If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog in Arizona, you may feel overwhelmed, and rightly so. You may not be a legal expert, so you may wonder about your best course of action.
Dog bites can be extremely serious, with a reported 1 in 5 people seeking medical attention after suffering a dog bite. Medical expenses, time lost from work, and pain and disfigurement can all take a financial and emotional toll on the victim of a dog bite.
If your dog bite happened due to the negligence of the animal’s owner, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your losses. However, what you do in the immediate aftermath of a dog-related injury can have a major impact on your chances of recovery. Getting advice from an experienced Arizona dog bite lawyer can help you to get back on your feet as fast as possible.
At Phillips Law Group, we support our clients from day one. If you have been hurt, it’s never too soon to call us for help. And there’s no need to hesitate – we work on a contingency fee basis to guarantee that economic reasons do not prevent you from seeking the justice you deserve. Our Arizona dog bite injury lawyers are ready to discuss your legal options.
The First Few Steps to Take Immediately After an Arizona Dog Bite
Since dog bites often occur unexpectedly, it may be tempting to play down the damage and put off seeking immediate medical care. However, this is one of a few key actions that you must take after a dog bite.
Other important steps include:
- Recording the details of the attack
- Taking photos of the dog and your injuries
- Collecting information from witnesses
- Getting contact information from the dog’s owner
- Reporting the dog bite to animal control
- Keeping all clothing worn during the attack in the same condition
- Saving medical documentation from your doctor or emergency room visit
- Contacting an Arizona dog bite injury lawyer
Following the above guidelines and seeking medical care as soon as possible can give you the best chance for recovery both physically and financially after your dog bite injury. It is also important to avoid speaking with the dog owner’s insurer before consulting a lawyer.
Phillips Law Group has helped many Arizona accident victims through the claims process with successful outcomes. As one of Arizona’s largest consumer law firms, we have the experience and resources needed for a positive resolution to an injury claim. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.
Consider the Damages You May Be Entitled To
In a study done by the Arizona Department of Health Services, it was found that there were a total of 34,151 emergency department visits and 2,358 inpatient hospitalizations for dog bites in Arizona during a recent 4-year period. It is likely that a large number of these victims were bit by another person’s dog. If this was the case for you, know that you may have legal recourse against the dog’s owner.
Arizona has strict liability laws for the animal’s owner when a canine bites another person. The law states that the owner is liable for the damages suffered as a result of a dog bite if:
The law in Arizona does not stipulate that the owner is only liable if the dog has previously shown signs of viciousness, as in other states. Rather, liability is incurred regardless of the owner’s knowledge or the canine’s past behavior. Liability, or legal responsibility, for the incident means that the dog’s owner will be required to pay all medical bills, lost wages, and sometimes even extra damages for the pain and suffering that resulted from the dog bite.
To know whether you may be eligible for compensation after a dog bite, speak to dog bite attorneys who can walk you through the claim procedures and give you legal advice.
Phillips & Associates takes pride in being a compassionate and knowledgeable law firm that stays focused on our main objective – helping you recover from what you have suffered. Contact us today to talk about your case free of charge.
Follow Dog Bite Procedures for Your Locale
With offices in Phoenix, Avondale, and Mesa, Phillips Law Group often helps personal injury victims throughout the State of Arizona. No matter where your dog bite accident occurred, we would be happy to speak with you about your options.
However, similar to other counties nationwide, there are a few requirements that may be specific to your county. Take Maricopa County, for example.
For example, Maricopa County requires residents to report all dog bites to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control in a timely manner. The dog is then confined for a quarantine of 10 days, pending an investigation into the incident. Any information you provide as to the dog’s breed, color, size, and owner’s details can ensure that the investigators get the facts of your case straight.
While the county investigates, it is in your best interests to seek legal advice. In this situation, a lawyer can help you to follow all necessary steps to file your claim, as well as dealing with the owner’s insurance company and following up with the county on your behalf.
Instead of guessing as to how local law applies to your case, please ask for assistance. You do not have to go through this stressful time alone. Rather, the lawyers at Phillips Law Group are ready to help you each step of the way.
Ask Phillips Law Group for Advice and Support
Dog bites can be extremely serious, resulting in permanent health issues, debilitating medical debt, and even loss of quality of life. If you have been bit by another person’s dog, you may be facing a difficult road to recovery, but this is one that you don’t have to travel alone. Seeking legal counsel at this stage can help you to focus less on the claims process and more on what really matters – your recovery.
Arizona dog owners are responsible for the damage that their animals inflict in the form of bites or attacks. Don’t let insurance companies convince you that your claim is not worth the full amount that you deserve. If your injury was inflicted locally, speak with an Arizona dog bite lawyer for advice that you can trust to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible.
Phillips & Associates is passionate about helping our clients to get the justice they deserve. We know that suffering a dog bite is traumatic, and you likely want to put it behind you as soon as you can. Whether you are in Maricopa County, another area of Arizona, or even elsewhere in the States, Phillips Law Group can advise you as to what you need.
We are dedicated to fighting for the rights of each and every one of our clients. Please do not hesitate to contact us at (602) 222-2222 to get started on your dog bite case.
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