Florida Dog Bite Lawyer Handling Complex Injury Claims

Bitten by a Dog in Plantation or Anywhere in Florida? Our Injury Lawyers Can Help You Take Action

Dog bites happen at an alarming rate. On average, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Many of those injuries – roughly 800,000 – require medical care. An additional 350,000 dog bites require a trip to the emergency room. That’s one severe dog bite every 90 seconds.

Being attacked by a dog can change your life in an instant. One moment you’re walking through a neighborhood or visiting someone’s house – the next you’re in the hospital with serious injuries. It’s not just physical pain. Dog bites can leave lasting emotional scars, especially if the victim is a child. At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, our Plantation dog bite attorneys help people throughout Central and South Florida recover after being injured by someone else’s dog.

Florida law holds dog owners legally and financially responsible when their dog bites someone – even if the dog has never bitten before. There’s no “one bite rule” in Florida. If you or a loved one were injured, you should be entitled to receive compensation for your financial losses. We can explain how the process works and which options work best for you.

What are Florida’s dog bite laws?

Florida has what’s called a “strict liability” dog bite law. That means the dog’s owner is almost always responsible when their dog bites someone, even if the owner did nothing wrong and even if the dog had no history of aggression.

The victim does not need to prove the owner was negligent.
The victim only needs to prove they were lawfully on public or private property when the bite occurred.
Even if the owner posted a “Bad Dog” sign, they may still be liable if the victim was under age 6.
If the victim provoked the dog, that may reduce the amount of compensation, but it does not eliminate the owner’s responsibility.

Strict liability laws are designed to help dog bite victims recover more quickly, but insurance companies still attempt to avoid paying fair compensation. That’s why it’s important to talk with an experienced dog bite attorney who understands how Florida’s legal system works.

Where do most dog bites happen in Florida?

Most dog bites happen in familiar places – places where you might not expect danger. That’s part of what makes these cases so upsetting.

Many dog bites happen in the victim’s own neighborhood or apartment complex.
Children are often bitten while playing at a friend’s house or family gathering.
Delivery drivers and postal workers are frequent dog bite victims while working.
Dog bites can also happen in public places like parks, sidewalks, or beaches.

No matter where your dog attack occurred, you have the right to take legal action. An experienced Florida dog bite lawyer can investigate what happened and help you build a strong case based on solid evidence. Don’t wait to see what happens. Take back control. Contact us.

How serious are dog bite injuries?

Some dog bites leave only bruises or minor wounds. But many others can be severe and cause life-altering damage. A strong dog can easily crush bones, tear muscles, and leave deep puncture wounds. In some cases, the victim may need reconstructive surgery or long-term physical therapy. Some of the most serious dog bite injuries include:

Puncture wounds and torn ligaments.
Infections like rabies or tetanus.
Scarring or disfigurement, especially on the face or arms.
Nerve damage or permanent loss of function.
Psychological trauma, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress.

Children, elderly adults, and people with certain medical conditions may be especially vulnerable to severe complications after a dog attack. Regardless of the injury, we can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Who pays for a dog bite injury in Florida?

In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance, or renter’s insurance pays for dog bite injuries. But getting that money is not always easy. Insurance companies often fight these claims and try to blame the victim.

The insurance company may argue the dog was provoked.
They may try to downplay the severity of your injuries.
They may claim you were trespassing – even if you were lawfully on the property.

Our legal team knows how to cut through the confusion and get to the truth. The key is gathering solid evidence in support of our case. We interview witnesses, examine medical records and police reports, and gather any other relevant information to hold the dog owner accountable. We leave no stone unturned in pursuit of justice.

What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

It doesn’t matter. Florida law still holds the dog’s owner responsible, even if the dog was friendly before or had no history of aggression. This may come as a surprise to many people, but it’s part of the state’s effort to protect the public.

Dog owners are responsible for always controlling their animals.
It’s not a defense to say, “The dog never did this before.”
If you were bitten and were lawfully on the property, the owner is likely liable, meaning legally responsible for compensating you for your financial losses.

These cases often come down to details – where the bite happened, what the dog was doing, and whether the victim had a right to be there. That’s why having an experienced Florida dog bite attorney in your corner can often make all the difference.

Can I file a lawsuit if I was bitten by a dog in Florida?

Yes. If an insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, you have the right to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. In some cases, other parties may also be liable, such as a landlord or property manager who fails to take action despite being aware of a dangerous dog.

A successful dog bite injury lawsuit can help you recover damages, the legal term for financial compensation related to your injury. This may include:

Medical expenses – both current and future.
Lost wages if you missed work due to your injury.
Mental health treatment if you experienced trauma.
Pain and suffering in many cases.

The sooner you talk to a lawyer, the better. There are strict deadlines – normally two years – for filing a lawsuit in Florida, so don’t wait too long.

Florida dog bite attorneys who deliver results

A dog bite is more than just a bite – it’s an attack that can affect every part of your life. If someone else’s dog caused your injury, we can help you take action. At Personal Injury Legal Solutions, we personally treat every case with care and attention because your future matters.

Our law firm has more than 40 years of experience representing injury victims throughout Florida. Attorneys Robert Gioia and Stephanie Balint understand how to investigate dog bite cases and effectively handle claims against insurance companies. We know how to beat insurance companies at their own game. Our experience can give you an edge.

Put your trust in the Florida law firm that puts your needs first. Contact us and schedule your free case evaluation. You can talk directly with one of our attorneys about what happened. We speak Spanish, and we’re ready to stand up for you.