Dog Bite Personal Injury Lawyer
Personal Injury Services
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(954) 591-8099
Take Action After a Dog Attack
A dog bite can cause puncture wounds, infection, nerve damage, fractures, scarring, and lasting fear. Children may face particularly serious facial injuries and emotional effects. The incident can also be complicated when the dog belongs to a neighbor, friend, landlord, tenant, or family member and the injured person wants answers without unnecessary conflict.
The Costello Law Group helps dog-bite victims in Cooper City, Broward County, and throughout Florida understand their rights and available insurance. Attorney Joshua Costello works directly with clients to document the incident, identify responsible parties, and evaluate the physical, financial, and emotional harm.
Know Your Rights and Legal Options
Florida Dog Owner Liability
Florida law generally makes a dog owner liable for damages when the dog bites a person in a public place or while the person is lawfully in a private place, regardless of whether the dog had previously shown viciousness or the owner knew of it. The statute also recognizes defenses and exceptions. Negligence by the person bitten that contributed to the incident can reduce liability by that percentage.
A prominently displayed, easily readable sign containing the words required by the statute may affect owner liability in some situations, but the exception does not apply in the same way to a child under six or when the owner’s negligent act or omission proximately caused the injury. Because the details matter, the scene, age of the victim, warnings, invitation or lawful presence, and conduct of everyone involved should be reviewed.
Identify Potentially Responsible Parties
Other Parties and Other Types of Dog Injuries
The dog owner is not always the only party to examine. A landlord, property manager, caretaker, business, or insurer may have relevant obligations or coverage depending on control, knowledge, contracts, and the facts. Claims can also arise when a dog knocks someone down, chases a cyclist, or causes an injury without a bite, although the statutory bite rule may not govern those facts in the same way.
Homeowners, renters, commercial, or other liability insurance may provide coverage, subject to exclusions and policy terms. Identifying coverage early can be important, especially when the parties know one another.
Preserve Evidence to Support Your Claim
What to Document After an Attack
Obtain medical care and report the incident to the appropriate local authority. Preserve available evidence, including:
- Photographs of wounds over time, torn clothing, the location, fencing, gates, warnings, and the dog if safely possible.
- The dog owner's and property owner's names, addresses, and insurance information.
- Witness contact information and prior communications about the dog's behavior.
- Animal-control, vaccination, and incident records when available.
- Medical bills, work records, scar treatment, counseling records, and other proof of loss.
Discuss Your Case and Next Steps
Discuss a Florida Dog Bite With Joshua
Contact The Costello Law Group after a serious dog bite or attack. Joshua can review the incident, preserve the available evidence, identify potential insurance, and explain the next step.
- Direct communication with Joshua
- Focused case preparation
- Clear explanation of options
- Florida representation
Get Answers Before You Move Forward
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the dog need a history of biting for the owner to be responsible?
Not necessarily. Florida law can hold a dog owner responsible for a bite even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. The location of the incident, whether the injured person was lawfully present, and applicable defenses can affect the claim.
What information should I collect after a dog bite?
Obtain the owner’s name and contact information, identify the dog, and save photographs and witness details. Seek appropriate medical care and keep treatment records. Animal-control reports and available vaccination information may also help document the incident.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or neighbor?
You can explore your options without assuming the owner will personally pay every expense. A homeowners or renters insurance policy may provide coverage, but exclusions and limits vary. The firm can review the circumstances and available insurance before discussing how to proceed.
Do you handle dog bite cases across Florida?
Yes. The Costello Law Group serves dog bite clients in Davie, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, and statewide. Contact the firm with the incident location and available information about the dog and its owner.
Based in Cooper City. Serving Davie, Pembroke Pines, and clients throughout Florida. Contact The Costello Law Group at (954) 591-8099 to discuss.
Free Consultation
Tell us what happened.
Share the basic facts and the records you have. The firm can evaluate whether the matter falls within its current services and explain what additional information may be needed.
Joshua Costello
The Costello Law Group
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