Andrew Pickett Law is proud to serve Melbourne with aggressive, trial-ready legal representation for serious personal injury cases. Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, and when an attack happens, the law provides a path to hold negligent owners accountable.
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Melbourne’s mix of residential neighborhoods like Suntree and Viera, along with busy public spaces and parks near Eau Gallie Boulevard and the Indian River Lagoon, means frequent interaction between people and pets. While most dogs are well-managed, attacks can occur when owners fail to follow leash laws or properly control aggressive animals. These incidents often happen quickly and the consequences can last a lifetime.
Call Andrew Pickett Law in Melbourne today to schedule your free consultation.
What You Need to Know About Dog Bite Laws in Florida
Florida follows a strict liability rule for dog bites under Florida Statutes §767.04. This means a dog owner can be held responsible for injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has never shown prior aggression.
In practical terms, this law removes the burden of proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous. However, there are still nuances that can affect your case.
Key legal considerations include:
- Whether the victim was lawfully on the property
- Whether warning signs (like “Bad Dog”) were clearly displayed
- Whether the victim provoked the dog
- Comparative negligence rules that may reduce compensation
Understanding how these factors apply requires careful legal analysis, especially when insurance companies attempt to shift blame.
Common Challenges People Face After a Dog Attack
Dog bite claims often involve more than just physical injuries. They can quickly become disputes between insurance companies, homeowners, and victims.
Some of the most common challenges include:
- Insurance disputes over coverage under homeowner or renter policies
- Minimization of injuries, especially when scarring is involved
- Blame-shifting, claiming the victim provoked the dog
- Delayed psychological trauma, particularly in children
Andrew Pickett Law approaches these cases with the same trial-ready preparation used in complex injury and wrongful death cases. That level of preparation can make a meaningful difference in how insurers respond.
Let’s talk about your case and your options for justice.
Injuries and Long-Term Impact of Dog Bites
Dog bites often result in more serious injuries than people expect. Beyond the immediate wound, complications can develop over time.
Common injuries include:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Infections, including rabies concerns
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma, including PTSD
Children are particularly vulnerable, often suffering injuries to the face and neck. In severe cases, these incidents may lead to catastrophic injuries requiring long-term medical care or reconstructive surgery.
Andrew Pickett Law frequently handles cases involving catastrophic injuries, brain trauma, and wrongful death tied to negligence.
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Melbourne?
The steps you take immediately after a dog attack can significantly affect both your recovery and your legal claim.
Here’s a straightforward checklist:
1. Seek medical attention right away – Even small bites can lead to infection
2. Identify the dog and owner – This is critical for liability and vaccination records
3. Report the incident – Contact local animal control or law enforcement
4. Document injuries and the scene – Photos are essential evidence
5. Follow all medical recommendations – Treatment records strengthen your case
6. Consult a lawyer early – Insurance companies may contact you quickly
Facilities like Holmes Regional Medical Center and Parrish Medical Center often treat serious bite injuries in Brevard County, and those records can play a key role in establishing damages.
How to Know When You Should Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer
Not every dog bite leads to legal action, but many do, especially when injuries are significant.
You should consider contacting Andrew Pickett Law if:
- The injury required stitches or surgery
- There is visible scarring or disfigurement
- A child was injured
- You missed work or lost income
- The dog owner denies responsibility
- An insurance company is involved
Even seemingly straightforward cases can become complicated once insurers begin evaluating liability and damages.
Speak with a trusted Florida trial lawyer, contact Andrew Pickett Law now.
How Compensation Works in Dog Bite Cases
Victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
These may include:
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Costs of reconstructive surgery
- Long-term rehabilitation
Because Florida applies comparative negligence rules, compensation may be reduced if the victim is found partially at fault. Insurance companies often use this to their advantage, which is why strong legal representation matters.
Why Dog Bite Cases Require a Trial-Ready Approach
Insurance companies often assume dog bite cases will settle quickly. That assumption can lead to low initial offers that don’t reflect the true cost of the injury.
Andrew Pickett Law prepares every case with the expectation that it could go to trial. This includes:
- Gathering medical expert opinions
- Documenting long-term impact
- Building a clear liability argument
- Preparing evidence for court if necessary
This approach signals to insurers that your claim is being taken seriously, and that it won’t be undervalued without a fight.
Melbourne ZIP Codes We Serve
- 32901 – Downtown Melbourne / Crane Creek
- 32903 – Indialantic / Barrier Island
- 32904 – West Melbourne
- 32934 – Wickham Park / North Melbourne
- 32935 – Eau Gallie / Croton Road Corridor
- 32940 – Viera / Suntree Area
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
Can I still file a claim if the dog never bit anyone before? Yes. Florida’s strict liability law allows claims regardless of the dog’s history.
