Unlike many other states, Florida has a specific statute on dog bites. Owners are strictly liable for attacks by their dogs, even if the dog has never attacked anyone before. Nevertheless, you may still need a dog bite lawyer in Palm Bay to pursue a claim.

If you live in Palm Bay, Florida, or anywhere in Brevard County, Andrew Pickett Law is ready to help you after your dog bite. We can investigate which insurance policies apply to your injury and work to get compensation on your behalf.

What Is the Owner Liable For?

Every cost related to your injuries. This is what strict liability means. Once we identify the owner of the dog and prove the dog caused your injuries, the law is clear. The tricky part is figuring out how expensive your injuries are and which insurance policies cover your attack.

Most homeowner’s and renter’s policies cover dog bites. The owner may also have an umbrella policy that covers excess damages. However, if they do not have insurance then it may be difficult to get any compensation.

We will investigate the owner’s assets to determine if they can pay for your compensation directly, but this comes with a risk if you win. The owner may be able to discharge the debt in a bankruptcy proceeding. Nevertheless, we will do all we can to get you the compensation you deserve.

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When Is an Owner Not Liable?

There are a few circumstances that make the owner of a dog not liable for an attack, but these are rare. The most common exception is guard dogs. Owners must display a “bad dog” or a “beware of dog” sign on your property in clear view, but if they do then they can bite a trespasser or other uninvited guest. This defense does not apply if the victim was under the age of six. 

The other exceptions where the dog owner isn’t liable are:

• Dogs owned by law enforcement agencies or in their service
• Service animals
• Hunting dogs, presumably during the act of hunting
• Dogs engaged in legal dog training or in exhibition

What If I Contributed to the Attack?

If you did something that put you at risk of a dog attack, that could be a problem. Depending on the circumstances, you could have your compensation reduced or eliminated. A dog bite injury attorney in Palm Bay can decide if your case is valid or not.

Going back to guard dogs, if you were a trespasser or engaged in some kind of criminal activity and got bit by a dog, that would be a defense against the attack. This could apply even if the owner didn’t display a warning sign.

Another defense is if you were clearly negligent of a dog’s warning behavior or if you deliberately provoked the dog to attack you. The owner would have to prove these things, but if they did then your compensation would be jeopardized.

how the claim process works

Step 1

Submit your case

With a free case evaluation, submitting your case is easy with us.

Step 2

We take action

Our dedicated team gets to work investigating your claim.

Step 3

We fight for you

If we take on the case, our team fights to get you the maximum compensation legally possible.

Free Case Evaluation

Please describe what happened. We will review your case for free and work to secure the highest legal compensation possible.

Free Case Evaluation

5000+ Cases Reviewed

Beatrice Maxime

$1,000,000 Verdict

"I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case. Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!"

Could the Owner Face Criminal Penalties?

Yes, according to Florida statutes. They could face misdemeanors or even a felony. This depends on whether they knew their dog was dangerous, if the dog had bitten someone in the past, and whether the attack caused severe injury or death.

Charging someone with these penalties is up to the state. After you’ve been attacked, contact the police and animal control to make a report of what happened. They will do an investigation and, if they can find enough evidence, will charge the owner with criminal penalties.

Will the Dog Be Put Down?

This is a possibility, but it’s out of your hands. If a dog causes severe injuries or kills someone, the state may confiscate the dog and put it down. They may also do this if a dog known to be dangerous bites again.

Local laws may also have rules regarding how to handle animals that have attacked someone.. All of these are beyond your control. Remember, it is the owner who is responsible for training their animal properly. The blame falls on them.

What If I Can’t Afford Treatment?

If you work with a dog bite injury attorney, you may be able to get treatment without paying for it immediately. Your Palm Bay dog bite injury lawyer can write a letter of protection that promises the doctor they’ll get paid for treatment out of your settlement funds.

Speaking of fees, our dog bite lawyers work on a contingency basis. You do not have to pay us anything until your case is finished. Once it does, we will take a percentage of the total settlement, pay off any outstanding medical bills covered by the letter, then give you the remainder.

Get a Palm Bay Dog Bite Injury Attorney Today

Andrew Pickett Law is the attorney for you if you’ve been bitten by a dog in Palm Bay or elsewhere in Brevard County. Dog owners sometimes like to hide evidence of attacks, but we will pursue the matter aggressively so you can get the compensation you need.

