Pembroke Pines Dog Bite Lawyer

dog bite lawyer Pembroke Pines, FL

Dog bite lawyers representing seriously injured victims in Pembroke Pines and throughout South Florida.

If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Pembroke Pines, you may be dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and real uncertainty about what happens next. Your Pembroke Pines, FL dog bite lawyer at Loshak Law PLLC has represented injured clients across South Florida for over 13 years. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover. Contact us to schedule a free, confidential case review.

Dog Bite Lawyer Pembroke Pines, FL

Florida is one of the strictest states in the country when it comes to dog bite liability. Under Florida’s dog bite statute, an owner is liable for injuries their dog causes regardless of whether the animal had ever bitten anyone before or whether the owner had any reason to expect aggressive behavior. That strict liability standard puts injured victims in a stronger position than they would be in many other states, but building and presenting a claim still requires careful work.

A Pembroke Pines dog bite attorney at our firm investigates the circumstances of the attack, identifies all liable parties, documents the full scope of your injuries, and pursues compensation from the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, or through litigation if necessary. Dog bite injuries are frequently more serious than they initially appear, and the legal process moves on its own timeline regardless of your recovery. Getting representation early protects your rights.

Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle in Pembroke Pines

Loshak Law PLLC represents dog bite victims throughout Pembroke Pines and Broward County. Below are the types of cases we handle:

  • Severe bite injuries. Deep puncture wounds, lacerations, and crush injuries from dog attacks frequently require emergency care, surgical repair, and long-term treatment. We pursue compensation that accounts for the full cost of that care, not just the initial emergency room visit.
  • Scarring and disfigurement. Facial injuries and other visible scarring from dog bites carry lasting consequences that go beyond physical pain. Compensation for disfigurement is available under Florida law and represents a meaningful part of many dog bite claims.
  • Infections and complications. Dog bites carry a significant risk of serious infection, including rabies exposure and other bacterial infections that can require prolonged treatment. When complications arise from an attack, those additional medical costs belong in your claim.
  • Injuries to children. Children are disproportionately represented among serious dog bite victims and often suffer facial injuries as a result. Claims involving minors have specific procedural requirements under Florida law, and we handle them accordingly.
  • Psychological injuries. The trauma of a dog attack doesn’t end when the physical wounds heal. Anxiety, PTSD, and lasting fear are real, compensable injuries, and emotional distress claims are a recognized part of Florida personal injury law.
  • Wrongful death from dog attacks. In rare but devastating cases, a dog attack results in death. Surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim, and we handle those cases with the seriousness and sensitivity they demand.
  • Attacks on public and private property. Florida’s dog bite statute applies in public places and in private locations where the victim was lawfully present. Whether the attack happened in a park, on a sidewalk, or at someone’s home, the owner’s liability is the same.
  • Landlord and third-party liability. In some circumstances, parties beyond the dog’s owner may bear responsibility for an attack. Landlords who knew a dangerous dog was on the property and failed to act can face liability in certain situations.

Why Choose Loshak Law PLLC for a Dog Bite Case in Pembroke Pines, FL?

Experience on the Plaintiff’s Side

At Loshak Law PLLC, we represent injured people, not insurance companies. Founding attorney Brandon F. Loshak has focused his practice on personal injury cases throughout South Florida for over 13 years. He holds an AV® Preeminent™ rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest rating that peer-review system issues, recognizing both legal ability and professional ethics. Mr. Loshak earned his J.D. from St. Thomas University School of Law and his B.S. in Finance from the University of Colorado at Boulder, and he is licensed to practice in Florida and Texas.

The firm holds memberships in the American Bar Association, the Broward County Bar Association, and the National Trial Lawyers, and maintains active involvement in plaintiff-side legal organizations throughout South Florida.

Millions Recovered for Injured Clients

Loshak Law PLLC has helped clients throughout South Florida recover millions of dollars across a range of personal injury matters. Dog bite claims require the same thorough preparation and persistence as any other serious injury case, and we approach them with exactly that. We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. No fees are owed unless we recover compensation for you.

