Andrew Pickett Law is a top Melbourne dog bite law firm that handles injury cases throughout Melbourne and Brevard County for victims who need help getting medical treatment and financial recovery. Andrew Pickett prosecuted cases in Brevard County before he represented injured people here, and he knows how the county’s animal file is built.
What You Need To Know
- A bite claim looks simple, and it turns on records other people hold. Collecting the records in the right order is most of what a lawyer does here.
- A dog bite claim can be simple enough to handle yourself, or it can turn on a county file you don’t know exists. We’d rather you finish here knowing which kind of claim you’re facing, whether or not you hire us.
- Many states give an owner one free bite, so the owner only pays once they had reason to know the dog was dangerous. Florida gives no free bite, and an owner is responsible for the very first bite.
- Florida allows one narrow defense. An owner who displayed a clearly readable Bad Dog sign escapes liability, unless the bitten person was younger than six years old.
- Call Brevard County Animal Services through the Sheriff’s Office today. The written report from Animal Services starts the rabies observation and creates the file your claim will need.
- An owner whose dog has been classified dangerous must carry at least $100,000 of liability insurance. The rule took effect on 1 July 2025, and it’s separate from any homeowner’s policy.
- A scar doesn’t look in month three the way it will look in month eighteen. On facial scarring we’ll often advise waiting a year or more before putting a value on the claim.
Start with the rule that makes a Florida bite claim different, because the owner’s excuse carries no weight here. The county file, whether you need a lawyer and the scar come next. The deadlines, the county’s dog classifications and the statute citations sit further down.
There’s No Free First Bite for a Dog Owner
Many states give an owner one free bite, so the owner only pays once they had reason to know the dog was dangerous. Florida gives no free bite, and an owner is responsible for the very first bite. An owner who says the dog had never done it before is telling the truth and changing nothing.
Florida allows one narrow defense. An owner who displayed a clearly readable Bad Dog sign on their own property escapes liability, unless the bitten person was younger than six or the owner’s own carelessness caused the injury. A sign on a gate does nothing for a bite on the sidewalk outside it.
Your own carelessness still counts against you and cuts your recovery in proportion. Florida’s blame rule has a hard edge, so describe what happened plainly and in the same words to Animal Services and to any insurer. Don’t guess at the parts you didn’t see.
Write down tonight where you were standing when the dog reached you. The sign defense only covers a bite on the owner’s own property, so the spot matters.
The County File Decides Where the Money Is
An owner whose dog has already been classified dangerous must carry at least $100,000 of liability insurance covering injury caused by the dog. The rule took effect on 1 July 2025, and the coverage is separate from any homeowner’s policy.
Ask whether the county had already classified the dog before you ask whether the owner owns a home. The classification is a public record, and a classified dog carries its own insurance.
Brevard runs Animal Services through the Sheriff’s Office, with offices in Viera and on Sarno Road in Melbourne. The written report from Animal Services starts the rabies observation and creates the file your claim will need. You can’t build the file later.
Call Animal Services today and ask whether the dog has a history. Getting a dog classified dangerous takes a sworn statement within 30 days of the bite, and the director can extend the 30 days for cause but not forever.
Bite Claims You Can Handle Alone, Unless the County File Says Otherwise
A dog bite claim can be simple enough to handle yourself, or it can turn on a county file you don’t know exists. If the wound closed cleanly, the owner’s homeowner’s policy paid the doctor, and nothing will show in a year, take the payment and move on.
The claims that need help start with a record somebody else holds. The dog has a county history, the owner has no homeowner’s policy, or the bite is on your face or on a child.
A bite claim looks simple, and collecting the records in the right order is most of what a lawyer does here. We’d rather you finish here knowing which kind of claim you’re facing, whether or not you hire us.
Call and tell us where the bite happened and what Animal Services said. We’ll tell you whether your claim needs a lawyer, and the call costs nothing.
Don’t Settle a Scar in Month Four
A scar doesn’t look in month three the way it will look in month eighteen. A scar fades, flattens, or sometimes thickens instead. Settling before the scar has matured means settling on a photograph that no longer matches the face.
On facial and visible scarring we’ll often advise waiting twelve to eighteen months before putting a value on the claim, and getting a plastic surgeon’s opinion on what will still be there. Waiting means a slower file and a later fee for us, and it’s still the right advice.