To get started, request a case evaluation by calling our office or filling out our contact form. Remember, you do not have to pay us anything until your case is complete in your favor.

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Greg Guiles

I had an excellent experience with Andrew Pickett Law and especially with their paralegal, Lindsey Pike for my personal injury case. Lindsey was incredibly informative and took the time to thoroughly explain the litigation process to me, which made navigating everything so much easier. She was patient, responsive, and always made sure I felt supported throughout the case. I truly appreciated her guidance and professionalism. I would highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law anyone seeking legal assistance.

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I have know Linsey Pike for several years and she has been such a strong support. She listens, she is access quickly and accurately and she has has a strong knowledge base. When she doesn’t have an answer she finds one. With integrity, kindness, and vigor, she pursues justice. ,

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amber rutgerson

My experience with Pickett’s Litigation Paralegal, Lindsey Pike was top notch!! She remained calm, organized and had all the answers to every question I had!! Thank you Lindsey!!!

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Lindsey Pike

Phenomenal law firm! They care about their clients and their results!

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Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind review, Alan!

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I highly recommend Andrew Pickett and his team. They handled my accident case with professionalism, knowledge, and care. They were always available to answer my questions and kept me informed throughout the entire process. Their dedication and expertise made a stressful situation much easier to navigate. I’m very grateful for their support and the positive outcome they achieved for me.

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I had a great experience working with Jessica Hicks. Professional, efficient and very knowledgeable. Great results, would highly recommend.

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I had an outstanding experience with Pickett Law. Attorney Jessica Hicks and the Pickett Law team did an incredible job on my trip and fall case. From the first phone call with Jessica and Andrew Picket, I knew I was in good hands. Jessica Hicks is an incredible advocate, she is prepared thorough, and will go the extra mile. The entire staff truly care about their clients, they are so knowledgable and answered any questions I had throughout the case. I am so blessed to have the best team represent me. Thank you: Jessica Hicks, Jeremie, Tina, Kimberly, Vonda, Jenny, Andrew, and the entire Pickett Law Team!!

Response from the owner: Josh, what a great review! Thanks for trusting us to assist you with your case. Please let us know if we can ever be of service in the future.

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I’m not sure I’d still be here today without Jessica Hicks. Thank you Andrew Pickett Law!

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i highly recommend JESSICA HICKS she is and outstanding attorney and has done wonders for my case, i can't thank her enough for all her hard work and dedication. she has put in the time to help me, very caring and gets the job done million stars...

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Response from the owner: Glad we could help, Mandy! Thanks for trusting us.

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I had an amazing experience with Andrew Pickett Law. I was always receiving calls, messages and emails with any updates to the case or questions they had for me. Their availability to answer my calls and questions was flexible and respectful. I would highly suggest this law firm for any person who has experienced injury from an automobile accident and is seeking further assistance legally. This office makes sure you are informed and well taken care of.

Response from the owner: Fallon, thank you! I am happy we were able to meet your expectations.

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Andrew Pickett Law and their team of attorneys are exceptional. Mr. Pickett is knowledgeable, courteous, and dedicated. A consummate professional. As an attorney, I’ve had the pleasure of working alongside Ms. Hicks and Ms. Whitehouse and their trial experience and negotiation skills are outstanding. What an amazing team!

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It's hands down one of the best personal injury firms I’ve ever seen! I referred my brother to this firm, and he continues to tell me how communicative and diligent Jessica Hicks and Tiffany Whitehouse are in getting him the best outcome!

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Taylor McDermid

Review for Jessica Hicks and Tiffany WhitehouseJessica Hicks and Tiffany Whitehouse are exceptional personal injury attorneys who truly stand out for their attention to detail and genuine care for their clients. From the very beginning, they go above and beyond to ensure every aspect of your case is meticulously handled. They take the time to understand your unique circumstances, patiently answer all your questions, and keep you informed throughout the process.What sets them apart is their heartfelt dedication to their clients. You can tell that they genuinely care—not just about winning cases, but about helping people rebuild their lives after difficult situations. Jessica and Tiffany are compassionate, responsive, and fiercely advocate for the best possible outcome.If you’re looking for attorneys who combine legal expertise with a personal touch, Jessica Hicks and Tiffany Whitehouse are the team you want on your side. Highly recommended!

