More than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year in the United States, and more than 800,000 need medical attention for dog bites, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF). The majority of dog bite victims are young children between the ages of 5 and 9. No matter who the victim is in these attacks, the victim or their family members should consider contacting dog bite lawyers for help.
Dog attacks can cause their victims severe physical and emotional damage. One in five dog bite victims will require medical attention for their injuries, the AVMA reports.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog due to the negligence of the owner, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. In Arizona, it’s important for dog bite victims to have their claims reviewed by an experienced Phoenix, Arizona dog bite lawyer like the skilled personal injury attorneys at Phillips Law Group.
Contact our firm today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your potential case. We can review your claim and determine your legal options. Our awyers have extensive experience with personal injury cases and are more than prepared to discuss your case with you and try to help you get justice.
All of our services are provided on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will not be charged any fees unless we help you recover adequate compensation. Please call us today to learn more, or fill out the form on this page to get in touch about your situation.
Dogs are often called “man’s best friend,” but unfortunately this is not always the case. Millions of people are bitten by dogs annually throughout the US. It has been reported that every day, nearly 1,000 people require emergency care treatment for serious dog bite injuries.
Dog bites can cause very serious – and at times permanent – physical injuries. Additionally, the victim is often left emotionally traumatized. If you or a loved one has suffered significant injuries due to a dog bite in Arizona, you may have legal recourse.
The idea of pursuing a legal claim in regard to a dog attack may seem overwhelming, but the personal injury lawyers at Phillips Law Group can make your life easier. With decades of combined experience, our compassionate legal team is dedicated to defending the legal rights of personal injury victims and their families.
It is our desire to make quality legal services affordable to everyone. We provide our legal services on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no upfront legal fees for our work, and you only have to pay us if and when we recover fair compensation on your behalf.
Contact an experienced attorney at Phillips Law Group as soon as possible. The sooner we review your case, the sooner we can put our legal resources to work for you.
Arizona Dog Bite Laws
In Arizona, dog bites are subject to strict liability. A.R.S. § 11-1025 (A). This means that the owner can be found liable for your injuries even if the dog had never bitten anyone before or if the owner did not know that the dog was potentially dangerous.
In order to bring a dog bite lawsuit under the statute, the victim must be able to prove that:
- His or her injury was caused by the dog bite
- The victim suffered the injury while he or she was in a public place or lawfully on private property
There are exceptions to the victim’s right to recover damages in a dog bite lawsuit:
- The dog owner is not liable if it is found that the victim provoked the dog
- The dog owner is not liable if the victim was trespassing on his or her property. However, in such cases, the owner may be found liable for failing to clearly post warning signs of a vicious dog on the property
In addition, Arizona has fairly strict leash laws. In general, dogs are not permitted to be left unrestrained in public areas. In such instances, if a dog is running free and bites someone, the owner or handler could be held responsible under common law negligence in addition to the dog bite statutes that were broken. A Phoenix, AZ attorney from our firm could help you understand the applicable dog bite laws.
Types of Injuries Sustained in Dog Bite Incidents
All dog bites should be taken seriously. Injuries can range in severity from minor cuts and abrasions to inflicting life-altering physical and emotional harm. Some injuries can lead to serious complications.
Physical and psychological injuries can include:
- Scrapes, bruises, and rashes
- Puncture wounds
- Bone fractures
- Torn ligaments
- Nerve damage
- Bacterial infections
- Viral infections
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Anxiety
- Fear
If you have been the victim of a dog bite that has significantly impacted your quality of life, it is in your best interests to reach out to a Phoenix, AZ attorney experienced in such lawsuits. The lawyers at Phillips Law Group can help you to establish your claim and regain your peace of mind.
What Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
After a dog bite, you should seek immediate medical attention. You will also want to document the incident as best as possible.
After you have received medical care, it would be wise to:
- Contact police
- Get the contact information for the dog’s owner or handler
- File a report with your local animal control agency
- Get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the incident
- Take picture of the wounds caused by the dog bite
Having this information will make the legal claims process easier. Further, it will help your attorney in evaluating your case and deciding what your best legal recourse is.
Recovering Damages in a Dog Bite Case
The amount of material compensation that you may be able to recover in a dog bite case will depend on the extent of your injuries, your likelihood of recovering, and whether you will be able to return to your job, among other factors. You may be able to recover damages for both economic and personal losses.
