Dog Bite Lawyer in Coral Springs — Florida Strict Liability in 2026

Dog Bite Lawyer in Coral Springs — Understanding Your Rights in 2026

Dog bites cause serious physical and emotional injuries, particularly in residential communities like those throughout Coral Springs. Florida's strict liability statute makes dog owners responsible for bite injuries regardless of whether the dog had a history of aggression. If you were bitten in Coral Springs, Louis Law Group can help you pursue full compensation under Florida law.

Florida's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Under Florida Statute 767.01 and 767.04, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog biting another person, provided the victim was lawfully on public or private property. Unlike many states, Florida does not require the victim to prove the dog had a prior history of biting or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous.

This strict liability standard applies throughout Coral Springs — whether the bite occurred at a neighbor's home, in a public park like Mullins Park or Sportsplex, on a sidewalk along Coral Hills Drive, or in a retail parking lot.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Coral Springs

Dog bite injuries can range from minor puncture wounds to life-threatening trauma. Common injuries our clients in Coral Springs have suffered include:

• Deep lacerations and puncture wounds requiring stitches or surgery
• Nerve damage and loss of sensation
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands and arms
• Facial injuries and permanent scarring
• Infections including MRSA, cellulitis, and in rare cases rabies exposure
• Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress — especially in children

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites. Coral Springs has many family-oriented neighborhoods where children play outdoors, increasing the risk of encounters with aggressive dogs.

Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

While Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners, the comparative negligence framework under F.S. 768.81 still applies. The 2023 tort reform's 51% bar rule means that if you are found 51% or more at fault — for instance, if you were trespassing or provoking the dog — you are barred from any recovery.

Defense attorneys and insurance companies will look for any way to argue the victim contributed to the incident. Common defenses include claiming the victim provoked the animal, trespassed on private property, or ignored warning signs. A skilled dog bite lawyer in Coral Springs can counter these arguments with evidence and witness testimony.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

Under F.S. 95.11, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Florida. For dog bite cases involving children, the statute may be tolled until the child reaches the age of majority, but parents should still act quickly to preserve evidence. Cases in Coral Springs are filed in the Broward County Circuit Court.

Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Coral Springs

Dog bite victims may recover damages including:

• Medical expenses — emergency room visits, surgery, antibiotics, physical therapy, and reconstructive surgery
• Lost wages — time missed from work during treatment and recovery
• Pain and suffering — physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack
• Scarring and disfigurement — compensation for permanent physical changes
• Future medical costs — ongoing treatment, scar revision surgery, or counseling

Louis Law Group thoroughly documents every aspect of our clients' injuries to ensure nothing is left off the table during settlement negotiations or trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the dog owner's homeowner's insurance cover dog bite injuries?

In most cases, yes. Homeowner's and renter's insurance policies in Florida typically include liability coverage for dog bites. Louis Law Group handles the insurance claims process on your behalf.

What if the dog that bit me was a stray or the owner is unknown?

You should report the incident to Coral Springs Animal Control immediately. If the owner cannot be identified, recovery options are limited, but your own health insurance and potentially other coverage may apply.

Can I sue if the dog did not actually bite me but knocked me down?

Yes. Florida law allows negligence claims for injuries caused by a dog's behavior even without a bite — such as being knocked down, chased into traffic, or caused to fall. These claims are separate from the strict liability bite statute.

Is there a one-bite rule in Florida?

No. Florida does not follow the one-bite rule. Dog owners are strictly liable for the first bite and every subsequent one, provided the victim was lawfully present.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Coral Springs

If you or your child was injured by a dog in Coral Springs, call (833) 657-4812 or visit /personal-injury/qualify for a free case evaluation with Louis Law Group. We handle every case on a contingency basis — you pay nothing unless we win.