Dog bites can be both physically and emotionally traumatic. From puncture wounds and infections to scarring and anxiety, victims often face lasting effects that go far beyond the initial injury. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Miami, attorney Richard Guzman can help you understand your legal rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Understanding Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites are more common than most people realize. According to national data, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs in the U.S. each year, and about 20 % of those bites require medical treatment. Children are the most frequent victims, often bitten on the face, head, or neck.
Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to serious medical complications such as:
- Deep tissue damage or torn ligaments
- Infections like rabies or staph
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Post-traumatic stress or fear of animals
Dog bites are also a major source of emergency room visits across Florida, where warm weather and outdoor activity increase human–animal interactions.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Miami Can Help
After a dog attack, victims are often unsure who is responsible or how to recover damages. A Miami dog bite lawyer like Richard Guzman provides the guidance and support needed to protect your rights. He can:
- Investigate the incident and identify the dog’s owner or caretaker
- Gather evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and photos
- File claims under Florida’s strict liability dog bite law
- Negotiate with insurance companies to ensure full compensation
- Pursue additional claims for negligence, such as when a property owner failed to warn about a dangerous dog
Richard’s goal is to relieve the stress of dealing with insurers and allow you to focus on healing.
Florida Dog Bite Laws
Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is liable for injuries caused by their pet even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. However, the law also considers whether the victim was trespassing or provoked the animal.
| Legal Aspect | Florida Rule | What It Means for Victims |
| Liability Standard | Strict liability | Owners are responsible for bites regardless of prior aggression |
| Statute of Limitations | 2 years | Victims must file a claim within two years of the incident |
| Shared Fault | Comparative negligence | Compensation may be reduced if the victim provoked the dog |
| Insurance Coverage | Homeowners’ or renters’ policies | Often covers damages from dog bites on or off the property |
These laws make it easier for victims to recover compensation but also require careful legal handling to avoid insurer pushback or claims of provocation.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog bites in Miami may be eligible to recover damages for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency treatment and reconstructive surgery
- Lost wages and loss of future earning ability
- Pain, suffering, and emotional trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Psychological counseling or therapy
Richard Guzman ensures that every element of your loss is considered before any settlement is accepted.
Get Help from a Miami Dog Bite Lawyer
If you’ve been bitten or attacked by a dog in Miami, don’t wait to seek legal help. Richard Guzman will fight to hold negligent owners accountable and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.
Contact Richard Guzman today for a free consultation and learn how he can protect your rights after a dog bite injury.
Dog Bite Accident FAQs
What should I do right after a dog bite?
Seek medical attention immediately, report the bite to Miami-Dade Animal Services, and take photos of your injuries and the location. Avoid discussing the incident with the dog’s owner until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
Can I file a claim if the dog owner is a friend or neighbor?
Yes. In most cases, their homeowner’s insurance covers dog bite injuries — not the owner personally. You can receive compensation without creating financial hardship for them.
Do I need to prove the dog was dangerous?
No. Under Florida’s strict liability law, you don’t have to prove the dog had a history of aggression.
What if I was partly at fault, such as petting the dog without permission?
You may still recover compensation, but your award could be reduced under Florida’s comparative negligence system.
What if the bite happened on public property or at a business?
You can still file a claim. Business owners or landlords may also share liability if they allowed a known aggressive dog on their premises.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florida?
You generally have two years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite lawyer?
Richard Guzman works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless he successfully recovers compensation for you.
Sources
- Florida Department of Health (Dog Bite Injury Data)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
- Florida Statutes § 767.04 (Dog Owner’s Liability Law)
- Miami-Dade Animal Services Annual Reports