Waiting on the scar doesn’t mean delaying the paperwork. The Animal Services report, the 30-day sworn statement and the two-year deadline for the claim itself each run on their own clock, and the scar waits on no clock.
Photograph the wound today, and again every week while it heals. Nobody can retake a wound photograph once a bite heals, and the early pictures are the ones that show what the dog did.
A Former Prosecutor Who Puts Cases in Front of Juries
Andrew Pickett grew up in Brevard County and spent years prosecuting cases in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit before he represented injured people, and Brevard judges try Melbourne injury cases in the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit. He trained at the Trial Lawyers College, and he tries cases to verdict. An insurance reserve set on an assumption gets another look when the file belongs to a lawyer who puts cases in front of juries.
You’ll deal with the lawyer on your case rather than a call center. Clients tell us the same thing in their reviews: they knew what was happening while it happened. We’ll tell you the next step and roughly when it comes, and when something changes, we’ll call you about the change.
A Dog Bite Lawyer With No Fee Unless We Recover
Andrew Pickett Law works on a contingency fee only. We take a percentage of whatever we recover for you, and we charge no fee at all if we recover nothing. You’ll never write us a check to get started, and you’ll never see an hourly bill.
Florida law caps the percentage a law firm can charge, so no firm sets its own ceiling. We back the Bar’s cap with a commitment of our own. We work your case to its maximum value, and we pay the filing fees, order the records and hire the experts while you’re still healing.
Ask any firm you talk to, including us, who pays the advanced costs if you lose. Firms answer the question differently, so get the answer in writing before you sign anything.
Tell Us What Animal Services Said and We’ll Say If You Need Us
A first call is a conversation, not a commitment. You describe the bite and tell us what Animal Services said, and we’ll tell you whether the claim needs a lawyer and where the money in it sits.
Bring the Animal Services report number if you’ve got it, and the owner’s name and address if you know them. You don’t need any paperwork to call.
If Andrew Pickett Law takes your case, our fee comes out of a recovery and nothing comes out of your pocket while the case runs. If the claim doesn’t need a lawyer, we’ll tell you and you can take the offer.
Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Serving Melbourne
Dog bites and animal attacks can lead to painful injuries, permanent scarring, and lasting emotional distress. In many cases, these incidents occur when dog owners fail to properly control or restrain their pets in public spaces, residential neighborhoods, parks, or private property.
At Andrew Pickett Law, our legal team represents individuals injured by dog bites throughout Melbourne and Brevard County. We help victims pursue compensation when negligent pet ownership leads to injuries involving aggressive dogs, unsafe property conditions, or other preventable circumstances.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Attacks
Dog bite incidents can cause serious injuries that often require immediate medical care and long-term treatment. Victims may suffer:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Nerve damage
- Infections or rabies exposure
- Broken bones or crush injuries
- Emotional trauma and psychological distress
Children are particularly vulnerable to serious dog bite injuries, and attacks can result in significant medical costs and long-term recovery challenges for victims and their families.
Compensation Available After a Dog Attack
Victims injured in dog attacks may be entitled to compensation depending on the circumstances of the incident. Our Melbourne injury attorneys help clients pursue damages that may include:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
- Reconstructive surgery or scar treatment
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and psychological care
- Other damages related to the injury
Because Florida law imposes specific responsibilities on dog owners, injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation even if the dog had never previously attacked someone.
Wound Photographs Cannot Be Retaken Once a Bite Heals
If you were injured in a dog attack, you must act decisively. Under Florida law (House Bill 837), the statute of limitations for personal injury claims based on negligence is two years from the exact date of the incident.
Waiting to secure legal representation can cripple your claim. Within months, animal control records and prior-complaint histories become harder to obtain, and photographs of the wounds before they heal cannot be recreated. Even when a bite seems minor at first, infection and nerve damage can surface weeks later. To protect your financial security, call a lawyer as soon as you are medically stable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
What should I do after a dog bite in Melbourne?
After a dog bite in Melbourne, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible, report the incident if appropriate, and document the circumstances of the attack. Taking photos of injuries and gathering information about the dog and its owner can also be helpful. Speaking with a Melbourne dog bite lawyer can help you understand your legal options and protect your rights.
Are dog owners responsible for bite injuries?