These may include:
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced capacity to participate in normal activities
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Counseling and therapy
- Wrongful death
An experienced Arizona dog bite attorney can help you attain restitution for these and other damages if you have been the victim of a serious dog bite.
Potential Sources of Recovery in a Dog Bite Case
At times, people hesitate to file a dog bite claim when the dog belongs to a friend, relative, or neighbor. Understandably, people want to maintain good relationships with those they are close to.
Generally, the insurance policy of the dog’s owner will pay for your damages. Insurance policies that cover dog bites frequently include renter’s insurance, landlord insurance, homeowner’s insurance, or business insurance. If the dog owner does not have an insurance policy that will cover your damages, they may have income or other assets that will be able to compensate you.
How a Personal Injury lawyer Can Help Arizona Dog Bite Victims
As a victim of a serious dog bite, you may be suffering physically and reeling emotionally. At Phillips Law Group, we are committed to helping our clients to recover fair compensation so that they can be made whole again after a dog attack. We will handle the entire legal process from beginning to end so that you can focus on your recovery.
In practice since 1993, our dedicated and knowledgeable legal team can assist you in resolving your case in several ways:
- Giving you reliable and sound legal advice
- Protecting you from hasty and unfair settlement
- Gathering evidence on your behalf
- Establishing all liable parties
- Calculating your past, present, and future damages
- Negotiating with the defendant and insurance companies
- Representing you in court if necessary
How to Avoid Missing Out on What You Need
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite in Arizona, it is critical that you take timely action to recover damages. Arizona has a relatively short statute of limitations for claims under the strict liability statutes, which include the state’s dog bite laws.
Thus, it is important for victims to consult with a lawyer and file their dog bite lawsuit as soon after the attack as possible. Failing to take timely action can result in missing some statutory deadlines and thus becoming ineligible to recover full compensation.
The legal team at Phillips Law Group has recovered hundreds of millions in compensation for accident victims throughout Arizona. Let us help you attain the restitution you deserve. Please contact one of our personal injury lawyers for a risk-free consultation today.
No one ever expects to be attacked by a dog. But unfortunately, these types of incidents happen more often than you might think. And when a dog attack occurs, you need to know what to do and where to turn for help. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog attack, what are your legal options? You may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Most states have laws that make the owner of a dog responsible for any injuries caused by the dog. In some cases, the owner may be held liable even if the dog did not actually bite anyone. For example, if a dog knocks someone down and that person is injured, the owner may still be held liable.
To better understand the right legal path for you, call Phillips & Associates. Our dog attack lawyers have the experience and resources necessary to help you get justice after a dog attack.
What Laws Decide Liability in a Dog Attack Case?
Dog owners have a responsibility to keep their animals under control at all times. If the owner fails to do so and someone is injured, that person can be held liable for damages. It is estimated that there are around 800,000 dog bites every year, with 50 percent being attacks on children. Sadly, 334,000 of these attacks are found to be critical enough for the victim to be hospitalized.
A number of local laws pertain to dog bites and attacks. There is no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to determining liability in a dog bite case. Each situation is unique and must be evaluated on its own merits.
In most states, the owner of the dog will be held liable for any damages caused by the dog’s actions. This includes both property damage and personal injury. In some cases, the owner may be able to avoid liability if he or she can prove that the victim was trespassing or otherwise at fault.
There are also a number of strict liability laws that may apply in certain situations. These laws make the owner automatically liable, regardless of the circumstances that lead to his or her dog attacking. For example, many states have strict liability laws regarding dogs that kill or injure livestock.
Thus, if you have been the victim of a dog bite or attack, you first need to learn your legal rights and options. A Phoenix, AZ dog bite attorney can investigate your claim and help you navigate the complex legal landscape so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Who is Legally Responsible for a Dog Attack?
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, it is critical to identify the party legally responsible for the damages. In most cases, the owner of the dog will be held liable.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule. If the attack occurred on public property, the government may be held liable. If the attack was caused by a dangerous animal that was not properly secured, the owner of the premises where the attack occurred may be held accountable.
As a reminder, liability in a dog bite case does not necessarily rest with the person who owns the dog. If someone else was handling the dog at the time of the attack, that person may also be held liable. Likewise, if a landlord was aware of a dangerous animal on his or her property but did not take steps to remove it or warn tenants, then that person could be held responsible.
