Were you bitten by a dog in Miami Gardens, Florida? You may be able to take legal action against the animal’s owner. Elliott Law Firm can help you file a claim for maximum compensation based on your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages.
We’re a personal injury law firm you can depend on to get you results, with decades of experience under our belts and tens of millions of dollars already secured for our clients. Our Miami Gardens dog bite lawyer won’t hesitate to take your case to court if that’s in your best interest.
Call our Miami Gardens, FL personal injury attorney at (800) 300-0303 or reach out to us online to schedule a free consultation, at which time we can fill you in on your legal rights and options.
Why Should I Hire Elliott Law Firm After a Dog Bite in Miami Gardens, FL?
Florida has relatively victim-friendly dog bite laws, but that doesn’t mean that you’ll automatically recover all of the money you’re entitled to. It may still be necessary to hire an experienced Miami Gardens personal injury lawyer to help you make the most of your claim.
Elliott Law Firm is well-qualified to help you from start to finish. When you hire our firm, we can:
- Investigate how and where the dog attack occurred
- Identify the dog’s owner and any other responsible parties
- Collect medical evidence documenting your injuries
- Calculate the full extent of your damages and future needs
- Handle all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and take your case to court if necessary
We’re passionate about helping injured victims in our local area and will do everything we can to help you if you select us to represent you.
J. Christopher Elliott, Esq.
FOUNDING PARTNER
J. Christopher “Chris” Elliott is a seasoned trial attorney with nearly two decades of courtroom experience, trusted by clients across Florida when their freedom, reputation, or future is on the line.
CLICK FOR A FREE CONSULTATIONHow Do Florida’s Dog Bite Laws Work?
Florida generally follows a strict liability law for dog bite cases. This means that the dog’s owner can be held liable for damages regardless of whether they were careless in any way. It also means that it doesn’t matter whether the dog has ever bitten someone before. Further, unlike some states, Florida applies this strict liability standard to cases involving both dog bites and other forms of dog attacks.
However, note that certain defenses may apply in some cases. For instance, if you were trespassing at the time of the attack, that could jeopardize your claim. Provoking the dog could also reduce your compensation under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law.
Our dog bite attorney can work hard to counter any allegations of shared fault on your behalf so that you can maintain the full value of your claim.
Municipal Leash and Restraint Laws That Could Appear in Your Dog Bite Claim
Miami-Dade County enforces local animal ordinances in addition to Florida state laws. as being knocked over by an unrestrained animal. Miami-Dade repealed its local pit bull ban, which prohibited breed-specific local laws statewide. But under Miami-Dade County Code Section 5-20, owners must keep dogs secured by a leash or chain when off their private property, except in designated off-leash zones.
Owners are responsible for bite injuries regardless of whether they violated leash laws. However, a leash violation can serve as strong evidence of negligence for non-bite harm.
What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite in Miami Gardens?
Victims of dog attacks can pursue financial recovery for all related losses, including economic and non-economic damages. A full damages award can include money for:
- Emergency care and wound treatment
- Surgeries and corrective procedures
- Infection management and rabies treatments
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Lost wages accumulated during recovery
- Physical pain and ongoing suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma related to animals
- Expected future medical treatment and revision operations
Attacks involving facial or hand trauma often require multiple reconstructive surgeries, particularly for young children. To be fair, claims must account for these long-term medical needs and emotional consequences.
Punitive damages may be available in rare cases to punish the owner or another party for extreme misconduct. Directing the dog to intentionally attack without provocation may be one example.
How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Miami Gardens, FL?
Florida’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Missing the two-year window means losing the right to pursue compensation through the courts. Dog bite cases on government property or those involving intentional attacks may be subject to different deadlines. Claims involving minors may have longer limitations periods.
Consulting an attorney early ensures the filing deadline doesn’t slip past while you’re still focused on recovery. Reach out to us today to get started on your case.
Miami Gardens, Florida Dog Bite Attorney
Elliott Law Firm, PLLC
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Serving All Neighborhoods in Miami Gardens, Florida
Elliott Law Firm proudly represents accident victims throughout Miami Gardens and neighboring communities. We understand how much a car accident can affect a person’s life. Our mission is to help make families whole and the community safer after preventable car accidents.
We assist clients in neighborhoods including:
- Andover
- Bunche Park
- Monterey
- Norland
- Scott Lake
- Rainbow Park
- Vista Verde
- Coconut Cay
- Carol City
- Lake Lucerne
We also serve nearby regions like Hollywood. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn more about how we can help you.
Why Hiring an Attorney for Your Miami Gardens Dog Bite Claim Is a Strategic Decision
Florida’s strict liability rules make animal attack claims seem straightforward; owners are generally responsible when their dog bites someone in a public space or lawfully on private property. However, insurance carriers still find ways to fight back. Retaining a lawyer protects your rights.
An experienced attorney can help by:
- Identifying the owner and finding applicable insurance policies
- Obtaining municipal animal control records and prior complaint histories
- Documenting all your losses
- Refuting allegations that you provoked the animal
- Assessing your future medical needs, scarring, and pain and suffering
- Negotiating or pursuing litigation if settlement offers remain inadequate
An attorney can also protect you from being blamed and having your compensation reduced under Florida’s comparative fault rules. These rules may come up if the at-fault party claims you provoked the dog or were trespassing on private property. Your lawyer can challenge unfounded blame accusations and guard your right to full compensation
Contact Our Miami Gardens Dog Bite Attorney For a Free Case Assessment
If you or a loved one were injured in a dog attack in Miami Gardens, FL, you may be entitled to compensation for all of your economic and non-economic damages. Elliott Law Firm is ready to help you every step of the way, including in the courtroom if needed.
Contact us for a free consultation with our Miami Gardens dog bite attorney today at (800) 300-0303. With our contingency fee payment structure, you only pay attorney’s fees if we win compensation for you.