broward County dog bite case.