A Florida Dog Bite Lawyer with a Record of Results

Compensation for Animal Attack Injuries • 1-800-529-8883 • Se Habla Español • Statewide

Get the facts if you have been bitten by a dog and seriously injured. Fort Lauderdale, Florida dog bite lawyer Mitchell Fox has helped hundreds of victims statewide recover damages from negligent dog owners.

Truth and Myth about Florida Dog Bite Law

No Such Thing as "One Free Bite"

Under Florida statute on animal bites and attacks, strict liability applies. This means that the pet owner (homeowner) is responsible for any injuries or damage to property. This is true even when:

• The bite or attack occurred off the owner’s property
• Someone else was caring for the dog at the time
• The dog has never bitten or showed vicious behavior before
• The victim was not specifically invited on to the property, but had a reasonable right to be there (e.g., delivery person, letter carrier)

There are two exceptions:

• If the dog was taunted or provoked, the owner might not liable for injuries
• If the owner prominently displayed a sign with the words Dangerous Dog, then the owner might not have liability, or the victim’s compensation may be reduced.

(Neither of these is a defense if the victim was under age 6.)

Local ordinances may address other issues such as fencing and leashes, or dogs that have previously attacked people. Contact Mitchell Fox

Injuries and Compensation

Minor injuries generally do not make good cases. However, dog bites often involve deep bite wounds resulting in infection, scarring and reconstructive surgery, or muscle or nerve damage. Children often suffer serious facial wounds. A claim may be brought even if no bite occurred (e.g., a person breaks an arm while chased by an aggressive dog). Damages may also include emotional trauma.

Most dog bite cases are settled as claims against the negligent party’s homeowner insurance policy. (If the person has no homeowner insurance, recovery of damages may be limited to personal assets available in a judgment against the individual). A lawsuit is filed when it becomes clear that litigation is a means to an end. Instead of wasting valuable time hoping the case will settle, contact Mitchell Fox so that he can take immediate action to file a lawsuit and preserve evidence that could make or break your case.

Our firm also handles injuries caused by viscious attacks of other animals, (E.g., caged animals, tigers, apes, etc., at the Miami Metro Park Zoo or Lion Country Safari in Loxahatchee, Florida).

Free Consultation • All Florida • 1-800-529-8883

A lawsuit is filed when it becomes clear that litigation is a means to an end instead of wasting valuable time hoping the case will settle, when it won’t Contact Mitchell Fox so that he can take immediate action to preserve evidence that could make or break your case.

Contact a Florida dog bite and animal attack lawyer for a full explanation of your rights and the dangerous dog law. At a larger law firm, a senior partner may meet with you initially, then hand your case off to a paralegal or junior associate. At our firm, you are never lost in the shuffle because Mitchell Fox handles your claim personally.

We are not paid unless we recover damages on your behalf, so you can expect aggressive, thorough representation. We also have Spanish speakers on staff.