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I cannot say enough positive things about Andrew Pickett Law and their incredible team of attorneys. Jessica Hicks and Tiffany Whitehouse bring an exceptional level of professionalism, skill, and care to every case they handle. Jessica’s extensive trial experience is evident in her strategic approach and dedication to achieving justice, while Tiffany’s unique combination of legal expertise and medical knowledge provides invaluable insight for personal injury cases.What truly distinguishes this firm is its unwavering commitment to justice and client care. From the first consultation, you are met with clear communication, thoughtful strategy, and a team that treats your case with the gravity and diligence it deserves. If you are seeking tireless advocates who blend compassion with formidable expertise, Andrew Pickett Law is the firm to trust.

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Tiffany Whitehouse & Jessica Hicks are some of the most talented and driven individuals you will ever have the pleasure of working with. Their professionalism and kindness goes beyond and is a weight off your shoulders.

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Tiffany Whitehouse and Jessica Hicks are AMAZING attorneys who have dedicated their careers to helping people in need. There work at Pickett is a shining example of this the way they fight for their clients (even getting better results than some of the bigger firms in the area)

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If you are reading this you may have been in a car accident which I am sure has disrupted your life as it did mine. Dealing with your insurance company will be impossible and their goal is to give you the least amount of money possible regardless of your injuries. It is a slow process and you have to be patient. Andrew Pickett will work extremely hard to get you enough money to take care of past and potential future expenses. He is extremely good at what he does and his support staff are attentive and responsive as well. Personally I wouldn't be a number at one of those big firms that advertise on TV. Andrew was completely involved in my case and took great care of me. Stay strong, I pray the pain will lessen for you, and let Andrew fight for you!

Response from the owner: Thank you, Rebecca! What a thoughtful review. It was an honor to represent you.

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The entire team is amazing. Andrew and his team worked hard to get the best outcome for our case. I am very happy with our decisions to hire him after our accident.

Response from the owner: Thank you for trusting us, Sandra! It was an honor to represent you and your family.

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Andrew and his team were professional and helped me through every step of the way. They made sure I was comfortable and understood the entire process. I would strongly recommend them to anyone!

Response from the owner: Thank you, Joe! I’m happy that we were able to reach a favorable resolution.

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Mr. Pickett is a fantastic personal injury attorney who has represented several of my own clients in various injury matters. He has obtained very favorable results for my clients. He is responsive, attentive, and detail oriented. I highly recommend his services.

Response from the owner: Thank you for the 5-star review, Ashley! We are honored to receive referrals from you.

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I worked with Jessica Hicks after I was hit by another driver. She worked diligently, professionally, and exhaustively on my case which resulted in compensation. Jessica Hicks is by far one of the most caring, qualified, and knowledgeable lawyers in Brevard County and the state of Florida. I highly recommend Jessica for her skill, expertise, and exemplary service. You will not be disappointed in choosing her as your lawyer. Thank you, Jessica.

Response from the owner: Thank you for the kind review, Kimberly! I am pleased we were able to reach a resolution.

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Amazing law firm. Highly recommend.

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I had the privilege of working with Andrew Pickett and his staff at Andrew Pickett Law for my personal injury case, and I couldn't be more satisfied with the outcome. From our first meeting, he displayed a genuine concern for my well-being and a deep understanding of the legal complexities involved.Mr. Pickett was always available to answer my questions and provided clear guidance throughout the process. He fought tirelessly on my behalf, ensuring that I received the compensation I deserved.The level of professionalism and dedication was truly outstanding. I highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law to anyone in need of a personal injury attorney. Thank you for your exceptional service!

Response from the owner: Karen, what a wonderful review! We appreciate your kind words.

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Hands down best attorney in town. Andrew takes his time with you through the entire process and keeps you informed. If you are looking for a local attorney that you can trust, Andrew Picket Law is for you.

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Andrew is an amazing attorney that truly cares about his clients.

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I had an excellent experience with Andrew Pickett and their team. From the initial consultation to the final settlement, they were professional, knowledgeable, and compassionate. They truly worked hard to get a favorable outcome. I highly recommend them to anyone in need of a skilled accident attorney. Thank you for your outstanding service!

