Dog Bites in Arizona
If you were bit by a dog, contact the experienced dog bite attorneys at ELG today for reliable legal aid.
Every year, roughly around 5 million people in the United States suffer from injuries caused by a dog bite. Around 800,000 dog bite victims seek medical attention each year. Half of those who seek medical attention are children, and the most likely age group to be bitten by a dog are young children between the ages of five and nine.
Injuries caused by dog bites can be catastrophic, especially in the case of young children. No matter how old you are, dog attacks can have a serious impact on your life and the quality of it. The size of a dog compared to the size of a child contributes to the fact that children often suffer facial injuries when attacked. Lacerations resulting from dog bites often require reconstructive surgery depending on the severity of the injury. Serious dog bite injuries often require several different procedures in an attempt to properly correct the damage the bite has done.
If you or a loved one have been viciously attacked by a dog in Arizona that wasn’t yours, you will need the help of a dedicated and knowledgeable dog bite attorney. Our dog bite attorneys at ELG understands how terrifying being bit by a dog can be, and we are here to support you in any way we can. Call us today for a free consultation.
What are Arizona’s Laws Regarding Dog Attacks?
Each state has its own approach to determining the liability of dog owners. The majority of states have either strict liability laws or have a one-bite rule. Dog owners have a duty to restrain their animals and if they’ve failed to do so, you can seek damages against them.
In states that have strict liability dog bite laws, including Arizona, dog owners are liable to pay damages any time their dogs cause injuries to others. Additionally, if you are on a public sidewalk or park, and you are bitten by someone’s dog, the owner of that dog is liable for your injuries. Workers in a pet hospital do not assume the risk of dog bites by virtue of their occupation. Assumption of risk in these cases is not a defense for dog bites
However, if the dog was provoked to bite by the victim, the dog’s owner is not liable for damages in a dog bite claim. Additionally, If a person was bitten by a police or military dog while the dog was performing its duty, then the victim is not permitted in this case to recover damages.
Under Arizona’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be held responsible for the damages that their dogs cause when they attack. This can include property damage and any injuries caused. Liability for dog bite injuries is often covered under homeowner’s insurance or renter’s insurance. If negligence claims can also be proven, victims of dog bites may also be able to receive compensation for the following:
- Pain and suffering.
- Medical expenses, whether it be past or present.
- Damages for disfigurement.
- For spouses, loss of consortium if applicable.
- Lost wages. This can include past and future.
- Diminished quality of life.
Dangerous dogs in Yuma can cause serious injuries for the victims. You could have suffered broken bones, scarring, disfigurement, tissue and nerve damage, trauma from the accident, and more. If a dog attack results in the death of the victim, the family members of the deceased may also recover reasonable costs for their burial and funeral expenses. In most cases, the dog owners’ homeowners’ insurance will provide coverage for dog bite attacks.
Are There Dog Breeds That are More Dangerous Than Others?
Any dog can bite, including small breeds that you might think are harmless. Larger breeds like Pit Bulls, German Shepherds, and Rottweilers have gotten bad reputations over the years for being dangerous. However, the way the dog’s owner handles the dog can make a dog vicious. Some of the breeds that tend to bite people more often than others include the following:
- Chihuahuas
- Mastiffs
- Labrador retrievers
- Pit bulls
- Jack Russell terriers
- Rottweilers
- German shepherds
- Pekingese
While dogs are commonly known as the best friends of humans, they can also be dangerous to people of all ages. Dogs may attack both familiar people and strangers, and dog bites can result in devastating injuries or fatalities. When you encounter a dog, you should exercise caution regardless of its breed. Dogs tend to bite when they feel threatened or when they are trying to protect their territory. If you see a strange dog, you should not approach it or try to pet it.
If you or a loved one were bitten by a dog in the Phoenix metro area that wasn’t yours, call ELG. Our compassionate team of Arizona dog bite attorneys will fight by your side to help you receive the maximum amount of compensation that you deserve. Call us for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation with one of our bilingual Spanish-speaking attorneys today, or schedule your consultation online at your earliest convenience.
What do I do if I’m Attacked by a Dog?
When dogs attack, it can be one of the most traumatizing moments in a victim’s life. Dogs can be unpredictable and it is never certain when a dog can turn vicious. Individuals who have been bitten by a dog in Yuma should take the following steps:
- Remain calm.
- Wash your wound with soap and water.
- Call a physician or visit an emergency room.
- Report the dog bite to your local animal control unit.
- If possible, confine the dog, but do not put yourself in danger.
- Record all of the details of the dog attack. Include the dog’s breed, the location of the attack, the size of the dog, the color of the dog, if the dog was wearing a collar or tag, the owner of the pet, and other necessary details.
- Collect the names and contact information from any witnesses.
- Take color photos of all of your dog bite injuries.
- Save all medical documents related to the injury.
- Keep all clothing that was worn during the dog attack.
One of the most important things that a dog bite victim needs to do is call a committed Arizona dog bite attorney. If you or a loved one were attacked by a dog in Yuma, don’t hesitate to call the experienced bilingual Spanish-speaking dog bite attorneys at ELG. We are here to answer any questions you may have about your dog bite incident and can help you determine if you have a case. Call us today for your free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation, or you can schedule a consultation on our website at your earliest convenience.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Arizona?
You will need to be aware that you do have a deadline for when you can file a dog bite personal injury claim in the state of Arizona. This is often referred to as the statute of limitations. There are two statutes of limitations for Arizona dog bite claims. If you file your claim within a year of the incident, you don’t have to prove that the dog owner knew that their dog was prone to biting. When you do have to prove that the dog owner knew that their dog was vicious, you have two years from the date of the incident to file your claim. Your Yuma dog bite attorney will help you determine which of these statutes will maximize the compensation that is available to you.
Working With a Dog Bite Attorney
Dogs are supposed to be man’s best friend. But if one turns and attacks, you could be left with severe injuries, leading to medical bills that you didn’t plan on having. You don’t have to suffer through the added stress alone, our compassionate team of dog bite attorneys at ELG is here to help. Anyone who has been bitten by a dog needs to know the options available for collecting damages. With over decades of combined experience, our experienced bilingual team of Spanish-speaking attorneys is dedicated to being supportive and excelling in all aspects of the services we provide for our clients. Call us today at (623) 877-3600 for a free, no-obligation, and confidential consultation with one of our dedicated attorneys.