Helping dog bite victims in Sunrise pursue full recovery for their injuries.
A dog bite can cause lasting physical and emotional harm, and the animal’s owner may be responsible for the costs that follow. Recovering that compensation often means dealing with the owner’s insurer, which may dispute the claim or deny it outright. At The Andres Lopez Law Firm, we represent dog bite victims across Sunrise and the wider South Florida area, and our Sunrise, FL dog bite lawyer can investigate the attack, establish the owner’s responsibility, and pursue the recovery you are owed. Reach out to our office to schedule a free consultation.
Dog Bite Lawyer Sunrise, FL
A dog bite claim seeks compensation for the injuries and losses an animal attack causes. The owner of the dog can be held responsible for a bite, and these claims cover medical treatment, scarring, lost income, and the emotional effects of an attack, which can be especially serious for children. A Sunrise dog bite attorney gathers the medical records, identifies the owner and the insurance that applies, and works to establish responsibility for the attack.
Most of these claims are paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, and we handle that insurer on your behalf so you can focus on healing. When a child is bitten, the injuries are often more severe, and a Sunrise dog bite lawyer can make sure the claim accounts for future treatment and the emotional toll.
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Sunrise
Dog attacks happen in many settings, and the circumstances shape how we prove responsibility and where we find coverage. We represent bite victims across Sunrise, FL, from minor wounds to severe attacks that require surgery. Some attacks involve a single bite, while others cause multiple wounds that call for ongoing care. The list below covers the matters we handle most often.
- Child bite injuries. Children are bitten more often than adults and tend to suffer facial and neck wounds. We document the lasting physical and emotional effects of an attack on a child.
- Bites in public spaces. Attacks at parks, sidewalks, and other public areas often involve witnesses. We gather their accounts and any video to establish what happened.
- Bites on private property. A guest, contractor, or delivery worker who is invited onto a property may have a claim when a dog attacks. We work to identify the owner’s responsibility.
- Postal and delivery worker bites. Workers who travel door to door face a high risk of dog attacks. We pursue the owner and the insurance that covers the property.
- Scarring and nerve damage. Deep bites can leave permanent scars or lasting nerve injury. We account for future surgery and the long-term effects when we value a claim.
- Attacks by a known-dangerous dog. A history of aggression can strengthen a claim. We investigate prior complaints and any record of earlier incidents.
- Bites requiring rabies treatment. A bite from an unvaccinated or unknown dog may call for a course of rabies shots. We include that treatment in the claim.
Why Choose The Andres Lopez Law Firm as Your Dog Bite Lawyer in Sunrise, FL?
Experience With Dog Bite and Injury Claims
Andres Lopez has represented injured people in Florida for more than ten years, including those hurt in dog attacks. Licensed in the state since 2009, he takes on the insurance companies, not the people they injure, and he is ready to try a case when an insurer will not pay fairly. Over that time, he has handled attacks ranging from minor bites to serious maulings that left permanent scarring, and he understands how insurers try to minimize these claims. A dog bite is one part of a broader injury practice, and our personal injury lawyer in Sunrise handles claims of every kind. Attorney Lopez is a two-time Florida Rising Star and a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum who earned his law degree from the University of Maryland.
Real Recoveries on a Contingency Basis
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for injured people across South Florida. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency basis, so there are no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you. We also answer your questions about the process and any costs before you decide how to move forward.
What Is Important to Understand About a Dog Bite Case?
Liability, Damages, and Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
In a dog bite case, responsibility usually rests with the dog’s owner. When liability is established, the owner’s insurer can be responsible for a range of damages:
- Medical expenses for emergency care, surgery, and any reconstructive treatment.
- Lost income for time away from work during recovery.
- Pain and suffering for the physical and emotional harm of the attack.
- Scarring and disfigurement for the lasting effects of a serious bite.
Injury compensation can extend to future surgeries and counseling, which matter in cases involving children. Florida’s comparative fault rule may reduce an award if the victim’s own conduct contributed to the attack, though it does not bar recovery unless the victim is found more than half at fault. Most homeowners and renter’s policies include coverage for dog bites, and our attorneys work to identify every policy that may apply to your claim.
What Steps Matter After a Dog Bite?
The right steps after an attack protect both your health and your claim. A few things tend to matter most:
- Getting prompt medical care and following the treatment plan.
- Reporting the bite to animal control so there is an official record.
- Identifying the dog’s owner and any witnesses to the attack.
- Photographing the injuries and the location where the bite happened.
A bite from an unvaccinated dog may require rabies quarantine or treatment, and that medical record becomes part of the claim. The more thorough the documentation, the stronger your case. Keeping a written record of your treatment and any missed work helps a Sunrise dog bite attorney document the full extent of your losses.
What Is the Dog Bite Case Timeline?
Every claim moves at its own pace, and the severity of the injuries shapes the schedule. Most dog bite cases still follow a familiar path:
- You receive medical treatment until your condition stabilizes.
- We investigate the attack and identify the owner and their insurance.
- We present a demand to the owner’s insurer.
- We negotiate toward a fair settlement.
- We file suit and prepare for trial if the insurer will not pay fairly.
Insurers do not always accept these claims, and a denial is not the end of the matter. We know how to respond to insurance denials when a company tries to avoid paying on a homeowner’s policy. Throughout the case, our attorneys keep you informed and prepare every claim as though it may go before a jury.
What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?
A few records help us evaluate your case during the first meeting. If you have them, please bring:
- Medical records and bills related to the bite.
- Photographs of your injuries and the scene of the attack.
- The animal control or incident report, if one was filed.
- The name and contact information of the dog’s owner.
You do not need every document to meet with us, so reach out even while you are still gathering them. The consultation is free, and we will explain your options and the next steps. If a bite has left you unsure of your rights, a short conversation with our office can help you understand where you stand.
Important Florida Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases
Several Florida laws and national resources apply to dog bite claims. The sources below let you review the rules and data that may relate to your case.
- Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives you two years from the date of an injury to file a negligence lawsuit, under Section 95.11.
- Florida’s comparative fault rule reduces your recovery by your share of fault and bars it above fifty percent, under Section 768.81.
- National dog bite data from public health agencies describes how often these injuries occur and who is most at risk.
- Guidance on dog bite prevention explains how to reduce the risk of an attack.
- Information on rabies covers the treatment that some bites require.
Reach Out to The Andres Lopez Law Firm for a Free Consultation
A dog attack can leave lasting injuries and unexpected costs, especially when a child is hurt. We review these claims at no charge, and our contingency arrangement means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our office answers calls around the clock and responds quickly to the people who reach out. Contact us to discuss your dog bite claim and the options available to you.