Dog Bite

Dog Bite Lawyer in Boynton Beach, Florida

Dog bites and animal attacks can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring. Florida has strict liability laws that hold dog owners responsible for bite injuries, even if the dog has no history of aggression. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Boynton Beach, our experienced dog bite attorneys can help you recover compensation.

Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Florida Statute 767.04 makes dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. This means you don’t need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the owner was negligent. You only need to prove:

  • The dog bit you
  • You were lawfully on the property
  • The bite caused your injuries

This strict liability applies whether the attack occurred at the owner’s property, in a Boynton Beach park, on a sidewalk, or anywhere else.

Common Dog Bite Locations in Boynton Beach

Residential Properties

Many attacks occur when visiting neighbors, delivering packages, or doing yard work. Dogs escape through open gates or doors and attack on sidewalks or driveways.

Boynton Beach Parks

Dog parks and regular parks see attacks when owners fail to control their dogs or allow aggressive dogs off-leash in violation of leash laws.

Apartment and Condo Common Areas

Attacks in hallways, elevators, pool areas, and parking lots of apartment complexes throughout Boynton Beach.

Sidewalks and Public Streets

Dogs running loose in neighborhoods or breaking free from leashes attacking pedestrians, joggers, and other dog walkers.

Commercial Properties

Attacks at businesses that allow dogs, including pet stores, outdoor restaurants, and retail establishments.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

  • Deep Lacerations and Puncture Wounds – Requiring stitches, surgery, and wound care
  • Facial Injuries – Bites to face, nose, lips, and eyes causing permanent disfigurement
  • Scarring and Disfigurement – Permanent visible scars requiring plastic surgery
  • Nerve Damage – Loss of sensation or function in bitten areas
  • Infections – Including rabies risk, sepsis, and cellulitis
  • Broken Bones – From large dog attacks knocking victims down
  • Emotional Trauma – PTSD, fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares (especially in children)
  • Wrongful Death – Fatal attacks, particularly of children and elderly

Children and Dog Bite Cases

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites. Young children are at face and head level with many dogs, making attacks more dangerous. Common scenarios include:

  • Visiting friends’ homes with family dogs
  • Walking past dogs in neighborhoods
  • Playing in yards where dogs escape
  • Petting dogs at stores or public places

Children’s dog bite cases often justify higher compensation due to permanent scarring, need for multiple surgeries as they grow, and lasting psychological trauma.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

We recover compensation including:

  • Medical expenses (ER treatment, surgery, wound care, plastic surgery, therapy)
  • Future medical costs (additional surgeries as children grow, scar revision)
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological counseling
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement
  • Lost wages (for adults missing work)
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

Dog Owner Liability in Florida

Homeowner’s Insurance Coverage

Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies typically cover $100,000-$300,000 in liability, providing compensation for your injuries.

When Owners Are Uninsured

If the dog owner has no insurance, we pursue their personal assets. Liens can be placed on property to ensure future payment.

Landlord Liability

Apartment complex owners and landlords can be liable if they knew a dangerous dog lived on their property and failed to take action.

Defenses Dog Owners Use

Dog owners and their insurance companies try to avoid liability by claiming:

  • “Beware of Dog” Signs – Signs don’t eliminate strict liability in Florida
  • “You Were Trespassing” – You must prove you were lawfully on the property
  • “You Provoked the Dog” – Provocation can reduce compensation but doesn’t eliminate it
  • “It Was Just Playing” – Any bite causing injury qualifies under Florida law
  • “My Dog Isn’t Aggressive” – Dog’s history doesn’t matter under strict liability

Our attorneys counter these defenses to maximize your recovery.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

  1. Seek immediate medical treatment (ER or urgent care)
  2. Report the bite to Palm Beach County Animal Care and Control
  3. Get dog owner’s name, address, and homeowner’s insurance info
  4. Take photos of injuries, torn clothing, and attack location
  5. Get witness contact information
  6. Document the dog (photos if safe, breed, size, collar/tags)
  7. Keep all medical records and bills
  8. Do NOT sign anything from owner’s insurance
  9. Contact our office at (561) 266-9191

Related Legal Services

Beyond dog bite cases, we represent clients in slip and fall accidents, pool accidents, and other premises liability claims throughout Boynton Beach. For cases involving permanent injuries or death, see our wrongful death services.

Dangerous Dog Breeds

While any dog can bite, certain breeds cause more severe injuries due to size and bite force:

  • Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes
  • Rottweilers
  • German Shepherds
  • Doberman Pinschers
  • Huskies and Malamutes
  • Mastiffs
  • Large mixed breed dogs

However, Florida strict liability applies to all breeds.

Time Limits for Dog Bite Claims

Florida gives you four years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. However, evidence disappears and memories fade. Contact us immediately to preserve evidence and maximize your claim.

Why Choose Our Boynton Beach Dog Bite Lawyers?

  • 60+ years combined experience with Florida dog bite law
  • Local Boynton Beach office at 1501 Corporate Drive, Suite 100 #A20
  • Experience with children’s cases and scarring claims
  • Proven track record recovering from homeowner’s insurance
  • No fees unless we win your case
  • Compassionate representation for traumatized victims

Contact Our Boynton Beach Dog Bite Lawyers

Call (561) 266-9191 now for a free consultation.

Boynton Beach Office:
1501 Corporate Drive, Suite 100 #A20
Boynton Beach, Florida 33426

We serve dog bite victims throughout South Florida with offices in Delray Beach, Boynton Beach, Wellington, Palm Beach Gardens, and Boca Raton.

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