Dog Bite Attorneys Seeking Real Justice for Clients in Fort Lauderdale & Throughout Florida
Dog attacks change everything in an instant, and if you’re looking for a Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyer, you already know that. Whether the victim was you, your child, or someone else you care for, the trauma of a dog bite is more than just physical. The pain seeps into every corner of your life. It’s terrifying. It’s taxing. It’s unfair.
At Bernheim Kelley, our dog bite injury attorneys are known far and wide for Keeping It Real. We’re not here to simply handle a claim. We’re here to be your compassionate and experienced advocates for justice. We go above and beyond to make sure you receive the highest level of personalized legal representation.
Keep in mind that a case is never just about compensation; it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind and hope for the future. We know Florida dog bite law and aren’t afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it will take to bring you the Real Justice you deserve.
If you or your loved one was bitten and injured by a dog, we’re ready to fight for you and your family. Reach out to our trusted Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyers today for a FREE case review. Call 954-866-1111 or contact us online.
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Why Choose Us?
When you’re facing one of the toughest moments of your life, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a trusted ally who will stand with you and fight for your rights.
Real Advocacy, Real Experience—How Our Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You
Each and every dog bite case is different. Every attack is its own story, and your story deserves to be heard. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we care about you, your family, and everything you’ve been through. From the moment we meet, we’re listening and building a strategy that is personalized to address your needs and goals.
Here’s how our dog bite attorneys plan to support you:
- We Investigate Thoroughly: From witness interviews to getting animal control records, we do what it takes to build a strong claim.
- We Handle the Insurance Companies: There’s no need for you to argue with self-concerned adjusters. We push back, and they know it, so we’ll handle all communications.
- We Make Sure the Law Is Working for You: We are up-to-date on Florida’s dog bite laws and know how to use them effectively to demand accountability and justice.
- We Lead with Compassion: We know that injuries can be both physical and emotional. We provide steadfast support for you and your family as you work your way through shock and sorrow.
- We Account for the Whole Story: Medical bills, therapy, scarring, trauma, lost wages, and more—we fight for full and just compensation.
And know this, if the absolute worst has occurred and the dog attack took the life of someone you dearly loved, we will pursue your wrongful death claim with care, sensitivity, and determination. Your loved one deserves that, and so do you.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
Dog bites may be more common than you realize. The American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) reports that dogs bite more than 4.5 million people nationwide each year. Nearly 18% of those injuries are serious enough to require medical care. Some lead to lifelong injuries. Some are fatal. Some leave scars that are more than skin deep.
Why does this happen so frequently? There are many different reasons. Dogs typically bite when something goes wrong, like when they’re scared, threatened, mistreated, or poorly trained. And sometimes, they bite because someone ignored the warning signs and failed to protect others from a dangerous dog.
Some of the leading causes of dog bites include:
- Fear: A dog might bite if it feels threatened or cornered, particularly if it cannot escape the situation.
- Territorial Behavior: Dogs may bite to defend their territory, home, or family members.
- Resource Guarding: Biting can occur when a dog is protecting its food, toys, or other valued items.
- Maternal Instincts: A mother dog may bite to protect her puppies.
- Predatory Instincts: Some dogs may bite due to their innate prey drive, particularly if they perceive fast movement or small animals.
- Poor Socialization: Dogs that haven’t been properly socialized may have difficulty interpreting and responding to human behavior, which can lead to biting.
- Stress or Anxiety: Dogs experiencing stress or anxiety may bite as a coping mechanism.
- Overstimulation: An overly excited dog may bite unintentionally.
No matter the cause, dog owners are responsible for managing their pets’ behaviors and preventing attacks. They need to be held accountable when they fail in their duty and someone is hurt. Our dog bite attorneys can help with that.
What Injuries Can a Dog Bite Cause?
Every dog bite injury that punctures the skin is a medical concern, requiring professional medical attention. The severity of dog bite injuries can vary dramatically, with many resulting in serious or even permanent damage.
