Our dog bite injury attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain maximum compensation for your dog bite injuries.

In Florida, a dog owner is strictly responsible for any injuries the dog causes to you. The dog’s owner may use provocation as a defense. However, if you did not provoke the animal, your attorney does not need to prove the dog owner’s negligence. The only question to ask yourself is how much money should you be awarded for your injury or loss.

Dog bites can have serious physical and emotional consequences for the victim. Our attorneys have the financial resources and experience to help you obtain maximum compensation for injuries sustained in any animal attack. From our offices throughout Florida, we represent clients throughout the state.

Homeowners insurance typically covers expenses such as past and future medical expenses, past and future lost wages, and pain and suffering. A second avenue of recovery can be against the owner of the premises who rented an apartment from the dog’s owner

The owner of the premises would only be liable if the dog had a history of biting or dangerousness that the owner of the premises should have known.

Your attorney will need to carefully evaluate your dog bite injury case to determine what insurance coverage is available and how you can recover damages for immediate expenses, such as medical care.

How Our Florida Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You

If you suffered an injury caused by a dog bite in Florida, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries. Florida law protects dog bite victims. To get a fair recovery for your dog bite injuries, you must assert your rights and file a recovery lawsuit. Our experienced dog bite attorneys can help you take the proper steps to file your claim.

Dogs are beloved pets, but they can also be unpredictable. Millions of people in Miami seek medical care for dog bites and attacks yearly. Many of these unfortunate victims are children, and some have lasting injuries that will leave them with both physical and emotional scars for the rest of their lives. You may be entitled to financial compensation if you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite or attack.

Are you seeking an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in Miami? You’ve come to the right place. Garcia Hernandez P.A.’s highly experienced team provides empathetic and client-oriented legal assistance for dog bite victims across Miami. We have the expertise and resources to fight for you to get the maximum compensation you deserve.

Statistics of Dog Bite Injuries in Miami:

Miami is one of the top cities in the U.S. for dog ownership, with over 480,000 dogs living in the area. When dog owners are negligent, these dogs can pose a risk to humans. According to the CDC, more than 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S., and over 800,000 of these bites are severe enough to require medical attention. As per the reports of Florida Health, it has been found that every year, 600 people are suffering from dog bite injuries and two from death after dog attacks.

Most Dangerous Breeds Of Dogs

In Miami, certain breeds of dogs are known for being more dangerous than others, while some are even-tempered. Below are the most dangerous breeds of dogs that are responsible for the majority of fatal and non-fatal dog bites:

• Pit bulls
• American bulldogs
• German shepherds
• Mastiffs and bullmastiffs

According to reports from Florida Health, pit bull terriers were responsible for 72 percent of all fatal dog bites. At the same time, American bulldogs, German shepherds, and mastiffs were all responsible for about 4% of fatal dog attacks in Miami.

Florida Statute for Dog Bite Injury:

Some states follow a more lenient “one-bite” rule, allowing victims to file claims to prove the owner knew or should have known that the dog had previously bitten someone or was likely to act aggressively. This can make it harder for the plaintiff to win their case.

In Florida, however, dog bite cases are governed under a strict liability statute. This means that dog owners are generally held strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs in most situations.
According to the Florida Statutes section 767.04, dog owners are liable when two basic conditions are met.

• The first condition is that their dog bit someone and injured them.
• The second and perhaps more important condition is that the incident occurred in a public place, such as a city park, or when a person was lawfully on private property, for instance, if someone was a guest at a dog owner’s home.

Thus, if you are bitten by a dog (a dog for which the owner is responsible) in a public place or private property, you’re not a trespasser when the dog attack occurs. Proving the dog owner’s negligence in these situations is not necessary, although it may enhance your claim.

Compensation of Damage Available for Dog Victims:

Under Florida’s personal injury laws, victims of dog bites can claim compensatory damages, including economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages include financial losses, such as:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Loss of earnings
• Loss of future earning potential
• Corrective surgeries
• Rehabilitation

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are for intangible effects of the injury, which include:

• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and mental trauma
• Lessened quality of life
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Anxiety, depression, and PTSD
• Loss of consortium

Our attorneys will help you to get the fullest compensation that you deserve. Contact Garcia Hernandez P.A. for a confidential case evaluation if a dog or loved one has injured you.

Can you be sued for a dog bite?

Yes, you can sue for a dog bite in Florida. To do this, you must show that the dog bite caused your injuries and that the dog’s owner has no valid applicable defense. Unlike other types of personal injury cases, you do not have to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner.