The best way to determine who is liable in a dog bite case is to speak with the experienced Phoenix, Arizona attorneys of Phillips & Associates. We can review the facts of your case and help you understand your legal options.
What Are Common Issues Resulting From Dog Attacks?
Other issues related to dog bites and dog attacks can be just as serious as the physical injuries that result. These include:
- Emotional trauma: Victims of dog bites and dog attacks can suffer from emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health problems. Children are especially susceptible to suffering emotional trauma after dog attacks.
- Disfigurement: Dog bites and dog attacks can cause disfigurement, scarring, and other physical deformities. This can be extremely distressing for victims, particularly if the attack occurred on the face or another visible area of the body.
- Loss of income: If a victim is unable to work due to his or her injuries, a significant loss of needed income could result. This can further strain an already difficult situation.
What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Dog Attack Lawyer?
When it comes to dog attacks, the first thing that many people think about is how to find a good doctor. However, it is wise to also prioritize having a good lawyer on your side.
There are a few different reasons why you might need a lawyer after a dog attack. For example, if the dog that attacked you was not on a leash, the owner may be held liable.
A lawyer can help you determine whether or not you have a case and what your next steps should be. Your legal advisors can also help negotiate with insurance companies and ensure that you are fairly compensated for your losses. Recoverable losses could include medical expenses, pain and suffering, and punitive damages for gross negligence.
Find the Right Dog Attack Lawyer for You
When you are the victim of a dog attack, it is vital to choose the right attorney to represent you. Here are some steps to find an experienced dog attack lawyer to protect your rights:
- Look for a lawyer with experience handling dog attack cases. This type of case is unique and requires detailed knowledge in order to be handled effectively. You should schedule a free initial consultation with your potential lawyer. Our attorneys at Phillips & Associates invite you to explore the online reviews from our previous clients, so you can have confidence when choosing our team to represent you.
- Choose a lawyer who is familiar with the laws in your state. Each state has its own laws governing dog attacks, and you need a lawyer who knows the ins and outs of these laws.
- Meet with your potential lawyer before making your final decision. During the consultation, be sure to ask about the lawyer’s experience with dog bite cases, the firm’s success rate, and the proposed approach to your case.
Phillips & Associates’ clients know that we readily provide a team of caring lawyers who will work tirelessly on their behalf. Our experienced dog attack lawyers can help you through this difficult time so you can get the compensation you deserve.
Finding the right lawyer for your case is crucial. Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone – our legal team of Phillips & Associates wants to fight to protect your rights.
Dogs are a central part of American culture, and estimates indicate that there are more than 75 million dogs living with people in the United States. Clearly, we love our dogs, which means that most people are likely to encounter them on a regular basis whether they own one or not. Unfortunately, not every dog is friendly and submissive, and when a dog feels threatened or is not properly trained, dog bite attacks can and do occur. If this has happened to you, seek the help of Phoenix dog bite injury lawyers as soon as possible. In the meantime, below is an overview of the issue of liability in regards to Arizona dog bites.
Frequency of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Arizona
Before analyzing how liability attaches in Arizona dog bite attacks, one should consider some basic statistics regarding how prevalent this problem is. Every year in the United States, almost five million people are bitten by a dog, and almost one million of those who are bitten are injured badly enough to require medical attention. In addition, more than 1,000 people every day visit an emergency room because of injuries suffered from a dog bite, and the majority of people who are harmed are children.
Liability and Lawsuits for Dog Attacks in Phoenix
When a dog bites a person, much will depend on how the injury occurred. If a person trespasses on the dog owner’s property and is bitten, it’s possible that the owner would not be liable for the injuries that occur. However, in most other situations, the dog’s owner would generally be liable if his or her dog attacks someone and causes an injury. There are several scenarios where dog bites can lead to liability for their owners, and examples of them include:
- The dog gets loose from his or her home and attacks a person
- A dog attacks a person in public
- A dog is not kept on a leash and runs free, leading to a dog bite attack
One of the reasons that so many children are bitten is because of the awkward nature of their approach to dogs. When someone feels fear, a dog can sense that and will generally become fearful as well. Fear in a dog will usually lead to a dog bite, and dogs will instinctively attack a person’s neck and face much as they would a more natural enemy.
Call a Phoenix, AZ Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you or someone you love has been harmed by a dog that was not properly restrained, you need to seek the help of experienced Phoenix, AZ dog bite injury lawyers who have been holding negligent owners accountable for many years. Contact Phillips Law Group today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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