What if the bite happened on private property? You may still have a valid claim if you were lawfully on the property.
How long do I have to file a claim? In most cases, Florida allows two years from the date of injury.
What if the owner doesn’t have insurance? Other legal avenues may still be available, depending on the circumstances.
Talk to a Melbourne Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bite injuries can affect every part of your life, from physical recovery to emotional well-being. You deserve clear answers and a legal strategy that reflects the seriousness of your situation.
Andrew Pickett Law serves clients throughout Melbourne, Palm Bay, Cocoa, and surrounding Brevard County communities with dedicated, hands-on representation.
If you or your child has been injured in a dog attack, call Andrew Pickett Law today for a free consultation.
More Personal Injury Services in Melbourne
In addition to representing families in slip and fall accident cases, Andrew Pickett Law handles a wide range of accident and injury cases throughout Melbourne and Brevard County, including:
Map of Melbourne, Florida
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 500+ personal injury cases.
Collected more than $38 million for clients.
500+ people have chosen Andrew as their attorney.
520+ Satisfied Clients
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Danielle Theodorides
Courtney LaChapelle
I had an auto accident back in September, and went to Andrew Pickette Law to get a case going for my medical expenses I was having to deal with. I was working closely with Vonda and Tiffany Whitehouse through the last several months. We’ve finally come to the conclusion of my case and I am so thrilled with the outcome. These ladies have been here for every question and concern that I’ve had during this process. This is an exceptional law office and would recommend anyone seek out their services. You’re getting someone that is from our area, knows Florida laws, and truly gets to know their clients.
Luke Dow
Andrew has established his firm as a pillar of excellence in personal injury space. He and his team have a track record of successful outcomes, they’ve earned their reputation as one of the most reliable legal practices in the area. Highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law.
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I had a great consultation with Ashley, she was very compassionate and walked me through the entire signing process. She explained everything clearly and was very patient and understanding, as it was my first time going through anything like this. She made me feel reassured and that I am great hands with Andrew Pickett Law!
Ella-Louise Steensma
Andrew Pickett Law firm has been so helpful already, Ashley S has been so kind and helpful answering all my questions! She is understanding of what you need and helps you get it!
Tony Burns
Known Andrew for years and if you’re looking for a great attorney, he’s your guy!
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I was sent a short notice to Andrew Law firm . Hailey – Intake Called me back with so much patience and concern for what happened to me . Feels so much warmer and care . They gives me more information about what I need to do for help. Very appreciate even they are not able to help me. Thanks again for her time and compassionate . Thanks Hailey – Intake
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Erin Hussey
So far, Pickett law, and Ashley in particular have been amazing. They work so quick and are very responsive. I was in an accident Friday and called Friday evening after business hours and they contacted me first thing Monday morning to let me know they were working on my case. I feel safe having this firm in my corner.
Margarita Eberline
Andrew Pickett is an exceptional attorney and an even more incredible advocate for his clients! I had the pleasure of hosting him on The Care Sandwich Podcast, where he shared his journey and passion for helping those who’ve been wronged.
Andrew’s compassion and expertise truly set him apart, he’s not just a lawyer, he’s someone who genuinely cares about making a difference. If you’re in need of a personal injury attorney who will fight for you every step of the way, Andrew is the one to call. Highly recommend!
Sue Padgett
I have had nothing but a pleasant experience with Ashley as my first time dealing with an attorney and their staff. She helped make sense out of a lot of unknowns and questions I had. She is a joy to speak to and quick to respond to you, either after a phone call or text. I hope my whole experience with this group will be as comfortable as it was speaking with Ashley. I’m sure it will be.
Primo Garcia
For almost 2 yrs Mr. Pickett and his team worked endlessly on my case. They showed tremendous dedication and drive. Lindsey was always staying in contact and always reassuring me that they got this so don’t worry. Today I get a call stating we WON, all I can say is thank God that Andrew and Lindsey took my case because without them I don’t know what would have happened. God bless them both I love you guys.
Rose Harper
Pickett Law has exceptional trial attorneys and compassionate team members. I highly recommend Pickett Law for any accident and injury accident cases in Florida.
Megan Thomas
Excellent trial law firm. Andrew is a wealth of knowledge and works hard for his clients.
Jenn Gc
Outstanding law firm and great trial lawyer! Andrew and his team are some of the best in the business.
ranojoy guha
I had a chance to work with Andrew, he’s an incredible trial attorney and a wonderful human being.
kristie escalera
I love his dedication to the community.