Instead, the dog owner has strict liability for the resulting damages each time his dog bites. The owner of the dog must compensate him for his economic losses. In addition, you can also claim compensation for your emotional suffering and your physical pain. Florida law allows dog bite victims to collect from responsible dog owners.

Does it matter where the attack occurs?

The owner of the dog is responsible for the damages that you have suffered due to the bite of his dog if you are legally on public or private property. That includes the owner’s property if you are there for a legal purpose. That means that a dog owner can be liable to a person who delivers mail or packages. You can also be accountable to someone you have invited into your home.

In addition to private property, if you are bitten by a dog on a public street or public park, the owner of the dog is also liable in that situation. Florida law is strict when it comes to protecting victims. Dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs with only limited exceptions.

What are the possible defenses to a dog bite lawsuit in Florida?

There are only a few defenses available to dog owners when their dog bites. They can claim that you provoked the dog. They can say that you were trespassing. Unless the dog owner can prove one of these exceptions, it is up to the dog owner to pay for his losses. Even if they allege one of these defenses, you can work with our experienced dog bite attorneys to prove what happened and to defend yourself against allegations of misconduct.

What can I recover if I am the victim of a dog bite?

Dog bites can leave you with serious physical and emotional scars. The responsible party may have a home insurance policy that can cover some of your damages, such as current and expected future medical bills. If you’ve lost wages or even self-employment income from your injuries, you can claim compensation to cover your losses.

The premises owners can also share responsibility if they know that the dog has a history of aggression. Your attorney will need to carefully evaluate your dog bite injury case to determine what insurance coverage is available and how you can recover damages for immediate expenses, future expenses, and pain and suffering. Ultimately, the responsibility falls on the dog owner to cover his losses through insurance or his own resources.

Choose Garcia Hernandez, P.A.: Your Reliable Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, Miami:

At Garcia Hernandez P.A., we understand that being injured by a dog is a painful and stressful experience. Whether bitten or otherwise injured, you have rights that entitle you to compensation for your injuries. Our efficient team of attorneys is here to help you through all the stages of the legal process and get you the compensation you deserve.
If you or your loved one was injured because of a dog in Miami, we are ready to fight in your defense. Here are the reasons why Garcia Hernandez is the right choice for you:

• Experienced Lawyers: We have years of experience covering dog-related injury cases in Miami. We know the laws around dog bites and can guide you through the legal process.
• Personalized Help: Each dog injury case is different. We carefully listen to your narrative, ensuring you develop a personalized action plan.
• Compassionate Support for Victims: We know that getting bitten by a dog can leave emotional scars. We are here to support you throughout the process and work hard to make things easier.
• Proven Success: We helped many injured clients win their battles. We know how to negotiate with insurance firms and put the pressure on the compensation you deserve.

Contact an attorney for a free consultation

In any case of a dog bite or animal attack, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to quickly investigate the case.

Dogs are often on the loose and it can be difficult to figure out who owns the dog. You should also report the dog bite to the police. The police will make a report and contact animal control, who will investigate and make a report. If the dog was not properly registered or vaccinated, animal control will attempt to capture the dog and quarantine it to make sure it does not have rabies.

It is important to get photos of the dog and the owner’s home, especially that show any warning signs of the dog or the lack of such signs.

There is never a charge to speak to a dog bite attorney at our law firm. With offices throughout Florida, our attorneys will be there when you need them. We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis.

Schedule an Appointment!

If you have suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait. The attorneys from Garcia Hernandez P.A. are always ready to help you get the compensation you deserve. Just pick up your phone and book your consultation today at:

Contact No.: (305) 771-3374
Address: The Law Office of Garcia Hernandez, P.A. 2655 LeJeune Road, Suite 802, Coral Gables, FL 33134.

Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Miami:

Question. What should I do if I get bitten by a dog in Miami?

Answer. If a dog has bitten you, here are a couple of things you can do:

• Seek Medical Attention
• Document the Incident
• Report the Incident
• Contact a Lawyer

Question. How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?

Answer. Generally, you have 4 years from the bite date in Florida to file your personal injury claim. However, contacting an attorney as soon as possible is best to avoid missing important deadlines.

Question. Is it possible to file a dog bite claim in Miami when the dog was on private property?

Answer. Yes, because Florida’s strict liability statute allows suing in cases involving injuries by a dog in public or even on private property where one has a lawful right to be on that property.

Question. Can I still win my case even if the dog owner says that the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Answer. As per the strict liability law, dog owners are answerable for injuries inflicted by their dogs in public places or on privately owned land where you have a right of access. An owner will thus be liable for any injury, even if the dog has never bitten anyone.