A dog bite can leave you with painful injuries, mounting bills, and questions about what comes next. Our Cooper City dog bite attorneys are here to provide answers. At Meldon Law, helping injured neighbors isn’t just a job; it’s our calling. With offices in two nearby cities, our Cooper City personal injury lawyers are ready to fight for you. Call for a free consultation.
How Our Team Builds Your Claim
Florida law favors dog bite victims, but the owner’s insurance company will still look for reasons to pay less. It may argue you provoked the dog, ignored a warning sign, or share the blame. Our attorneys know how to prove negligence and determine liability, and that work starts with evidence.
After you call us, we can:
- Request the incident report from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, which provides police services in Cooper City
- Obtain bite, quarantine, and prior complaint records from Broward County Animal Care
- Collect doorbell and security camera footage from neighbors
- Interview witnesses while their memories are fresh
- Gather medical records that capture your future care, not just your first visit
- Review the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy for coverage and exclusions
We act quickly because evidence like video footage can be deleted within days.
Why Cooper City Families Trust Us
Since 1971, our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for injured Floridians. Yet we’ve never become a case mill. We limit the number of cases we take so every client gets the attention they deserve. However, that doesn’t mean we only handle catastrophic injuries. If you’re unsure whether your bite is serious enough, we still want to hear from you.
Our team is also bilingual, so we can guide you through your claim in the language that works best for you. You’ll get prompt answers, honest updates, and a team that treats you like a person, not a file number.
Our firm is proud to be Trusted by the Florida Gators—And Floridians Everywhere. When a dog bite turns your life upside down, we’ll take on your fight like it was our own.
Compensation You May Recover After a Dog Bite in Cooper City
Every dog bite case is different, so we pursue compensation based on your specific losses, including the long-term costs insurers often overlook. Depending on your situation, you may recover damages for:
- Past and future medical care, including plastic surgery and scar revision
- Rabies treatment and infection care
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement and permanent scarring
- Emotional distress, such as anxiety or a lasting fear of dogs
We work with your doctors to document future costs, so you aren’t left paying for care down the road.
In one case, our attorneys recovered $150,000 for a client who was attacked by a vicious dog while jogging. Past results don’t guarantee a similar outcome, but they show how seriously we take every claim.
Florida Dog Bite Law in Plain English
Florida law gives dog bite victims strong protections. Still, these laws include exceptions that insurance companies know how to use. Our attorneys explain how each rule applies to your case, then use that knowledge to protect your claim.
Owners Are Responsible Even for a First Bite
Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, dog owners face strict liability for bites. Strict liability means the owner can be held responsible even if the dog never showed aggression before and the owner had no idea it was dangerous. This rule applies when the bite happens in a public place or while you’re lawfully on private property, such as a neighbor’s home.
The “Bad Dog” Sign Exception
An owner may avoid liability if they posted an easy-to-read sign with the words “Bad Dog” in a prominent spot on their property. However, this defense doesn’t apply if the victim is under six years old or if the owner’s own carelessness caused the injury.
Shared Fault Can Affect Your Recovery
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. In simple terms, your compensation can be reduced by your share of the blame. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you can’t recover anything. Insurers often claim the victim provoked the dog, which is why strong evidence is so important.
Deadlines Apply to Dog Bite Claims
Florida generally allows two years to file a negligence lawsuit after a dog bite under Florida Statutes § 95.11. Other deadlines may apply depending on how your claim is brought, so it’s best to speak with an attorney early. Waiting too long can cost you your right to compensation.
Get the Legal Help You Need – Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
Call UsDon’t Wait to Enlist Our Help
You don’t have to face the insurance company or the clock alone. Our team will explain your options in plain language, track every deadline, and fight for the compensation you need to heal. When you choose Meldon Law, you get a team that won’t back down. Call our office today. There’s no cost to speak with us and no obligation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Dog Bite in Cooper City?
The dog’s owner is often responsible for a bite, but they may not be the only one. Identifying every liable party can open up additional insurance coverage and increase what you’re able to recover. Depending on the facts, responsibility may extend to:
- Someone caring for the dog: A dog sitter, walker, or relative may share fault if they failed to control the dog.
- Landlords: A property owner who knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and didn’t take action may be liable.
- Homeowners associations or property managers: If a known dangerous dog was allowed to roam common areas, these parties may bear some responsibility.
- Businesses: A business that allows dogs on its premises could share fault if a bite happens there.
In most cases, compensation comes from a homeowners or renters insurance policy, not the owner’s pocket. That could be welcome news if you’re worried about filing a claim against a neighbor or friend. Some policies limit or exclude coverage for certain breeds, so our attorneys look at every available source of recovery to make sure nothing is left on the table.
What Can I Expect If My Child Was Bitten in Cooper City?
Few things are more frightening for a parent than watching a dog hurt their child. Because of their height, young children are often bitten on the face, head, and neck, leaving injuries that can affect them for years.
Child dog bite claims require extra care, and our attorneys account for:
- Future medical needs: Scars can change as a child grows, and some children need scar revision or reconstructive surgery years after the bite.
- Emotional effects: Nightmares, anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs are common and can be part of your child’s damages.
- Stronger legal protections: The “Bad Dog” sign defense doesn’t apply when the victim is under six, so an owner can’t rely on a posted warning to avoid responsibility.
- Court approval for settlements: Florida requires a judge to approve certain settlements involving minors. We handle that process so the money is protected for your child’s future.
Right now, your focus should be on your child’s recovery. We’ll come to you, whether that’s at home or in the hospital, so you never have to choose between caring for your child and protecting their claim.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite?
The steps you take after a dog bite can protect both your health and your claim. If you can, try to:
- Get medical care immediately, even if the bite seems minor
- Report the bite to the Broward Sheriff’s Office and Broward County Animal Care
- Get the owner’s name, contact information, and the dog’s vaccination status
- Take photos of your injuries and the area where the attack happened
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the owner’s insurance company
Then, reach out to our attorneys as soon as possible. We can communicate with the insurer for you and start building your case.
"Some of the staff have been there for many years and they always make me feel welcomed when I contact them. They have been so much help over the years. Meldon Law’s knowledge and experience always gets the job done right and my results have been amazing."
Catherine P.
December 2024
"It has been a real pleasure to deal with Jeffery and Stacy. Jeffery is all about his clients. What is best for the clients well being. He is a great attorney. If you need an accident attorney or a referral this is the man to be talking with. He will now be my attorney for life. Jeffery and Stacy, thank you ever so much."
Hazel J.
March 2025
"Jeffrey and his team were great throughout the whole process of my settlement for an auto accident! They handled everything which made it much easier on me! They were able to navigate the ins and outs of the insurance companies and helped me receive my settlement in a timely manner! Great customer service all around. Would definitely recommend them! They made it much easier to move on from my auto accident! Thanks again!"
Justin W.
April 2024
"My first experience with meldon was amazing. The whole staff willing to talk and listen. They were very helpful and guided me through the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
