Dog bites can happen in an instant, but the physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burden can last much longer. If you were bitten by someone else’s dog in Sunrise, Florida, you can seek compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. At Meldon Law, our Sunrise dog bite attorneys provide compassionate, personalized legal representation and protect your rights every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case. Our Sunrise personal injury lawyers are here to fight for you.
Trusted Injury Lawyers for Sunrise Dog Bite Victims
After a dog bite, you deserve a team that listens, cares, and knows how to fight for the compensation you need. Founded in 1971, our firm has spent over 50 years helping injured Floridians move forward after life-changing accidents. Our attorneys have recovered hundreds of millions for clients, and we bring that same dedication to every dog bite case we handle.
We are Trusted by the Florida Gators. And Floridians Everywhere. But what matters most is how we treat the people who come to us for help. We are not a case mill. We provide personalized attention, clear communication, and support in your preferred language whenever possible.
Our work is guided by how much our team CARES for clients. We value Compassion, Accountability, Reliability, Excellence, and Success-Driven service. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you. Whether your case is resolved through negotiation or trial, we Wonāt Back Down.
We Take the Burden Off Your Shoulders
Recovering from a dog bite is difficult enough without worrying about insurance claims, paperwork, and legal deadlines. We handle every stage of your case so you can focus on your recovery.
Our legal team will:
- Investigate how the dog attack happened
- Identify all liable parties
- Gather photos, videos, and other important evidence
- Interview witnesses
- Obtain animal control reports from Broward County Animal Care and your medical records
- Work with medical experts to understand your injuries and future treatment needs
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a fair settlement
- File a lawsuit and represent you at trial if necessary
Throughout the process, we’ll keep you informed and answer your questions, so you always know where your case stands. Our goal is to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and any other losses related to the attack.
Insurance companies often try to settle claims for less than they are worth. If they refuse to make a fair offer, our attorneys are fully prepared to take your case to court. You can count on our team to protect your rights and fight for the outcome you deserve.
When Dog Owners Can Be Held Responsible
Florida follows a strict liability rule for many dog bite cases, which means a dog owner may be held responsible even if their dog has never bitten anyone before. Unlike some states, Florida does not require victims to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had a history of aggressive behavior. In many situations, the owner can be liable if the bite occurred while the victim was lawfully on public or private property.
Negligence can also strengthen a dog bite claim. For example, a dog owner may have acted negligently by:
- Violating local leash laws
- Allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely
- Failing to secure fences, gates, or enclosures
- Ignoring signs that the dog posed a risk to others
Every dog bite case is unique, and liability depends on the specific facts surrounding the attack. An experienced Sunrise dog bite attorney from Meldon Law can investigate what happened, determine which laws apply, and identify all responsible parties. Understanding Florida’s dog bite laws is an important first step toward pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Seeking Full Compensation for Your Dog Bite Injuries
A dog bite can leave you with medical bills, missed paychecks, and lasting pain. If someone else is responsible for the attack, you may be able to recover compensation for the full impact of your injuries.
Your claim may include:
- Emergency medical care
- Hospital bills
- Surgery or stitches
- Plastic or reconstructive surgery
- Medication and follow-up visits
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Reduced future earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
In severe cases, dog bite injuries can require long-term care, especially when the victim is a child or suffers facial injuries, nerve damage, or infection. That is why it is important to look beyond current bills and consider future needs, too.
Our team can review your damages, gather evidence, and fight for compensation that reflects what the attack has truly cost you.
We are here for you 24/7
(Consultations are Free)
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
Dog bite injuries can have lasting physical, emotional, and financial consequences, but you don’t have to face them alone. Meldon Law is committed to helping injury victims throughout Sunrise pursue the compensation they deserve with personalized guidance and determined advocacy. Our team is ready to answer your questions, explain your legal options, and fight for your best interests every step of the way. Contact us today for a free consultation. We Won’t Back Down.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will My Dog Bite Case Go to Court?
Many dog bite claims are resolved through settlement negotiations without going to trial. If the dog owner’s insurance company accepts liability and offers fair compensation, your case may conclude without ever entering a courtroom. However, if the insurer disputes fault or refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, filing a lawsuit may become necessary. Even then, many cases settle before trial.
Our attorneys prepare every case as though it may be litigated, allowing us to negotiate from a position of strength while remaining ready to advocate for you in court if needed.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Florida?
Florida law limits the amount of time you have to file a personal injury lawsuit after a dog bite. Missing the two-year deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it’s important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Acting quickly also helps preserve valuable evidence, including witness statements, medical records, and animal control reports.
What Should I Do If the Insurance Company Contacts Me After a Dog Bite?
If an insurance company contacts you after a dog bite, be careful about what you say. Adjusters may ask for recorded statements or encourage you to accept a quick settlement before the full extent of your injuries is known. While you should report basic facts, avoid discussing fault or accepting an offer without legal guidance. Once you hire a Florida dog bite attorney, your lawyer can handle communications with the insurance company, protect your rights, and negotiate for compensation that reflects the true value of your claim.
Can You Recover Compensation If You Were Partially at Fault?
You may be able to recover damages. Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means your ability to recover compensation depends on your level of responsibility for the incident. For example, the insurance company may argue that you provoked the dog or ignored warning signs. If you are found partially at fault, your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.
Can I Afford a Lawyer?
Yes. We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront for our legal services. There are no hourly fees or out-of-pocket legal costs while your case is pending. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you through a settlement or court award. This allows injured victims to pursue experienced legal representation regardless of their financial situation. During your free consultation, we’ll explain how the contingency fee process works and answer any questions you have.
"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 Lawās 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 Iām sorry for you !!!!!"
Jabari A.
June 2024
