If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Aventura or the surrounding Miami-Dade County area, you have strong legal rights. Florida is one of the most victim-friendly states in the country when it comes to dog bite liability, and you may be entitled to significant compensation for your damages.
At Harpy Law, our Aventura personal injury lawyers are committed to standing up for victims of dog attacks and holding negligent dog owners fully accountable. We will fight to secure the maximum compensation available for your injuries, your trauma, and your losses. Call us or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation today.
Why Choose Harpy Law?
- Our Aventura dog bite attorneys have in-depth knowledge of Florida’s dog bite laws and how to build the strongest possible claim for you.
- We have a proven record of securing full compensation for dog bite and animal attack victims throughout South Florida. We are committed to fighting for every dollar you are entitled to.
- Our Aventura dog bite lawyers understand that a dog attack is a traumatic experience. We treat every client with genuine compassion and respect, and we take the time to understand the full impact the attack has had on your life before building your case.
- Our team investigates dog bite claims thoroughly and acts quickly to preserve evidence, identify all potentially liable parties, and build your best claim.
Florida’s Dog Bite Laws
Florida’s approach to dog bite liability is among the strongest in the nation for injured victims. Under Florida Statutes Section 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for damages caused by their dogs biting another person, regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten anyone before, regardless of whether the owner had any reason to believe the dog was dangerous, and regardless of whether the owner was negligent in any particular way.
The strict liability rule applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim was lawfully in a private place at the time of the attack.
Florida law provides one specific defense that can limit or eliminate a dog owner’s strict liability. When a dog owner posts a “Bad Dog” sign in a place that visitors easily see, they may have a valid defense against strict liability. However, they could still be liable in a negligence claim, depending on the circumstances. At Harpy Law, our attorneys know how to evaluate the facts of your dog bite incident and challenge this defense when appropriate.
Florida’s modified comparative fault rule applies to dog bite cases. If a court finds that the victim’s own negligence contributed to the attack, the victim’s recovery may be reduced by their percentage of fault. If the victim is found more than 50 percent at fault, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.
Insurance companies frequently attempt to argue that a bite victim provoked the dog or assumed the risk of injury in order to reduce or defeat the claim entirely. An experienced Aventura dog bite attorney knows how to counter these arguments and protect your right to full recovery.
Florida’s strict liability statute specifically covers bites. However, injuries caused by dogs in other ways may give rise to negligence claims even where the strict liability statute does not directly apply. If a dog owner failed to properly restrain or control their animal and that failure led to your injury, you may have a valid claim under Florida’s general negligence principles.
How an Aventura Dog Bite Attorney Can Help
Dog bite claims may seem straightforward, especially since Florida’s strict liability statute puts the law firmly on the side of victims. But obtaining full and fair compensation is rarely simple. Insurance companies begin working to limit their exposure from the moment a claim is filed. They investigate the circumstances of the attack, looking for any basis to argue provocation, comparative fault, or disputed damages. They frequently offer quick, low settlements designed to resolve the claim before the victim fully understands the extent of their injuries or the true value of their claim.
An experienced Aventura dog bite lawyer levels the playing field. Your lawyer can thoroughly investigate your dog attack, gather witness accounts, review evidence, and consult experts when necessary.
They will document and accurately value all of your current and future damages and ensure that no category of loss is overlooked or undervalued.
Your lawyer will handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company so that you are not pressured into making statements that could harm your claim or accepting a settlement that falls far short of what you deserve. And if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, your attorney will be fully prepared to take your case to court and fight for the full value of your claim.
How Long Do I Have To File A Dog Bite Claim in Florida?
Florida law generally requires personal injury claims, including dog bite claims, to be filed within two years of the date of the attack. If this deadline is missed, you will almost certainly lose your right to any compensation, regardless of how clear the liability or how serious the injuries.
There are limited exceptions to the two-year filing deadline. You could have a shorter or longer period of time to file, depending on the specific facts of your claim. You must promptly consult an experienced Aventura dog bite lawyer to determine your filing deadline.
Contact Our Aventura Dog Bite Attorneys Today
A dog attack can change your life in ways that go far beyond the physical wounds. At Harpy Law, our Aventura dog bite attorneys are dedicated to holding negligent dog owners accountable and fighting for the full compensation you deserve. We will take the time to understand the true impact this attack has had on your life and pursue every available avenue of recovery on your behalf.
Call us or visit our contact page today to schedule your free consultation. We will listen to your story, explain your rights under Florida law, and tell you what we believe your claim is worth, at no cost and with no obligation. If we take your case, we will fight tirelessly to help you obtain the justice and full compensation you are owed.