Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bites cause serious physical and emotional harm — and they happen far more often than most people expect. South Florida communities like Coral Springs, Parkland, and Coconut Creek see these incidents regularly, and children are the most frequent victims. A bite that seems minor at first can result in deep puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and lasting psychological trauma — along with medical bills, missed work, and ongoing treatment costs that add up fast.
Eric A. Hernandez of HLM Injury Lawyers has spent more than 25 years representing injury victims throughout South Florida. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida and a law clerk to Chief Justice Charles T. Wells of the Florida Supreme Court, Eric applies precise legal knowledge to every dog bite case — holding owners and insurers accountable under Florida’s strict liability statute.
If you or your child was bitten, call HLM Injury Lawyers: (305) 842-2100. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
Florida’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Florida law is clear: dog owners are strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or on private property where the victim had a lawful right to be. Florida does not follow the “one bite” rule that some other states apply — the rule that lets an owner escape liability for a first bite if they had no prior notice of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Under Florida’s strict liability standard, you do not have to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous or was careless in any way. You need only establish that the dog bit you, that you were somewhere you had a legal right to be, and that you suffered injury. Eric knows how to put that law to work on your behalf.
Injuries Common in Dog Bite Attacks
Puncture wounds and lacerations: A dog’s jaw generates substantial force. Deep puncture wounds can damage muscle, tendons, and bone — frequently requiring surgical repair.
Permanent scarring and disfigurement: Bites to the face, neck, arms, and hands often leave visible scars. For children, facial scarring may require multiple reconstructive procedures over years.
Nerve damage: Deep bites, particularly to the hands and arms, can sever or damage nerves, causing numbness, weakness, or chronic pain.
Infection: Dog mouths carry bacteria that cause serious infections, including cellulitis and, in severe cases, systemic infection. Rabies, while rare, requires immediate post-exposure treatment.
Psychological trauma: Many bite victims — especially children — develop lasting fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares, and symptoms consistent with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These are real, compensable injuries.
Broken bones: When a large dog knocks down a victim — common with children and older adults — fractures can occur even without a direct bite.
Children as Dog Bite Victims
Children under age 10 are the most common dog bite victims, and they suffer some of the most severe injuries. Their smaller size means bites frequently land on the face, neck, and head — the areas most prone to disfiguring and medically serious wounds. Children are less likely to recognize a dog’s warning behavior and less able to defend themselves.
If your child was bitten, document thoroughly: photograph injuries at each stage of healing, keep all medical records — including surgical and mental health referrals — and maintain a written record of how the injury has affected your child’s daily life, school attendance, sleep, and emotional state. All of these factors shape the value of a claim.
Homeowner’s Insurance and Who Pays
In most dog bite cases, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy is the primary source of compensation. Most standard policies cover dog bite liability, though some exclude certain breeds or dogs with a prior bite history. Even if the owner has no homeowner’s insurance, they remain personally liable for your damages.
Our firm contacts the dog owner’s insurer, handles all negotiations, and — when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation — is prepared to take the case to court. Insurers frequently try to minimize bite claims by arguing the victim provoked the dog. We counter those arguments with evidence.
Florida Law — Deadlines, Defenses, and Comparative Negligence
Statute of limitations: Under HB 837, Florida’s 2023 tort reform law, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim — reduced from the prior four-year period. Act promptly; miss that deadline and you lose your right to compensation.
Provocation defense: Florida’s strict liability statute includes one significant defense: if the victim provoked the dog, the owner’s liability can be reduced. Insurers raise provocation frequently — even on thin evidence. What counts as legal provocation is a factual question, and our firm disputes it vigorously on your behalf.
Modified comparative negligence: If you are found partially at fault, your compensation is reduced in proportion to your share. A finding of 51% or more fault against you bars recovery entirely, though a victim found exactly 50% at fault can still recover. An attorney who builds a strong record of the owner’s liability is there to push back against this tactic.
Steps to take after a bite: Report to animal control, identify the owner and get their insurance information, photograph all wounds, seek medical treatment immediately, and contact our firm before giving any statement to the owner’s insurer.
Why Hire Eric Hernandez for Your Dog Bite Case
A Prosecutor’s Perspective: Eric’s background as a federal prosecutor means he builds cases with precision — gathering evidence, documenting injuries, and anticipating defense tactics before they arise.
Direct Attorney Access: Eric personally handles your case from start to finish. When you call, you speak with the attorney — no intermediaries, no confusion about who is managing your claim.
Trial-Ready Representation: With more than 25 years of trial experience and admission to the U.S. Supreme Court Bar, Eric is prepared to take your case before a judge and jury if the insurer refuses to pay a fair amount.
Bilingual Service / No Fee Unless We Win: HLM Injury Lawyers serves clients in English and Spanish throughout South Florida. Your consultation is free — no attorney fee unless we win.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it matter if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
No. Florida’s strict liability statute removes the “one bite” rule. Prior dangerous behavior is not required. The bite itself — combined with your lawful presence — is enough.
What if I was bitten on the owner’s private property?
If you were lawfully on the property as a guest, mail carrier, delivery person, or any invited visitor, Florida’s strict liability law still protects you.
What if a child provoked the dog?
Young children often do not understand animal behavior. Whether a child’s actions constitute legal provocation depends on the child’s age and capacity to understand risk — and our firm challenges provocation arguments on every front.
Can I recover for psychological trauma after a bite?
Yes. Emotional distress, fear of dogs, anxiety, and clinically diagnosed post-traumatic stress are compensable injuries. Seek mental health treatment for your wellbeing and to support your claim.
How long does a dog bite claim take to resolve?
Cases where liability is clear and injuries are well-documented often settle within months. More complex cases take longer. Our focus is always on building the strongest case — not rushing to a lower settlement.
Should I report the bite even if it seems minor?
Yes. Report to animal control immediately. This creates an official record, triggers investigation of the dog’s vaccination history, and documents the incident before memories fade or evidence disappears.
Contact HLM Injury Lawyers — Free Consultation
Call HLM Injury Lawyers at (305) 842-2100 for a free consultation about your dog bite case — there is no attorney fee unless we win. Eric Hernandez represents bite victims and their families in Coral Springs, Parkland, Coconut Creek, Margate, Tamarac, Pompano Beach, and throughout Broward County and South Florida.