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we’ve seen firsthand how these attacks can throw lives into turmoil, especially when the victim is a child or an older adult. Tragically, it is often simply about being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Some of the most common types of injuries our dog bite attorneys see include:
- Puncture Wounds: Sharp teeth can puncture the skin, leading to deep wounds and potential damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
- Lacerations: Dog bites can cause cuts or tears in the skin, which may require stitches or other medical interventions.
- Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause infections in bite wounds, which can sometimes lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.
- Nerve Damage: Bites can cause nerve damage, leading to loss of sensation, movement, or function in the affected area.
- Fractures: In severe cases, a dog bite can result in broken bones.
- Psychological Trauma: Dog bite victims may experience psychological distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Serious Infections From Dog Bites
All dog bite injuries that puncture the skin require professional medical attention. This is mainly because of the risk of infection, one of the most dangerous complications.
When someone is bitten, the bacteria from the dog’s mouth are introduced directly into the bloodstream and/or soft tissue. Infections of this sort can become life-threatening if not treated properly.
Three of the most common and dangerous types of dog bite-related infections are as follows:
- Tetanus: Tetanus is a bacterial infection caused by Clostridium tetani, which can enter the body through puncture wounds or deep cuts, such as those from dog bites. Tetanus affects the nervous system, leading to muscle stiffness, spasms, and difficulty swallowing or breathing.
- Pasteurella: Pasteurella is a common bacteria found in the mouths of dogs and can cause infection when introduced into a bite wound. Symptoms of a Pasteurella infection may include redness, swelling, pain, and pus discharge at the site of the wound. In some rare cases, it can lead to respiratory and other invasive infections.
- Capnocytophaga: Capnocytophaga bacteria can be transmitted through dog bites and cause severe infections, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems or pre-existing health conditions. Symptoms may include fever, chills, redness, swelling around the bite site, joint pain, and fatigue.
If your wounds become red, swollen, warm, or increasingly painful, seek emergency medical care immediately. Your health comes first. Once you are stable, our team of dog bite injury attorneys can handle the next steps.
Are Dog Owners Liable for Injuries Caused by Their Dog?
Under Florida law, a dog owner is legally responsible when their dog bites and injures someone. They are held to a strict liability standard. This means a victim doesn’t need to prove that the owner was careless or negligent.
A dog owner can be held liable for any injuries or damages caused by their dog if the victim was lawfully on the property where the attack occurred or in a public place, such as a park or sidewalk. This holds true regardless of whether the dog had a prior history of aggression.
Let’s break that down:
- If you were bitten in a public place (like a park or sidewalk), the owner is liable.
- If you were lawfully on private property (as a guest, delivery worker, contractor, etc.), the owner is liable.
- It doesn’t matter if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
- It doesn’t matter if the owner had no “warning” that the dog could bite.
In some instances, a third party may also be held legally responsible for a dog bite in Florida. However, this would require showing negligence. For example:
- A landlord who knowingly allows a dangerous dog to remain on the premises
- A property manager who ignores complaints or fails to enforce pet restrictions
- A business owner who lets an aggressive dog near the customers
These cases are more intricate, but that doesn’t matter when it comes to justice and accountability. When a dog causes terrible harm, the people responsible need to step up. Our attorneys are here to make sure they do.
Are There Any Exceptions to Strict Liability in Florida?
Strict liability does not mean automatic liability. Notably, there are two major exceptions built into Florida’s dog bite laws. A dog owner is not strictly liable for a dog bite if:
- The victim was trespassing. If you were unlawfully on private property, the law may not protect you.
- The victim provoked the dog. Teasing, hitting, or otherwise provoking the animal could reduce or eliminate the dog owner’s responsibility.
It is important to keep in mind that even if the dog owner is liable, your compensation could be reduced if it’s determined you share some fault. For example, if you ignored warning signs or entered a restricted area, you may be found partially responsible.
This is yet another reason to have Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers on your side. We are experienced advocates and trial attorneys. When insurance companies see us coming, they know not to quibble. We will fight to make sure you aren’t assigned any undue liability.
What Is the Pam Rock Act?
The Pam Rock Act was signed into law on May 21, 2025. Sadly, it came about in reaction to a tragedy that should never have happened. In 2022, Pam Rock, a Florida mail carrier, was mauled to death by five dogs after her mail truck broke down during her route.
