
Call today to see what our Coral Springs personal injury lawyers can do in your time of need.
Why Coral Springs Trusts Meldon Law
Choosing the right dog bite attorney can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already dealing with pain, medical bills, and uncertainty. In Coral Springs, families trust us because we treat every client like family, not another case number. With an office nearby, we’re able to offer the personalized attention of a boutique firm while drawing on the resources and experience of a firm that’s represented injured Floridians for more than 50 years.
Our team operates by a simple set of values we call CARES:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Excellence
- A drive for Success
We show up for our clients with empathy, take full ownership of the path your case takes, and stay reachable when you need us most.
We are not a case mill rushing you toward the lowest acceptable settlement. We limit the number of cases we take so every client gets the attention they deserve, no matter the size or severity of their injuries. If you’re unsure whether your case qualifies, call us anyway; we want to hear your story.
We’re also proud to offer service in the language that works best for you. Trusted by the Florida Gatorsāand Floridians everywhereāwe’re honored to stand by our neighbors in Coral Springs when they need us most.
What to Expect From Our Legal Team
When you’re bitten by a dog, you shouldn’t have to manage insurance calls, paperwork, or legal deadlines on top of your recovery. Our attorneys step in to handle every part of your case so you can focus on healing.
We start by investigating your case thoroughly, determining not just who owns the dog, but who else might share responsibility, such as a landlord. Our attorneys know how to determine liability in these often complicated situations.
From there, we calculate the true value of your damages, factoring in medical costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of your injuries. We handle all communication and negotiation with the insurance company, pushing back against lowball offers or unfair blame. If a fair settlement isn’t on the table, we’re prepared to take your case to court.
You focus on recovering. We’ll handle the rest.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Attack?
Every dog bite case is different, and the compensation you deserve depends on how the attack has affected your life. Our attorneys work to secure damages that reflect the full scope of your losses, which may include:
- Past and future medical expenses, including surgery, rabies treatment, wound care, and physical therapy
- Lost income if your injuries kept you from working
- Reduced earning capacity if your ability to work long-term was affected
- The cost of hiring help around your home, such as childcare, if you’re unable to manage these tasks yourself
- Emotional distress and diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
We take the time to understand how your injuries have disrupted your daily life, not just your finances, before we ever discuss a number with the insurance company. Every case we handle is backed by careful investigation and a genuine commitment to seeing that you’re made whole again.
What Do I Have to Prove to Recover Compensation?
Under Florida Statutes § 767.04, Florida follows what’s known as a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. In simple terms, this means you may be entitled to compensation even if the owner had no reason to believe their dog was dangerous and did nothing wrong in caring for it. You generally just need to show that the dog bit you while you were in a public place, or lawfully in a private one, such as a neighbor’s yard or a friend’s home.
Our Florida dog bite attorneys can walk you through which laws apply to your case and what you’ll need to prove to move forward with your claim.
How Long Do You Have to Act After a Dog Bite in Coral Springs?
Florida law places a strict deadline on personal injury cases, and dog bite cases are no exception. Under Florida Statutes § 95.11, you generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the dog owner. If you miss this deadline, you risk losing your right to pursue compensation altogether, no matter how serious your injuries are.
Two years may sound like plenty of time, but building a strong claim takes work. Evidence can disappear, witnesses can become harder to track down, and their memories may fade the longer you wait. Insurance companies are also aware of these deadlines, and some may try to delay conversations with you, hoping you’ll run out of time to act.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can start investigating your case, preserving evidence, and protecting your right to recover damages. Don’t wait until time is working against you. Call today to learn where you stand and what steps to take next.
Get the Legal Help You Need ā Reach Out to a Personal Injury Lawyer Now!
Call UsWhat to Do After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Coral Springs, the steps you take next can make a real difference in your health and your case. Consider the following:
- Seek medical attention. Even if the bite seems minor, see a doctor as soon as possible. This reduces your risk of infection and creates a medical record that supports your claim later.
- Report the dog bite. The Coral Springs Police Department Humane Unit responds to dog bites.
- Verify the dog’s vaccination history. If the owner is present, ask whether the dog is current on its vaccinations, and try to find out if it has bitten anyone before.
- Take photos or video. Document the scene, the dog if possible, and your visible injuries.
- Get witness information. Write down the names and phone numbers of anyone who saw what happened, in case a statement is needed down the line.
- Be careful what you say to insurers. Insurance adjusters may seem helpful, but their goal is to minimize your payout. You don’t have to answer their questions. Let us handle those conversations for you.
Taking these steps can help protect both your health and your right to compensation, but you don’t have to navigate this alone. Call us, and we’ll guide you through what comes next.
Ready to Talk? We’re Ready to Help
A dog bite can leave you with more than physical wounds, but you don’t have to face the recovery process alone. The Coral Springs dog bite lawyers at Meldon Law are ready to investigate your case, fight for the compensation you deserve, and guide you every step of the way.
Call today for your free, no-obligation consultation. We’re here when you need us.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Attorney?
It doesnāt cost you a cent upfront to hire us. We work on contingency, which means you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless we secure compensation for you.
Can I Still Recover Compensation If the Dog Never Bit Anyone Before?
Yes. Florida’s strict liability law generally allows you to recover damages even if the owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous.
What Arguments Can the Dog Owner Make Against My Claim?
A dog owner may argue that you provoked the dog, were trespassing at the time of the attack, or knowingly assumed the risk, for example, by ignoring a āBad Dogā sign. These defenses can reduce or eliminate your compensation if successful, which is why it’s important to have an attorney who can gather evidence and counter these claims on your behalf.