A dog bite can affect every aspect of your life. You could find yourself in considerable pain and afraid to even walk around your neighborhood in case you encounter a dog. You can and should hold a negligent dog owner liable for these effects on your life. The dog bite lawyers in Miami at Meldon Law can help.
See what our Miami personal injury attorneys can do for you today. The initial consultation is free, and you pay nothing to get started.
Why Floridians Trust Us After Dog Attacks
A dog bite can feel isolating. You want someone in your corner prepared to protect you, your rights, and your case. We’re ready to be that someone. We have over five decades of experience helping injured people in Miami and across the state.
Our Team CARES
We approach every case focused on demonstrating the following values:
- Compassion
- Accountability
- Reliability
- Excellence
- A drive for Success
We Are Trusted by the Florida Gators—and Floridians Everywhere
We are the only official law firm partner of the Florida Gators. But that doesn’t mean our reach or our allegiance stops there. We are the fabric of the communities we work in. We consider our clients family, and we put everything into our fight for family.
Our Reputation Precedes Us
When insurance companies hear that we’re representing a client, they know they’re in for a battle. They know we’re a force to be reckoned with, both inside and outside the courtroom.
We’re Local
We have an office in Aventura, so you don’t need to travel to come see us. We can also meet you in the hospital if need be.
What Compensation Can I Recover for a Dog Bite?
Our team will fight for every dollar you deserve after a dog bite. That could include:
- Medical bills for wound cleaning, stitches, infection treatment, rabies treatment, and hospitalization
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity if the attack or your injuries affect your ability to work long-term
- Miscellaneous expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Building a Case Against the Dog’s Owner
Florida law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries that occur when their dog bites someone. To hold the dog owner responsible, you must establish that you were on the property legally and did not provoke the dog into attacking you.
What If the Dog’s Owner Blames Me?
This is not uncommon. Dog owners may claim that you:
- Provoked the dog
- Were not on the property legally
- Knew the dog was dangerous
We can establish that you did not do anything to tease or provoke the dog, were invited onto the property or were not otherwise trespassing, or did not know the dog was dangerous.
What If the Owner Had a “Bad Dog Sign”?
If the owner had a “bad dog” sign, they may be able to avoid liability for your bite injuries. Our team can help determine your options.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
How Much Time Do I Have to Build a Dog Bite Case?
Per Florida Statute § 95.11, you have two years to file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner or other liable party. If you don’t file within this time, you risk recovering nothing.
Get Started Today With Meldon Law’s Miami Dog Bite Attorneys
A dog bite is a terrifying experience, but it is not something that you need to handle alone. Our team is here to support you and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call Meldon Law today and let our Florida dog bite attorneys protect your rights.
FAQs
Does Florida Have a One-Bite Law?
No. Many states have what is known as a “one bite” law, which means that the owner must have known their dog was dangerous before the bite to be liable for any injuries that occur. In Florida, victims do not have to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous to recover compensation.
Can I Afford a Lawyer for a Dog Bite Claim?
Yes. We take cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront fees and only pay for our time if we win. This allows you to get the legal help you deserve without worrying about costs.
What Should I Do After a Dog Bite in Miami?
A dog bite can leave you shaken, injured, and unsure of what to do next. In a busy area like Miami, these incidents happen more often than people realize, and knowing the right steps can make a big difference in protecting your health and your future.
- Get to Safety and Seek Medical Care: Your first priority should always be your safety. Move away from the dog to prevent further injury. Even if the bite seems minor, get medical attention as soon as possible. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or scarring if not treated properly.
- Identify the Dog and Its Owner: If you’re able, gather information about the dog and its owner. This includes the owner’s name, contact information, and whether the dog is up to date on vaccinations. This step is especially important for both your medical care and any future claim.
- Document the Scene and Your Injuries: Take photos of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and anything that may have contributed to the incident. If there were witnesses, ask for their contact information. This evidence can help support your case later.
- Report the Incident: In Miami, you can report your dog bite to the Florida Department of Health (DOH) in Miami-Dade County Epidemiology Disease Control and Immunization Services (305-470-5660) and/or Miami-Dade County Animal Control at 311. You can also report the dog bite online. This creates an official record and may help prevent others from being harmed.
- Avoid Speaking With Insurance Adjusters Alone: Insurance companies may contact you quickly after a dog bite. It’s important to be cautious; what you say can impact your ability to recover compensation. You don’t have to handle these conversations on your own.
- Talk to a Personal Injury Attorney: Dog bite cases can be more complex than they seem. Florida law often holds dog owners responsible, but proving liability and securing full compensation still requires strong evidence and legal experience. An attorney can guide you through your options and handle the process while you focus on healing.
At Meldon Law, helping injured people isn’t just what we do; it’s our calling. Our team approaches every case with compassion, accountability, and a commitment to results. We take the time to listen, explain your rights clearly, and fight for the outcome you deserve.
If you’re unsure whether you have a case, that’s okay. You don’t need all the answers before reaching out; we’re here to help you find them.
What Injuries Are Common After Dog Bites in Miami?
Dog bites can cause more than just surface wounds. Depending on the size of the dog, the force of the bite, and where you were injured, the physical and emotional impact can be significant. Some injuries may require ongoing treatment or even long-term care.
Common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds: Deep wounds caused by a dog’s teeth can damage tissue beneath the skin and increase the risk of infection.
- Lacerations and cuts: Torn or jagged skin injuries may require stitches and can lead to permanent scarring.
- Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can lead to serious infections, including rabies or cellulitis.
- Nerve damage: Bites to the hands, arms, or face can damage nerves, potentially causing loss of feeling or movement.
- Broken bones: Strong bites, especially from larger dogs, can fracture bones in the hands, wrists, or other areas.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Visible injuries, particularly on the face or neck, can have lasting physical and emotional effects.
- Emotional trauma: Anxiety, PTSD, and fear of dogs are common after an attack, especially for children.
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, it’s important to take them seriously. Prompt medical care and the right support can make all the difference in your recovery.
"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 haven 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 threw the whole process. If you went anywhere else I’m sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
