Child Airlifted After Dog Attack in Margate: Dog Bite Liability in Florida

Tragedy struck a Margate neighborhood this week when a 7-year-old child was mauled by two pit bulls at a home near Northwest 56th Avenue in Lakeview Circle South. According to the Margate Police Department, the child sustained multiple bites and was airlifted to Broward General Hospital for emergency treatment. Thankfully, the injuries are reported as non-life-threatening, but the incident highlights the devastating impact of dog attacks and the complex legal questions they raise.

Police say the attack happened Wednesday inside a residence where the child was staying. The dogs—identified as pit bulls—belonged to a family member who was temporarily keeping the animals at the home.

When first responders arrived, they discovered the 7-year-old with significant injuries and immediately called for an air rescue transport. Photos taken outside the residence reportedly showed blood-soaked blankets, underscoring the seriousness of the attack.

Animal control officers have since removed both dogs from the property. The circumstances surrounding what triggered the attack remain under investigation.

Florida has one of the nation’s strongest dog bite laws, found in Florida Statute § 767.04. Unlike many states that apply a “one bite rule,” Florida imposes strict liability on dog owners. This means:

• A dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes, even if the dog never showed aggression before.
• The injured person does not need to prove negligence to recover compensation.

In cases involving children, the law is especially protective. Young children are generally presumed not to have the ability to provoke or assume the risk of a dog’s behavior, which strengthens potential claims for compensation.

While the full investigation is ongoing, several legal issues may arise in the Margate incident:

1. Dog Owner Liability: Since the pit bulls belonged to a family member, that individual may face direct liability for the attack under Florida’s strict liability law.
2. Property Owner Liability: If the homeowner who was keeping the dogs knew or should have known the dogs posed a danger, they could face claims under premises liability laws.
3. Caregiver Liability: If any adult responsible for supervising the child allowed unsafe interactions with the dogs, that could also play a role in civil litigation.

A child who suffers a dog attack may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury claim. Damages may include:

• Medical expenses (emergency treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, and future care)
• Pain and suffering (emotional trauma, fear, anxiety, and lasting psychological harm)
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life for lasting physical or emotional impacts

Because the victim in this case is only seven years old, future damages such as ongoing therapy, reconstructive treatment, and long-term emotional recovery, are particularly relevant.

In many Florida dog bite cases, compensation is pursued through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. However, challenges can arise:

• Some policies exclude coverage for certain breeds, such as pit bulls.
• If the dogs’ owner does not carry insurance, recovery may require filing a direct lawsuit.
• If the property owner allowed the dogs to stay on the premises without proper precautions, their policy could also be implicated.

An experienced personal injury attorney can help families identify all potential sources of compensation to cover the extensive costs associated with recovery.

If your child or loved one has been attacked by a dog in South Florida, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Our compassionate team can explain your rights, evaluate your case, and help you pursue justice.