A serious dog bite injury can have physical and emotional scars, especially when a victim is bitten by a trusted dog that he or she has interacted with before. Dog bite wounds often require surgical repair, costing thousands of dollars and leaving physical reminders of the attack. At The Cochran Firm South Florida, we understand what dog bite victims go through. Our Miami dog bite attorneys fight for clients’ rights to compensation by seeking significant damages from owners and their insurance companies. If you or a loved one has been bitten in Broward County, Miami, Fort Myers, Ft Lauderdale, or anywhere in South Florida, it is a good idea to contact an experienced Broward County dog bite lawyer immediately.
Florida law is very protective of dog bite victims. Under Florida Statute § 767.04, the state follows a "strict liability" standard. This means a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog's former viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it.
An owner's liability can be reduced if they can prove the victim provoked the dog. Florida's comparative negligence rule means your compensation would be reduced by the percentage of your own fault. Additionally, strict liability generally does not apply if the victim was unlawfully trespassing with intent to commit a crime.
An owner may be able to avoid liability if they had an easily readable sign in a prominent place that includes the words "Bad Dog." However, this defense does not apply if the victim is under the age of six, or if the owner's own negligence (such as leaving a gate open) was the primary cause of the injury.
A serious dog attack can result in significant financial and personal losses that go far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Our goal is to secure a settlement that covers every aspect of your recovery. We fight for compensation for your Economic Damages, which are the calculable financial costs of your injury, including all current and future medical bills, the cost of plastic or reconstructive surgery for scarring, lost wages, and any therapy you need for emotional trauma. Just as importantly, we pursue Non-Economic Damages, which compensate you for the profound human cost of the attack, such as your physical pain, emotional distress, and the impact of any permanent scarring or disfigurement on your quality of life.
There are many nuances and interpretations of dog bite laws that you should be aware of. For instance, is the owner still liable if he or she posted a sign warning of the dog’s temperament? Our dog bite lawyers in Fort Myers, Ft Lauderdale, and Miami can provide you with all the details you need to know about dog bite laws and how they apply to your situation. Whether an owner failed to properly train and restrain their pet, or a dog became aggressive for no reason, we will help you get the compensation to cover medical expenses, trauma, and other problems resulting from the attack.
After a serious dog bite injury, you can trust your case to a Miami Dog Bite attorney who genuinely cares about your family’s welfare and fights aggressively for compensation. To talk to a skilled legal professional at The Cochran Firm South Florida in Broward County, Miami, Fort Myers, or Ft Lauderdale, please call or e-mail us today.
No. This is a common myth. Florida is a "strict liability" state, which means an owner is responsible for the harm their dog causes from the very first bite, even if the dog has never shown any aggression before.
The statute of limitations for most personal injury cases in Florida, including dog bites, was recently changed. You now generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit. It is critical to contact an attorney quickly to protect your rights.
Yes, in some cases. While strict liability applies only to the owner, other parties like landlords, property managers, or animal keepers can be held liable for negligence if they knew a dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