Unfortunately, the dogs that killed Pam Rock had been reported more than once, and the owner had attempted to give them up to animal control. Her death was preventable. And it sparked change.
Effective July 1, 2025, the Pam Rock Act strengthens Florida’s dangerous dog laws by doing the following:
- Allowing animal control authorities to seize and impound dogs under investigation as a dangerous dog, even if they haven’t bitten anyone yet
- Streamlining the process for classifying a dog as dangerous, especially after an aggressive incident
- Increasing penalties for negligent dog owners and those who resist or obstruct an animal control authority, including potential criminal charges
The Pam Rock Act gives animal control officers and courts more opportunities to intervene before an attack. The hope is to prevent more tragedies like this.
Damages in a Florida Dog Bite Claim
When a dog attacks, it is sudden, painful, and frightening. Unfortunately, the struggle doesn’t end when the attack is over.
A serious dog bite injury flips your life upside down. While you’re trying to heal from your physical and emotional wounds, medical bills are stacking up, you’re missing work, and you find yourself overwhelmed with uncertainty about the future.
Following an attack, it is imperative that victims and families are able to secure the maximum financial recovery. In Florida, dog bite victims have the right to seek financial compensation for economic losses and intangible (non-economic) damages.
A dog bite injury settlement or verdict may include monetary damages for:
- Emergency room care
- Hospital bills
- Other healthcare or rehabilitation
- Medications
- Medical devices
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning power
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Long-term or permanent disability
If you lost a loved one to a fatal dog attack, trust that the Bernheim Kelley team will approach you and your case with great care and support. Under Florida’s wrongful death laws, your family may be able to recover compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses
- Funeral & burial costs
- Lost support & services
- Loss of companionship
- Mental pain & suffering
- Loss of guidance
- And more
We know that the enormity of your loss can’t be salved with money. Though monetary compensation allows your family to maintain financial stability while you grieve, it isn’t all we’re after. Real Justice includes accountability, acknowledgment of your terrible loss, and finding some amount of closure so you can eventually move forward with hope.
To speak with our compassionate and steadfast team of Fort Lauderdale dog bite injury lawyers, reach out today to schedule a FREE consultation. Let’s see what we can do to help support you through this time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
Florida law defines what qualifies a dog as legally “dangerous.” A dog may be classified as dangerous if it has:
- Aggressively bitten, attacked, or severely injured a person
- Severely injured or killed another domestic animal while off the owner’s property
- Acted aggressively toward people or other animals on more than one occasion, unprovoked and in a threatening manner
If someone ignores a known risk, our dog bite injury attorneys will uncover it and fight to make sure your claim reflects the devastation that failure caused.
If the dog that bit you had already been classified as a “dangerous dog,” that could strengthen your case significantly. Why? Under Florida law, owners of known dangerous dogs have additional responsibilities. Failing to meet them can increase both civil and criminal consequences if someone gets hurt.
Technically, negotiating a settlement requires proof of liability and clear documentation of your damages. But in reality, the insurance companies will try anything to avoid paying out on your claim. They will delay, deflect, and underpay at every turn.
That’s why it’s in your best interest to let a seasoned attorney take the lead. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, our trial experience gives us a unique advantage. Insurers know us, and they know we won’t hesitate to take your case to court. They are much more likely to offer a fair settlement when they see us coming.
Strong evidence forms the basis of your case. That might include:
- Medical records
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness statements
- Animal control reports
- Evidence of the dog’s history (including any prior aggression)
- Proof you were lawfully on the property
Our team will work to gather and organize all of this so you won’t have to do it alone.
The value of your dog bite injury claim is going to depend on the specifics of your case. Things like liability, the extent of your injuries and suffering, and the insurance coverage held by the dog owner will all impact what you are able to recover.
But know this: When you work with Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, you won’t be going it alone. Our experienced Fort Lauderdale dog bite attorneys will review your claim and help you determine the proper value. We will fight for a settlement that you feel is fair. If we can’t get there through negotiations, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.