Under Florida Statute 767.04, a dog owner is liable when their dog bites someone lawfully in a public or private place, regardless of whether the owner did anything wrong and regardless of whether the dog had ever bitten before. The exceptions are narrow: a posted warning sign may give the owner a defense, though never against a child under six, and your own share of fault can reduce what you recover. A Melbourne dog bite attorney can review the details of the incident and determine whether the owner, a landlord, or another responsible party may be liable for the injuries.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite injury?
Dog bite victims in Melbourne may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and other damages related to the attack depending on the circumstances of the incident.
Dog bites in Brevard County: what the law gives you
Do I have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?
Many states give a dog one free bite — the owner is only liable once they had reason to know. Florida does not. An owner is responsible for a bite whether or not the dog had ever shown a moment’s aggression before, and whether or not the owner knew anything about it.1 “He has never done that before” is a true sentence and an irrelevant one.
There is one defense, and it is narrower than it looks. An owner who displayed a clearly readable Bad Dog sign on their property is protected — except where the person bitten was under six years old, and except where the owner’s own carelessness caused the injury.1 It also only works on their own premises. A sign on a gate does nothing for a bite on the pavement outside it.
Your own carelessness still counts against you and reduces what you recover in proportion — and Florida’s blame rule has a hard edge to it, and you should understand it before you describe what happened to anyone.
Did the dog bite law change recently?
Florida rewrote its dangerous-dog law with effect from 1 July 2025. Most of it is about enforcement, but one part matters directly to anyone bitten: the owner of a dog already classified as dangerous must now carry at least $100,000 of liability insurance covering injury caused by that dog.2
That is a source of recovery separate from the homeowner’s policy, and it exists whether or not the owner has one. So the first question in a Brevard bite case is not “do they own their home” but “had this dog already been classified?” — which is a matter of public record you can ask about.
The same law made other changes. A dog that has killed someone, or left a bite at the more severe end of the recognized scale, must now be seized rather than merely may be. Permanent microchip identification is required, and removing one is a felony. Penalties for owners went up a full grade.2 None of that compensates you, but all of it shapes what happens to the animal and how seriously the county treats the file.
Who do I report a dog bite to in Brevard County?
This surprises people who have lived elsewhere. Most Florida counties run animal services as a county department. Brevard runs it through the Sheriff’s Office — Animal Services, on 321-633-2024, with offices in Viera and on Sarno Road in Melbourne.3 The Florida Department of Health’s own Brevard office directs bite reports to that same number.
Report it immediately — that is the health requirement, and it is the mechanism that gets the dog observed for rabies rather than leaving you to find out the hard way.4 Wash the wound thoroughly, get medical attention, and get a description and a location for the animal even if you cannot identify the owner.
Then there is a deadline that rarely gets mentioned. Getting a dog formally classified as dangerous in Brevard requires a sworn statement, and it must be presented within 30 days of the incident — extendable by the director for cause, but not indefinitely.5 Miss it and the classification, along with the insurance requirement that follows from it, may never happen.
What does it mean if a dog is classified dangerous, or aggressive?
Below “dangerous,” the county maintains an aggressive dog classification that exists nowhere in state law.6 A dog classified aggressive must be neutered, kept out of parks, beaches and shops, licensed annually, confined securely, and muzzled and leashed under the control of someone able to control it whenever it is not enclosed.
Brevard’s dangerous-dog process is also stricter than the state’s in ways that help a bitten person: hearings go before a special magistrate who must be a lawyer, the county has to prove its case by clear and convincing evidence, and the classification is permanent — it is never removed from the dog. Brevard also required $100,000 of insurance from dangerous-dog owners seven years before the state did.6
Should I settle now, or wait for the scar to heal?
A dog bite usually leaves a scar, and a scar does not look in month three the way it will look in month eighteen. It fades, flattens, sometimes thickens instead. Settling before it has matured means settling on a photograph that no longer matches the face.
So on facial and visible scarring we will often recommend waiting twelve to eighteen months before valuing the claim, and getting a plastic surgeon’s opinion on what will still be there afterwards. That is a slower file, a later fee, and money we do not earn in the meantime. It is still the right advice, and a firm that pushes a scar case to settlement in month four may not be doing it for you.
Waiting is not the same as delaying. The report, the classification affidavit and the deadline for bringing a claim all run on their own clocks. Treat two years as your outside limit for the claim itself — there is an argument that a strict-liability bite claim gets longer, but it is an argument, not a settled rule, and it is not one to bet a case on.7 Several deadlines land earlier than that one.
