If you were injured in a dog attack, you may be eligible for compensation for damages.
The attorneys at Phillips Law Group are here to help. We have recovered over $1 billion in compensation on behalf of more than 155,000 consumer clients. Jeffrey Phillips has been lead counsel in over 40 jury trials and obtained verdicts in several Arizona counties.
Contact us today for your free case evaluation. There is no upfront cost to you if you decide to let us handle your case.
Reach us by phone at 602-222-2222 . Free case evaluation.
Not Sure if You Have a Case?
When a dog bites someone in a public area or someone who is lawfully in a private place, including the property of the owner, the owner can be held liable for the victim’s damages (Arizona Revised Statutes 11-1025). Unlike other states, it does not matter if the dog had shown viciousness in the past or if the owner knew about it.
If you were a guest at a friend’s house and your friend’s dog bit you, you may be able to seek compensation. On the other hand, trespassers would not be eligible to seek damages because they were on the property illegally.
Arizona state law has specific criteria for what it means to lawfully be on private property.
A common defense that dog owners may use is to say the victim provoked the dog into attacking. For instance, they may claim you poked, taunted or startled the dog. If the owner makes this claim, your attorney must provide evidence to refute it.
These cases can be complicated, so it is recommended that you talk to an experienced Yuma dog bite lawyer about the specifics of your attack.
The statute of limitations in Arizona is usually two years from the date of the attack, but there can be exceptions to this general rule. In a free consultation, our lawyers can determine the deadline that may apply to your claim.
How an Attorney May be Able to Help You
If the dog owner has homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, it may include coverage for dog bites/attacks. If this is the case, you can expect to be contacted by an insurance company representative asking for a statement and more information about the attack.
It is important to remember the insurance company is out for its best interests. The representative is hoping you will say something that can be used to reduce the value of your claim. That is why insurance representatives often ask victims how badly they are hurt. They are hoping you will minimize the seriousness of your injuries.
You need to know you are not required to answer their questions. You can refer the insurance company to your attorney, who can handle the insurance company on your behalf. Unlike the insurance company, our Yuma dog bite lawyers are dedicated to pursuing maximum compensation for your losses.
Your attorney can also investigate to gather evidence and build a detailed case against the dog owner. We have the resources to do a thorough investigation and we can also consult industry experts if necessary.
Our attorneys may be able to pursue various forms of compensation. The two main categories of injury compensation are:
Economic damages ”“ Medical treatment of your dog bite injuries, including future treatment expenses, along with lost income are two of the most common economic damages.
Non-economic damages ”“ This includes the physical and mental components of an injury, such as disability, disfigurement, pain and suffering, and lost enjoyment of life.
We are here to help answer any questions you may have about your dog bite case, including the potential value of your damages.
How Does Arizona Define a Dangerous Dog?
Generally, an aggressive dog is defined as one that already bit a domestic animal or person, and it was not provoked into doing so.
Arizona also requires any dog older than three months to be licensed. Owners also must provide an up-to-date certificate of vaccination signed by a licensed veterinarian.
If a person is bitten by an undocumented dog, the law says the dog must be placed in quarantine for 10 days from the day the bite happened. If the bite date is not known, the 10-day period starts when the state gains control of the animal.
There are several steps you can take after a dog attack to try to ensure your health and safety. These steps may also help you to start building a case against the owner:
Get away from the dog ”“ This will give you the chance to assess your injuries.
Get medical attention immediately ”“ Even a small dog bite can cause serious injuries and infections, along with permanent scarring.
Report the dog attack ”“ In Arizona, any person with direct knowledge of a dog attack must immediately report it to county law enforcement officials or Yuma County Animal Control.
Obtain contact information for witnesses ”“ This allows your attorney to contact witnesses to help validate your claim.
Take photos ”“ It is important to have photographic proof of your injuries and how they are responding to treatment.
Track medical bills ”“ Hold onto receipts or bills related to medical treatment, including medications and physical therapy.
Contact a dog bite attorney ”“ Our Yuma dog bite lawyers can determine if you may have a case and what it may be worth. We want you to have the information you need to make an informed decision about what to do next.
Get in Contact with a Yuma Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Phillips Law Group has a proven record of success with over $1 billion recovered on behalf of our clients. We have represented over 155,000 consumer clients and are ready to assist you with any questions you may have about your dog bite claim. There is no cost to you if you decide to let us handle your case. We only get paid when you win.
Call us now for your free case evaluation or you can fill out ourfree online formand someone will be in contact with you shortly.
