Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney
Over 35 Years Experience

Experienced Florida Dog Bite Lawyer

Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable for Attacks and Injuries.

  • Over 35 Years Handling Florida Injury Claims
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
  • NFighting for Victims of Traumatic Animal Attacks
  • No Fee Unless We Win Your Case
Get Your Free Dog Bite Case Consultation

Seeking Justice After a Traumatic Dog Attack

Most dogs are beloved family members, but any dog, regardless of breed or size, is capable of inflicting serious harm. A dog attack is a terrifying and painful experience that can result in significant physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. When a dog owner’s carelessness or failure to control their animal leads to an attack, they can and should be held responsible.

Florida law is very clear about a dog owner’s responsibility. If you or a family member has been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

At Lisa S. Levine, P.A., we are dedicated personal injury advocates for dog bite victims. With over 35 years of experience, Florida dog bite lawyer Lisa Levine understands the complexities of these claims and fights to secure the financial recovery our clients need to heal.

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Understanding Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Unlike many states that follow a “one-bite rule,” Florida has a strict liability statute for dog bites (Florida Statute § 767.04). This is a significant advantage for victims.

What Strict Liability Means for You:

  • No “One Bite Rule”: You do not have to prove that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
  • Automatic Liability: The owner of a dog that bites any person in a public place, or lawfully in a private place (including the owner’s property), is liable for the damages suffered by the person bitten.

Exceptions to Strict Liability:

An owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated if:

  • Trespassing: The victim was unlawfully on private property.
  • Provocation: The victim provoked the dog.
  • Comparative Negligence: If the victim’s own negligence contributed to the bite, their compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.
  • “Bad Dog” Sign: If the owner has a prominent and easily readable sign on their property that includes the words “Bad Dog,” they may not be liable unless the victim is under the age of 6 or the owner’s negligence caused the bite.

An experienced attorney can help navigate these exceptions and build a strong case under Florida’s victim-friendly statute.

The Serious and Lasting Injuries from Dog Bites

A dog attack can cause severe physical and psychological harm. We handle claims involving a wide range of injuries, including:

  • Puncture Wounds and Lacerations: Deep wounds that can damage muscle, tendons and ligaments.
  • Infections: Dangerous bacterial infections like cellulitis, rabies or tetanus can develop from bite wounds.
  • Fractures and Broken Bones: Especially in the hands, arms and legs.
  • Nerve Damage: Leading to loss of sensation or function.
  • Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement: Often requiring plastic or reconstructive surgery.
  • Emotional and Psychological Trauma: Including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety and a lifelong fear of dogs.

Protecting Our Most Vulnerable: Child Victims of Dog Bites

Tragically, children are the most frequent victims of serious dog bites. Due to their smaller size, they are more likely to be bitten on the head, face and neck, leading to more severe injuries. Children often lack the awareness to recognize a dog’s warning signs or the ability to defend themselves, making them particularly vulnerable.

These attacks can leave a child with devastating physical scars and profound emotional trauma that can last a lifetime. We are passionate about fighting for the rights of child victims to ensure they have the resources they need for medical care, psychological counseling and any future reconstructive surgery.

What Needs to Be Proven in a Florida Dog Bite Case?

While Florida’s strict liability law simplifies the process, a successful claim still requires proving several key facts:

01

Identity of the Owner

We must clearly identify the owner of the dog that bit you.

02

The Bite Occurred

We need to show that the dog did, in fact, bite you.

03

Lawful Presence

You must have been in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the bite.

04

Damages

We must document the full extent of your injuries and financial losses resulting from the attack.

Our legal team will help gather evidence, such as animal control reports, medical records, witness statements and photos, to build a comprehensive and compelling claim.

Why Choose Our Florida Dog Bite Attorney?

  • Over 35 Years of Florida Injury Law Experience: Lisa Levine is a seasoned trial lawyer who knows how to effectively handle personal injury claims and negotiate with homeowners’ insurance companies.
  • In-Depth Knowledge of Florida Dog Bite Statutes: We understand the nuances of the strict liability law and how to counter common defense arguments like provocation.
  • A Proven Record of Success: Our firm has a history of securing substantial case results for victims of serious accidents.
  • Compassionate Representation for Traumatic Events: We understand that a dog attack is a deeply traumatic experience and provide supportive and empathetic guidance. (Read Our Client Reviews).
  • No Upfront Fees – Our Promise: We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You pay no fees unless we win a recovery for you.
Florida Dog Bite Law

Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries

A dog attack can result in significant costs and losses. We fight to recover compensation for all your damages, including:

Past and Future Medical Expenses

– Including emergency room visits, stitches, plastic or reconstructive surgery for scarring, infection treatment, and psychological counseling.

Lost Wages

– For time missed from work during your recovery.

Loss of Enjoyment of Life

Pain and Suffering

– For the physical pain of the attack and the emotional trauma and fear it has caused.

Permanent Scarring and Disfigurement

Proven Results in Personal Injury Cases

$2,500,000

jane doe
v. surgeon and hospital

Following a laminectomy where she sustained an intraoperative injury, Jane Doe (66) developed immediate CES signs. A hematoma was untimely diagnosed, and surgery to evacuate it occurred 4 days post-op, leaving her with permanent severe pain, gait issues, saddle anesthesia, and bowel/bladder dysfunction.

$2,500,000

estate of john doe
v. hospital

Our client, a 40-year-old father of 2 minor children, entered the hospital for pain management because of kidney stones. He was given Demerol for pain management. Demerol is a respiratory suppressant and the patient needs to be monitored closely. He died within 24 hours due to hospital’s failure to monitor the patient.

See More Case Results

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

Yes. It is very important to report the bite to your local animal control agency (e.g., Broward County Animal Care) or the police. This creates an official record of the incident, which is crucial for your claim, and helps protect others from the same animal.

The statute of limitations for a personal injury claim, including a dog bite, is generally two years from the date of the incident in Florida. It is critical to contact an attorney well before this deadline.

This is a common and difficult situation. Remember that your claim is typically not against your neighbor personally, but against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies exist specifically to cover incidents like this. Pursuing a claim is often the only way to get compensation for your medical bills without placing a financial burden on your neighbor directly.

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you. The initial consultation is free.

Speak With an Experienced Florida Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, it is important to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.

Contact Lisa S. Levine, P.A. today for a free, confidential consultation. We will listen to what happened, explain Florida’s dog bite laws, and outline how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Schedule Your Free Personal Injury Case Review