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Raymond Miley

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I had the best experience working with Pickett Law. They are all very knowledgeable about the law. We personally worked with Atty Tiffany Whitehouse and her team of Tina Johnson and Vonda Vassar, they knew how to get us the most money that we were entitled to from a car accident. I don’t know what we would have done without their help. If you are ever looking for an atty, we highly recommend this office.

Response from the owner: Thank you for the great review, Linda! And thank you for your trust in our law firm. If we can ever assist you or any friends or family in the future, please let us know.

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I had an excellent experience with Andrew Pickett Law firm. From start to finish, the team was incredibly responsive and attentive to my needs. Jessica was outstanding in patiently answering all my questions, making sure I fully understood each step of the process. I also want to thank Vonda for taking the time at the beginning of my case to walk me through everything, providing clarity and peace of mind. In the end, I was more than happy with the successful settlement outcome. I highly recommend Andrew Pickett Law firm for anyone seeking top-notch legal representation.

Response from the owner: Thank you so much for the wonderful review, Shaun! It was an honor to represent you. We are grateful for the trust you placed in us. If we can ever be of assistance to you or your friends or family in the future, please let us know.

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I had the privilege of working with Attorney Jessica Hicks alongside Attorney Andrew Pickett during my personal injury case, and their exceptional representation made all the difference. From the very beginning, they were attentive, compassionate, and highly engaged with every detail of my case. Attorney Jessica Hicks, in particular, formed a great personal connection with me, truly understanding the pain and challenges I faced after my accident.Their communication was outstanding, keeping me informed at every step through phone calls, office visits, text messages, and their office app. Attorney Jessica Hicks’ dedication and persistence led to securing the full allowable settlement amount without the need to go to court, which was an immense relief.I cannot recommend Attorney Jessica Hicks and Attorney Andrew Pickett highly enough. Their knowledge, support, and commitment are of the highest caliber. Jessica, in particular, is a determined and relentless advocate, ensuring that I was fully supported and heard throughout the process. If you're looking for attorneys who will truly fight for you, Jessica Hicks and Andrew Pickett Law are the ones to choose.

Response from the owner: Thank you for the great and thoughtful review, Belinda! It was a pleasure to represent you, and we are happy that you are satisfied with our efforts.

Jen Gonzo

ANDREW PICKETT LAW represented me in my case and they were professional all the way through. I am so grateful for what they were able to do for me. Big kudos to my attorney Jessica Hicks. 👏

Response from the owner: Thank you, Jennifer! Great review. So happy that we were able to resolve your case favorably!

Ken Williams

Andrew Pickett and his staff worked extremely hard to resolve my case I am extremely happy that I went with them and will use them in the future most definitely they kept me well informed and The professionalism I experienced wasunmatched.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Ken! It was a pleasure to represent you and get to know you.

Valeta Cameron

Exceptional attorney! Highly recommended for any of your personal injury needs.

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Rose Hudson

Andrew and his team were incredibly knowledgeable and showed empathy and compassion to me throughout the entire process. My questions were always answered, even after the case closed. I continue to follow Andrew Pickett on various social media outlets as he regularly creates relevant and informative content. I highly recommend Andrew Pickett.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Rose! We really appreciate your kind words and your friendship. Please let us know if we can ever be of assistance in the future.

Marquisha Mansfield

Very helpful great status wonderful work

Response from the owner: Thank you for trusting us to help you with your case, Marquisha.

jhayco

Great job and great service

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Beatrice Maxime

I am so very grateful to have had this firm represent me. I was in a car accident a few years ago, but the car insurance company of the person who totaled my car would not replace my car, nor pay for my medical bills. So we hired a Law Firm who then brought in Andrew Pickett Law on the case. I am so happy Andrew agreed to come onboard. He worked really hard on my case. Even though things were moving slow because of Covid-19 pandemic, he never stop working on my behalf. He was very dedicated to the case. I'm grateful for his professionalism, his patience, and his devotion.We ended up going to court and because of Mr. Pickett, we won the case.Thank you so much for all you did for us!!!!

Response from the owner: Beatrice, thank you so much for your kind words! I really enjoyed getting to know you and your family. It was an honor to represent you and join you on this journey.

Marilyn Colpitts

Fantastic service and professionalism. The Pickett Law firm handle my case with care and understanding. I recommend this firm with your case that may be out of the ordinary. Extremely pleased with the outcome.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Marilyn!