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Florida is one of the toughest states in the country on dog owners: under the state's strict-liability statute, an owner is responsible for a bite even if the dog never showed aggression before. If you or your child was bitten in Fort Lauderdale, you generally don't have to prove the owner "should have known" the dog was dangerous — but insurers still fight these claims hard, deadlines are short (generally two years), and how you document the case matters. Kaiser Romanello represents dog-bite victims across Broward County on a no-fee-unless-we-win basis.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries
Dog-bite injuries range from puncture wounds to catastrophic, life-altering harm — and children are the most frequent victims, often bitten on the face and head. Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of dog-bite insurance claims each year, and Broward County sees a steady share. The injuries we handle most often include:
- Nerve damage and permanent scarring or disfigurement from deep or facial bites
- Lacerations and puncture wounds requiring stitches or surgery
- Infections (including from bacteria in a dog's mouth) that can escalate quickly
- Emotional trauma and PTSD, especially in child victims
Because infection and scarring can worsen over time, prompt medical care protects both your health and your claim. When a bite is fatal, the family may have a wrongful-death claim.
Florida Dog Bite Law Explained
Florida's dog-bite statute, Florida Statute §767.04, imposes strict liability on dog owners: the owner is liable for a bite that happens in a public place, or while the victim is lawfully on private property (including the owner's own property), regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten or shown viciousness before. Unlike the "one free bite" rule in some states, a Florida victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
The "Bad Dog" sign wrinkle
Florida law contains a specific provision: an owner who prominently displays an easily readable "Bad Dog" sign may reduce or avoid liability — except where the bite victim is under six years old, or the owner's own negligence caused the bite. This is one of several defenses insurers raise, and it's fact-specific.
Other factors that can reduce or bar a claim: trespassing (the victim must be lawfully present) and provocation of the dog. And under Florida's modified comparative-negligence rule (HB 837), a victim's own share of fault reduces recovery — and bars it entirely if they are found more than 50% at fault. In most cases, the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance is the source of compensation.
⚠ Deadline to File
For dog bites occurring on or after March 24, 2023, the deadline to file a lawsuit is generally two years from the date of the bite (HB 837 shortened it from four years; the four-year period still applies to older bites). Because dog-bite deadlines can vary with the facts, confirm yours with an attorney promptly rather than assume.
Common Challenges in Dog Bite Claims
Even with strict liability, insurers — usually the owner's homeowner's carrier — work to reduce or deny these claims. The tactics we counter most often:
- Blaming the victim — alleging provocation or trespass to trigger a defense or shift comparative fault.
- Downplaying the injury — minimizing scarring, nerve damage, or a child's emotional trauma.
- Evidence gaps — we move quickly to obtain the animal-control report, the dog's history, photographs of the wounds, and witness statements before they're lost.
- Coverage disputes — some policies exclude certain breeds or prior-bite dogs; identifying available coverage is critical.
Why Injured Dog-Bite Victims Choose Kaiser Romanello
Kaiser Romanello Accident & Injury Attorneys represent dog-bite and animal-attack victims across Broward County and South Florida. We handle the investigation and the insurance company — securing the animal-control record, documenting the injuries and their long-term effects (including scarring and a child's emotional harm), identifying every applicable policy, and pursuing the full compensation available under Florida law. You work directly with the attorneys handling your case, consultations are free and confidential, and there is no fee unless we recover for you. For our full range of practice areas, see our accident services hub, or our Fort Lauderdale personal injury team. Outside Broward, we also help victims through our Miami dog bite team.
Bitten by a dog in Fort Lauderdale? Find out who's liable and what your claim is worth — free, confidential, and no fee unless we win.
(844) 877-8679 Request a Free Case ReviewFrequently Asked Questions
What should I do after a dog bite in Florida?
Get medical care right away (bites carry a high infection risk), report the bite to animal control, photograph the wounds and the scene, and get the owner's name and insurance information plus any witnesses. Then talk to a lawyer before giving a recorded statement. More detail: what to do after a dog bite.
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
No. Under Florida's strict-liability statute (§767.04), the owner is liable for a bite in a public place or while you were lawfully on private property regardless of the dog's prior history. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
How do I sue for a dog bite injury, and who pays?
Most Florida dog-bite claims are paid by the owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance. You (or a parent, for a child) pursue a claim against that policy. See how to sue for a dog bite injury in Florida for the process.
What if I was partly at fault, or the owner had a "Bad Dog" sign?
You may still recover. Provocation, trespass, and a prominently posted "Bad Dog" sign are defenses that can reduce or bar a claim, and comparative negligence reduces recovery by your share of fault (barring it above 50%). But important exceptions apply — the "Bad Dog" defense generally doesn't protect an owner when the victim is under six. Have the specific facts reviewed.
How long do I have to file a Florida dog bite claim?
Generally two years from the date of the bite for bites on or after March 24, 2023 (four years for earlier bites), though deadlines can vary with the facts. It's best to act quickly, both to preserve the deadline and to secure the animal-control report and other evidence.
This content is for general informational purposes only and is not legal advice; it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Every case is different and depends on its specific facts, and deadlines and coverage vary. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future outcomes. For guidance on your situation, contact Kaiser Romanello, P.A., 11555 Heron Bay Boulevard, Suite 200, Parkland, FL 33076.
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