Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers

Anyone can get bitten or attacked by a dog at any place and any time. Animal bites may lead to serious outcomes, including traumatic injuries, infections, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring. If you or a family member was attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for compensation to cover pain and suffering, lost income, medical bills, and other losses. Our Phoenix dog bite attorneys can manage all aspects of your case so you can focus on your recovery.

Statistics on Dog Bite Injuries

• According to 2021 data from the Insurance Information Institute (III), a total of 489 claims were filed for dog bites in Arizona, resulting in an average cost of approximately $43,059 per claim.
• Each year, approximately 4.5 million people in the United States sustain injuries in dog attacks, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• The United States Postal Service indicated in a 2022 report of 36 cities that Phoenix was the ninth highest city for dog attacks on mail carriers.

Your Rights After Getting Bitten by a Dog in Arizona

The owner of the dog may be responsible for injuries and losses on private and public property, including their own residence. There may be exceptions to the strict liability rule in Arizona for dog bites. Exceptions may include someone trespassing on the pet owner’s property, when a person provokes a dog, and when a police dog bites an individual while within the scope of law enforcement duties. Refer to ARS 11-1025 for more details or consult with a knowledgeable attorney.

Types of Compensation in a Dog Bite Injury Case

Every case for an animal attack is unique, and the recoverable losses will depend on the facts and circumstances specific to the incident and the injured party. This may include the severity of incident-related injuries, extent of medical treatment, whether the bite wound is in a visible area of the body, and more. An experienced dog bite injury attorney will generally seek compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: This includes past and current costs of medical treatment for injuries associated with the animal attack. This may include ambulance transportation, emergency room visits, tetanus immunization (tetanus toxoid vaccine), surgical management, medications, plastic surgery consultations for visible scarring, physical therapy, and more.
• Lost Wages: Compensation in a dog bite case may cover lost earnings and employment benefits if an injured party is unable to work due to recovery. Diminished earning potential may also be recovered if it is proven through clear evidence that the plaintiff is unable to return to work because of the incident. Evidence may include expert testimony, such as economists and medical experts.
• Pain and Suffering: An injured party can seek reimbursement for physical pain and emotional suffering from the animal attack. Pain and suffering in a dog bite case can be proven through evidence, such as medical records, photos of visible injuries after the attack and during the healing process, eyewitness statements, expert testimonies, psychological evaluations, and more.

Arizona has a strict liability rule for animal attacks, meaning that the dog owner may be held liable for the losses of those injured by their pet, regardless of whether they had prior knowledge of the dog being aggressive or vicious. For more information, contact an experienced dog bite attorney serving Phoenix and surrounding areas.

Why are Animal Bites Serious?

Injuries from a dog bite and attack can have devastating and lasting effects. Case studies indicate that a risk of infection following a dog bite can be as high as 20 percent due to the pathogens present in the animal’s saliva. Animal attacks may also result in:

• Infections
• Broken bones
• Facial trauma
• Crush injuries
• Puncture-type wounds
• Tendon and nerve damage
• Disfigurement and scarring

Dog bite-related injuries may be costly, often requiring surgical management, antibiotic therapies, and cosmetic procedures to revise the appearance of the bite wound. If you were bitten by a dog in Phoenix, call our law firm or submit an online contact form for a free consultation today.

Does Insurance Cover Dog Attacks and Bites?

Dog bites are generally covered under most homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies. An experienced animal attack attorney can help you recover compensation for losses through an insurance claim. A successful case for maximum financial recovery can be challenging, as insurers rarely offer fair and full settlements. This is where an experienced lawyer comes in. The right attorney can use their experience, skills, and resources to build the strongest case possible.

Importance of an Animal Control Report for a Dog Bite

After a dog bite, it is crucial to report the incident to local law enforcement and animal control. An incident report is an important document that provides a comprehensive account of the animal attack. It helps establish the legal responsibilities of the dog owner and serves as evidence in a bodily injury claim. If the dog bite occurred in Phoenix, report the incident to Maricopa County Animal Care and Control immediately.

To ensure all necessary details are covered, the report should include the date and time of the incident, location, description of the dog involved, type of injuries suffered, and any other relevant information. The report should also contain the names, phone numbers, and addresses of any eyewitnesses to corroborate statements made by the dog owner and the injured party.

Is There a Deadline on Animal Bite Cases in AZ?

Under Arizona law, a two-year statute of limitations is imposed on personal injury cases. This means that if a lawsuit is not filed within the first two years of the incident date, a plaintiff may lose the right to seek financial recovery. In an animal attack case on behalf of a minor child, the minor has two years from the date of their 18th birthday to file a lawsuit in civil court. A skilled dog bite lawyer can assist you in taking action in your case before the statute of limitations expires.

Why Choose Southwest Injury Law for Your Animal Attack Case

Southwest Injury Law is a personal injury law firm in Phoenix dedicated to obtaining maximum compensation for clients. By working with us, you benefit from an experienced legal team with a commitment to obtaining successful results and extensive resources to build the strongest cases possible. Our services include:

• Operating on contingency, meaning clients only pay if we successfully resolve their case
• Experience dealing with difficult insurance companies and defense strategies
• Resources, such as a private investigator, to identify the dog owner
• Available to answer questions and address concerns
• Bilingual team providing services in Spanish

Call a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Our experienced Phoenix dog bite attorneys provide legal representation to clients throughout Arizona. Call for a free consultation at (602) 777-3300. We can help you navigate the legal process and seek the maximum financial recovery you deserve.