Most likely, yes. Florida law protects people who are lawfully on private property. That includes contractors, utility workers, landscapers, delivery drivers, etc. If you were bitten on the job, you may very well have a viable injury claim.
However, there are some exceptions. Your claim may be affected if you were negligent, provoked the dog, or were in a restricted area. Your best bet is to consult an attorney and sort through your options.
Yes—at least in most cases. Infections are a common and serious complication. If your wound becomes infected and requires additional treatment, the dog owner (or their insurer) is most likely responsible for compensating you for those medical costs.
Yes, dog owners can obtain an insurance policy to protect themselves from liability related to dog bites. Many homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies include coverage for dog bite claims. However, the specific circumstances always matter. For example, certain insurance carriers may exclude coverage for specific breeds.
It’s understandable to feel conflicted. Filing a dog bite injury claim against a friend might feel uncomfortable, but it is not wrong. Your friend’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance will likely cover the claim, meaning the insurance company, rather than your friend, would compensate you for your injuries.
Protecting your health, safety, and financial stability has to be your priority. Your friend’s insurance policy is designed to handle situations exactly like this one. In addition, you have to think about the next person the dog could bite.
Every case is different. Some claims settle in a few months; others can take longer, especially if your injuries are severe or the insurance company wants to fight liability. What we can say is this: we’ll stay on top of every detail and push for the best possible outcome without delay.
We won’t leave you wondering where things stand or whether your case is moving forward. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we take our responsibility seriously. You can trust that we’re doing everything possible to get you the Real Results you deserve.
Yes. You have the right to know the dog’s vaccination history. The owner should provide it. If they refuse, our attorneys can work with local authorities to get the necessary records. Your safety comes first.
Florida law gives you 2 years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims resulting from a dog attack.
But don’t wait. The sooner you speak with a dog bite lawyer, the better your chances of securing the results you deserve.
What To Do If You’re Bit by a Dog in Florida
A dog attack is disorienting, scary, painful, and often chaotic. What you do in the hours and days after can make a big difference in your physical recovery and legal case.
1. Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even if the wound seems minor, don’t wait. Your health comes first, always. Additionally, dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and you’ll need medical records to support an injury claim.
2. Get the Dog Owner’s Information
If possible, collect the owner’s name, contact information, and details about the dog, including its breed, vaccination status (especially for rabies), and whether it has ever bitten someone before. If they refuse to cooperate, report the incident to animal control immediately.
3. Document Everything
Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the scene of the attack. Write down exactly what happened while it’s still fresh in your memory. If there were witnesses, get their contact information too. These details matter.
4. Speak with a Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Attorney
Handling a dog bite claim shouldn’t fall on your shoulders while you’re trying to recover or mourning someone you love. The process can be complicated, and insurance companies often make it harder than it needs to be.
At Bernheim Kelley, we simplify the path forward for you. While you heal, we’ll champion your rights, manage the legal details, and push for fair and full compensation. You deserve the highest level of representation and Real Advocacy. That’s what we provide.
Remember, you don’t have to handle this alone. We’re here, and we’re ready to help.
– you are in good hands!
Bernheim Kelly Injury Lawyers Is Your Trusted Ally
At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, a case is never simply a case. We recognize that your life has been turned upside down, and we tailor our approach to account for your circumstances, needs, and goals.
You’ve been through enough already. You shouldn’t have to chase down the truth or battle with an insurance company that hopes you’ll just settle and move on. That’s our job, and we’re damn good at it.
Contact Our Fort Lauderdale Dog Bite Lawyers Today for a FREE Consultation
You deserve answers, support, and a legal team that handles your case with compassion and dedication. At Bernheim Kelley Injury Lawyers, we fight for the Real Justice you long for after a dog attack. We Keep It Real, authentic, and focused on what’s best for you and your family from the moment you walk through the door.
Whether you’re recovering from serious injuries or grieving the loss of someone dear to you, our Fort Lauderdale dog bite lawyers are here to help you move forward with dignity and peace of mind. Call 954-866-1111 or contact us online to schedule your FREE consultation. We handle dog bite injury claims in Broward County and throughout Florida.