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7 Real Reasons To Call a Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite injuries are not just painful. They come with legal, medical, and insurance challenges that can overwhelm victims. Hiring an experienced Florida dog bite lawyer ensures you have someone who understands the state’s strict liability laws, knows how to prove liability, and has the skill to negotiate with insurance companies that try to undervalue claims. At Levin Litigation, our attorneys bring decades of combined experience, a proven record of success, and the resources needed to fight for maximum compensation, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A dog bite is more than just a painful wound, especially here in Florida, where our community is filled with young families, retirees, and neighbors from all over the world. When a bite happens, it can upend your health, disrupt your routine, and create financial strain you didn’t see coming.
Florida’s dog-bite laws are strict, but that doesn’t mean insurance companies will hand over fair compensation. Here’s why calling a dog-bite lawyer — and the right one — can make all the difference.
1. Kids Are Hurt More Often — and Their Cases Aren’t “Routine”
Nearly 16% of Hollywood residents are under 15, and Florida data shows children are at the highest risk for dog bites. Kids often suffer facial wounds, scarring, and long-term emotional trauma. Florida’s law makes owners responsible even if the dog never bit before, and kids under six aren’t blocked by a “Bad Dog” sign defense.
What this means for you: If your child was bitten, their case needs special attention to future medical care, counseling, and the long-term impact of scarring.
2. Seniors Face Higher Health Risks and Complex Claims
Around 17% of our population is over 65. For older adults, even a small bite can turn into a serious infection, require longer recovery, or cause lasting mobility problems. If Medicare is involved, lien resolution becomes another legal hurdle.
What this means for you: An attorney can protect your health and your finances by handling Medicare issues and proving the real day-to-day impact of the injury.
“Each year, over 600 Floridians are hospitalized due to injuries from dog bites.” — Florida Department of Health
3. Language Barriers Can Break a Case
In Broward County, 44% of residents speak a language other than English at home — mostly Spanish and Haitian Creole. Miscommunications with witnesses, medical staff, or insurance adjusters can derail a claim.
What this means for you: A lawyer ensures accurate translations, gathers clear witness statements, and protects your case from being lost in translation.
4. There May Be More Than One Insurance Policy in Play
From condos and townhomes to short-term rentals and commercial properties, dog-bite claims often involve multiple insurance policies: homeowner’s, renter’s, HOA master, or even business coverage.
What this means for you: A lawyer can identify every liable party and policy so you aren’t stuck with just one low coverage limit.
5. Local Reporting Rules and Quarantine Requirements Matter
Broward County requires dog bites to be reported to Animal Control or the county health department quickly. That report not only tracks rabies risk but also creates a paper trail that supports your case.
What this means for you: Your dog bite injury attorney will make sure the bite is reported properly, preserving critical evidence for your claim.
6. Comparative Negligence and “Bad Dog” Defenses Are Common
Florida’s strict liability law makes owners responsible, but insurers often try to reduce payouts by claiming you provoked the dog or were trespassing. They may also point to a “Bad Dog” sign, but that defense won’t work against children under six. This is because Florida law recognizes that young children cannot fully understand warning signs or appreciate the risks posed by dogs, so the statute protects them from having their claims denied on that basis.
What this means for you: A lawyer can gather the right evidence, i.e. photos, timelines, witness accounts, to knock down these defenses and protect your recovery.
7. Insurance Companies Push Quick, Lowball Settlements
Insurers move fast to offer settlements, especially when children are hurt. They’re hoping you’ll accept before the full impact is known, like scars that take months to fully appear or emotional trauma that affects school or work.
What this means for you: A lawyer will evaluate to reflect the true value of your claim, not just the quick cash insurers want to hand out.
Dog Bite Claims: FAQs
Do I have to prove the dog was dangerous?
No. Florida’s strict liability law makes the owner responsible even if the dog has never bitten before. However, there are nuances to personal injury laws, which is why we recommend you check with an experienced attorney before making a decision to file a claim.
Who should I report the bite to?
In Broward County, contact Animal Care or the Florida Department of Health right away. It is also important to check all injuries at a local hospital.
What if I was bitten at an Airbnb or vacation rental?
You may have a claim against the dog’s owner and the property owner or manager. Many short-term rental hosts carry homeowner’s, landlord, or commercial coverage that applies to guests. A lawyer can track down every policy and hold all liable parties accountable.
Can I file a claim if I was bitten at a dog park or dog-friendly bar?
Yes, the dog’s owner is still likely to be legally responsible under Florida law. In some cases, the park operator, bar, or event host may also share liability if unsafe conditions contributed to the incident.
Can I use my own insurance for a dog-bite injury?
Sometimes. Your own health insurance can cover treatment while your claim is pending, but you may need to reimburse them from your settlement. If you have certain homeowner’s or renter’s policies, you might also have coverage for injuries, even if the bite happened away from your home.
Call Levin Litigation After Being Bitten by a Dog
Dog bites can be life-changing, especially for children and older adults. Between Florida’s strict liability law, local reporting rules, and the way insurers operate, having a lawyer who understands the community and refuses to quit is your best move. Contact us to schedule a consultation today.
Levin Litigation has the experience, reputation, and resources to take on these cases from day one. Schedule your free consultation today.