References
- Fla. Stat. § 767.04 — owner liable “regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owners’ knowledge of such viciousness”; the “Bad Dog” sign defense, its exceptions for persons under six and for the owner’s own negligence, and proportional reduction for the bitten person’s negligence
- Ch. 2025-61, Laws of Fla. (CS/HB 593, the Pam Rock Act), effective 1 July 2025, amending Fla. Stat. §§ 767.01, 767.10–767.13, 767.135 and 767.136 — § 767.12(5)(a)2. requires liability insurance of at least $100,000; § 767.12(5)(a)1.c. requires microchip identification and makes removal a third-degree felony; § 767.12(1)(a) makes confiscation mandatory in the most severe cases; §§ 767.13(2) and 767.136(1) raise the offence grades
- Brevard County Sheriff’s Office, Animal Services and Animal Enforcement Unit, 321-633-2024; Florida Department of Health in Brevard County, rabies guidance, directing bite reports to the same number. Fla. Stat. § 767.11(1) provides that in areas not served by an animal control authority the sheriff carries out those duties
- Fla. Admin. Code R. 64D-3.040(2)(a) — any person with knowledge of a bite or exposure must notify the county health department immediately; R. 64D-3.040(3) — isolation and quarantine of the animal. Florida Department of Health states a ten-day observation period for dogs, cats and ferrets
- Brevard County Code of Ordinances § 14-49(a) — sworn affidavit to be presented to the animal control authority within 30 days of the incident, extendable by the director for cause
- Brevard County Code of Ordinances § 14-48.5 — aggressive dog classification, requirements and penalties; § 14-49 — dangerous dog classification, special magistrate, clear and convincing standard, permanence of the classification, and the $100,000 liability insurance requirement in force locally since 2018
- Fla. Stat. § 95.11(5)(a) — two years for negligence, as amended by ch. 2023-15, Laws of Fla., for causes of action accruing after 24 March 2023; § 95.11(3)(e) — four years for an action founded on a statutory liability. Whether a § 767.04 claim falls under the first or the second has not been settled by a Florida appellate court since 2023
Other Injury Cases We Handle Locally
In addition to representing victims of dog attacks, Andrew Pickett Law handles a wide range of accident and injury cases throughout Melbourne and Brevard County, including:
- Car Accident
- Truck Accident
- Motorcycle Accident
- Uber & Lyft Accident
- Pedestrian Accident
- Bicycle Accident
- Slip and Fall
- Wrongful Death
- Boating Accident
Areas and Zip Codes Served From Our Melbourne Office
- 32901 – Downtown Melbourne / Crane Creek
- 32904 – West Melbourne
- 32934 – Wickham Park / North Melbourne
- 32935 – Eau Gallie / Croton Road Corridor
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Meet Andrew Pickett
Dealing with the murky policies of insurance companies designed to confuse and prevent you from receiving compensation is our expertise.
15+ years experience as a personal injury attorney.
Specialized in battling insurance companies.
95% settlement rate for clients.
Handled 450+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $50 million for clients.
450+ people have chosen Andrew as their attorney.
520+ Satisfied Clients
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Kev Albaugh
7 days ago
After being in a serious car accident, I hired Andrew Pickett and his team in Melbourne to handle my case. From day one, Mr. Pickett treated me with genuine respect, compassion, and professionalism. He took the stress completely off my shoulders so I could focus on recovering. I would also like to recognize Lindsay, Jeremy, Vonda, and Caroline for always keeping me updated throughout the entire process and addressing any questions or concerns I may have had. Thanks to Andrews incredible expertise and relentless advocacy, he secured a phenomenal outcome that exceeded all of my expectations. If you are looking for an honest, hardworking personal injury attorney on the Space Coast who delivers real results, look no further than Andrew Pickett Law. They are the best in the business.
Robbi Sandkulla
9 days ago
When my fiancé was in a serious car accident, we were completely overwhelmed, but Andrew Pickett and his team were an absolute blessing. They stepped in immediately, handled every detail with the insurance companies, and kept us updated every step of the way. Seeing how much stress they lifted off his shoulders was a huge relief. Andrew fought hard and won an amazing outcome for his case. We are so incredibly grateful for this firm's dedication and highly recommend them!
Teresa Wyatt
21 days ago
The Team at Andrew Pickett has been great, so far. Extremely quick, and thorough. Wasted no time, in getting my case started.
