Help After a Serious Dog Attack
A dog attack can cause deep puncture wounds, torn muscles and nerves, serious infections, and permanent scarring, along with lasting fear and anxiety. Children are especially vulnerable, and bites to the face often require reconstructive surgery.
The Injury Advocates represents dog bite victims and their families across Broward County and South Florida. Our founder, Kweku Darfoor, is personally involved in every case, and we work to recover the full cost of medical care, scarring, and the emotional impact of the attack.
Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Florida holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone. Under Florida Statute § 767.04, the owner is responsible for the damages when a dog bites a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner’s own property. It does not matter whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
There are important limits:
Injuries We Handle
Who Pays for a Dog Bite?
In many cases, a dog bite claim is paid by the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not out of the owner’s pocket. Depending on the facts, other parties may also be responsible, such as a landlord or property manager who knew about a dangerous dog, or a business that kept a dog on its premises.
Please note: Many homeowners and renters insurance policies exclude dog bite claims from coverage or limit coverage for certain breeds, and some dog owners have no insurance at all. We review the available insurance early in every case so you know where a recovery may come from.
After an attack, get medical care right away, report the bite to local animal control, take photos of your injuries and the location, and get the owner’s name and contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company before speaking with a lawyer.
How Long Do You Have to File?
For most Florida negligence claims, including dog bite cases, the deadline is generally two years from the date of the injury. Because insurers often look for reasons to reduce a claim, it is best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after a serious bite.
Dog bite injuries can require multiple surgeries, scar treatment, and counseling, especially for children. We document the full impact of the attack, including future medical care, deal with the insurance company for you, and fight for a recovery that reflects what you have been through. If you cannot come to us, we can meet by phone, by video, or at your home or hospital.
See the settlements we have recovered for clients on our Case Results page.
Why Dog Bite Victims Choose The Injury Advocates
In most cases, yes. Florida’s dog bite statute makes owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. The owner’s liability can be reduced if the person bitten was careless, and a properly posted “Bad Dog” sign may be a defense, except when the victim is under 6 years old.
Nothing up front. Your consultation is free, and we handle injury cases on a contingency fee basis, which means our fee is a percentage of the money we recover for you. If we do not win your case, you owe no attorney’s fees and no case costs.
Dog bite claims are often made against the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance rather than the owner personally, which can help cover medical bills and other losses without straining the relationship. However, many policies exclude dog bites or certain breeds, so we check what coverage exists before deciding how to proceed.
Children are more likely to suffer bites to the face and to need surgery and counseling. The “Bad Dog” sign defense does not apply when the child is under 6. A child’s claim should account for future treatment, scar revision, and the emotional impact of the attack.
Yes. Get medical care, report the bite to your local animal control agency, and keep copies of your medical records and photos of your injuries. A report creates an official record of the attack and helps protect others from the same dog.
For most negligence claims, the deadline is generally two years from the date of the injury. It is best to speak with a lawyer early so evidence and witness information can be preserved.