Understanding Dog Bite Cases in Pembroke Pines

Damages, Liability, and Compensation

Florida’s dog bite law is found in Section 767.04 of the Florida Statutes. It establishes strict liability for dog owners, meaning the injured person does not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous. Ownership and the fact of the bite are the central issues.

That said, there are factors that can affect your recovery. If you were unlawfully on private property at the time of the attack, the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated. Florida law also permits a reduction in damages if the victim’s own negligence contributed to the attack, such as provoking the animal. These are defenses that owners and their insurers raise regularly, and knowing how to counter them is part of handling these cases well.

Compensation in a dog bite case can include:

  • Medical expenses, past and future
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress and psychological trauma
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • Loss of enjoyment of life

What Are Important Aspects of a Dog Bite Case?

A few things matter more than most people realize when it comes to how a dog bite claim develops:

  • Identify the owner promptly. Establishing ownership is foundational to the claim. If the owner’s identity isn’t clear at the scene, that information needs to be pinned down quickly.
  • Seek medical attention immediately. Even bites that don’t look severe can become serious. Prompt medical treatment strengthens both your health outcome and your legal claim.
  • Report the attack. Filing a report with Broward County Animal Care or local law enforcement creates an official record of the incident. That record matters when the owner or their insurer disputes what happened.
  • Document everything. Photographs of injuries, the location of the attack, and written accounts of what occurred all become part of the evidentiary record. Documenting your injuries thoroughly from the start gives your claim a stronger foundation.
  • Understand the insurance landscape. Most dog bite claims are paid through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Knowing what coverage exists and how to pursue it is central to recovering full compensation. How insurance companies handle injury claims is something we deal with regularly on behalf of our clients.

What Is the Dog Bite Case Timeline?

Dog bite cases generally follow this progression:

  • Consultation and evaluation. We review the facts of the attack, assess the strength of your claim, and identify all potentially liable parties.
  • Medical documentation. We work with your treating providers to compile a complete picture of your injuries and projected future care needs.
  • Investigation. We gather incident reports, witness accounts, photographs, and any prior complaints about the dog or owner.
  • Demand and negotiation. We submit a formal demand to the responsible insurer and negotiate toward a settlement that reflects your full losses.
  • Litigation, if necessary. If the insurer disputes liability or the offer is inadequate, we file suit and pursue the case through the courts.
  • Resolution. Cases resolve through settlement, mediation, or trial depending on how the other side responds.

What Should You Bring to Your Dog Bite Consultation?

Bring whatever you have. A complete file isn’t required:

  • Photos of your injuries, taken as close to the time of the attack as possible
  • Medical records or bills from treatment you’ve already received
  • Any incident or animal control reports filed after the attack
  • Information about the dog’s owner, including name, address, and insurance if known
  • A written account of what happened, including where the attack occurred and who witnessed it

The consultation is free. We’ll give you a straightforward assessment of your claim and explain exactly what the process involves going forward.

Important Florida Legal Resources for Dog Bite Cases

Florida law directly governs how dog bite claims are handled, from the owner’s liability to the damages available to injured victims. Key resources include:

  • Florida’s dog bite statute establishes strict liability for dog owners and is available through the Florida Legislature’s website.
  • Florida’s negligence and comparative fault laws may affect your recovery if your own conduct contributed to the attack. General information about civil proceedings is available through the Florida Courts website.
  • The Florida Department of Health maintains public health resources relevant to animal bite injuries, including infection risks that bear directly on medical treatment and damages.
  • For accidents and incidents involving motor vehicles and animals on public roads, the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles maintains relevant crash and incident data.

Reach Out to Loshak Law PLLC to Schedule a Consultation

Dog bite injuries can be more complicated than they first appear, both medically and legally. At Loshak Law PLLC, we represent injured victims in Pembroke Pines on a contingency fee basis, meaning no attorney fees are owed unless we recover on your behalf. Contact us to schedule a free, confidential consultation and get a clear picture of where your claim stands.

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