Alondra “Alo” Ruiz
1 month ago
Very friendly and helpful. Love that they give back to the community.
Angela Oravits
1 month ago
We truley appreciate the kindness and helping us and many with a back pack. It was great to meet Andrew and Thank him for his kindness.
Jae is bae
1 month ago
That was so sweet of them, giving out free backpacks and supplies for the kids and making it easier for the parents to come up and just grab the backpacks and go to get home to their children. Love this event for people. I hope to see them next year as well.
K SN
1 month ago
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ I cannot say enough good things about my experience with Phindile at Andrew Pickett Law. From the moment she answered the phone, she was kind, compassionate, and truly listened to everything I had to say. After spending almost 16 months with another law firm where I felt completely ghosted and struggled with a lack of communication, I was feeling frustrated and unheard. Phindile spent nearly an hour on the phone with me, patiently listening to my concerns, answering my questions, and walking me through the process. She made me feel like my case actually mattered. In that one phone call, I received more communication, care, and reassurance than I had during my entire 16 months with my previous firm. Her professionalism, empathy, and willingness to help made such a stressful situation feel so much easier. If the rest of the team is anything like Phindile, I know I’m in good hands. Thank you for treating me with kindness and making me feel heard. I truly appreciate everything you’ve done.
marianne mattern
1 month ago
Andrew was a very nice person. Unfortunately they did not have shade for the people in the pre register line. Which left people with disabilities and non disabled left in the sun. They did provide little bottles of sunscreen and promo hand fans. Water was provided. Thank you for the kindness.
Rachael Brown
1 month ago
Thanks for your gracious contribution to our community
Jeremiah's Ice of West Melbourne
1 month ago
It was an absolute pleasure to join you this year in project backpack! What a great give-back for our local youth, it was an incredibly smooth event. Great team work!!
Nicole Popun
1 month ago
Thank you for giving back to the community. God bless your family.
Andrew Arnabat
1 month ago
My wife and I got hit with a car accident and the insurance chaos that followed. Tiffany Whitehouse and the Andrew Pickett Law team stepped up. Tiffany was always on the ball and went the extra mile. Vonda, Lindsey, Lauren, and Caroline really cared. They handled everything so we didn’t have to, moved fast, and got us the max they could. No stress. Just results
Joshua Sund
1 month ago
My daughter really enjoyed her backpack everything was very well organized
Audra Forbes
1 month ago
Amazing turnout! Everyone was so helpful, handing out waterbottlesand fans to stave off the scorching heat. I'm glad I stopped by.
Latisha Watkins
2 months ago
It was a pleasure to volunteer with Andrew Pickett Law Firm and his incredible team. I can’t say enough about how amazing his team communicated with me. A wonderful community event. The families that his firm helped at this year’s Back-to-School event was such a rewarding experience. The team was well-organized, welcoming, and made it so easy for me as a volunteer to step right in and make a meaningful impact. Watching the kids get excited about their new backpacks filled with supplies and seeing parents feel supported as the school year begins was the best part of the day. It’s amazing what can happen when a community comes together with a shared goal. I’m so grateful to have been a part of it and definitely look forward to helping out again in the future.
Rahmeik Venable
2 months ago
Wow, any person willing to hold an event to give back is an A1 person to me, the staff was absolutely amazing in organizing, and maintaining a great atmosphere for us all. I'll be looking forward to attending another community event.
Jennifer Cleveland
2 months ago
Lauren and her team are the best! Thank you for all the help, I 10/10 recommended them!
Diondra Harrison
2 months ago
It was a pleasure meeting Mr. Pickett and everyone at the law firm. From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with kindness, professionalism, and genuine hospitality. Mr. Pickett took the time to personally greet me, listen attentively, and make me feel valued. What impressed me most was his commitment to giving back to the community, especially through initiatives that support local youth, such as the annual back-to-school backpack drive. It’s inspiring to see a law firm that not only provides excellent service but also makes a meaningful impact beyond the office. I am truly grateful to have had the opportunity to meet Mr. Pickett and his incredible team. Thank you all for your dedication, generosity, and the positive difference you continue to make in the community. I highly recommend this firm to anyone looking for a team that genuinely cares.
Ivanova Rodriguez
2 months ago
Great experience, kindness people
andrew rafidi
2 months ago
Project Backpack was a major success! Wonderful community outreach event! Emma Vinson is incredibly kind and helpful!