Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are referred to as a man’s best friend due to their loyalty and companionship. They come in various breeds and sizes, and are the most popular pet in the world. Not only do they bring warmth and comfort to many households, but they also serve important roles in society, like therapy and security services.

Despite their friendly demeanor, dogs can come off aggressive, especially if they feel threatened or provoked. Victims who have been bitten by one may have grounds to file a lawsuit against the responsible party to recover compensation. Some cases may involve complex factors when identifying liability. But, with the help of a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, you can experience a smooth legal process.

Our Arizona dog bite lawyers have over 20 years of experience handling personal injury cases, and a proven track record of delivering client satisfaction. Our team is equipped to handle several types of legal matters, including dog bites, with precision and care.

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing unless we settle your lawsuit. To schedule a FREE case evaluation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our convenient online contact form.

Common Causes of a Dog Bite

Many dog bites happen due to a variety of common causes. Let’s go over each one below.

Fear or Anxiety

When a dog feels threatened or anxious, it may react defensively. Those who are unfamiliar with the animal can also trigger this type of reaction, especially if the owner did not have it properly socialized.

Protection Over Owner or Territory

Dogs naturally protect their belongings. If they believe that you pose a threat to their home or family members, they will bite you to defend what is considered as theirs. Certain breeds, like German Shepards and Doberman Pinschers, exhibit stronger guarding behaviors, making it more important for owners to train them to have them understand the difference between actual threats and normal interactions.

Pain

Dogs that experience pain due to illness or injury can suddenly become aggressive. If your pet quickly turns hostile, you should get them evaluated to check for any underlying health issues that could be triggering their discomfort.

Teasing or Provocation

If a dog is being teased or provoked, it can lead to an attack. Pulling the animal’s ears, tail, or fur, even if unintentional, can lead to defensive biting. This type of case is particularly common with children. 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimate of 4.5 million Americans are bitten by a dog every year, and half of these are children. 

Children who are 14 and younger accounted for nearly one-third of all dog bite injuries. In addition, those between the ages of 5 to 14 years old represented 22 percent of emergency visits. Almost all forms of bodily harm were single site injuries.

Past Trauma

Dogs who have a history of being neglected by previous owners may develop trust issues and react aggressively if they believe their safety is at risk. Individuals who encounter them will need to implement patience, rehabilitation, and positive reinforcement training to help the animal get back their confidence.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can trigger numerous types of bodily harm, from minor wounds to life-threatening complications. Physical trauma will depend on the dog’s size, force of bite, and the location of the affected area.

Below are some common dog bite injuries:

• Broken bones
• Nerve damage
• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Scarring and disfigurement

Psychological injuries may also appear in the aftermath of a dog bite. This includes:

• Anxiety
• Emotional trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder

What to Do After a Dog Bite

After a dog bite incident, you should consider fulfilling the steps sectioned below to ensure your health and safety.  

Seek Medical Attention

You should seek medical attention immediately after the dog attack. Be sure to go to the healthcare provider, especially if you notice the following symptoms:

• Deep penetration
• Heavy bleeding
• Infection (swelling or pus)

If you do not know the dog’s vaccination status, you should consult with a doctor to check for potential rabies exposure. Medical care will be administered if notable issues are presented after the evaluation.

Identify the Dog and the Owner

Try to get the owner’s contact information and details about the dog, including its vaccination history. And if the dog is a stray, you should note down its physical description and location.

Report the Dog Bite

Reach out to your local animal control or police department to report the incident. If written documentation is conducted, you should request a copy of it to use if you plan on pursuing a personal injury claim against the at fault party.

Document the Incident

Take photos of the wound. Be sure to also include the date, time, and location of the bite. Do not forget to acquire witness information if others saw the dog attack.

Consult with an Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer

If your injury led to significant pain or medical care, you should consult with a dog bite lawyer about your legal options. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we can evaluate your case and explain what to expect if you plan on moving forward with the filing process. Our team will defend your rights and advocate on your behalf to make sure you get the best outcome possible.

Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Claim in Arizona

Under Arizona’s strict liability dog bite laws, you will be granted one year from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit as per ARS 12-541. This means that if you are bitten by a dog, you will need to take immediate legal action within this time period regardless of whether the animal has a history of exhibiting aggression or if the owner knew about its behavior.

If you are pursuing legal action based on the argument that the dog owner was negligent, you will be given two years to file your claim. This will give you enough time to gather evidence and develop a case based on negligence rather than strict liability. Seeking legal representation from a Phoenix dog bite attorney will also better your likelihood of acquiring a fair settlement.

Delaying these tasks will put you at risk of exceeding the statute of limitations. If that does happen, you will lose your opportunity to secure compensation for the losses you endured.

Recoverable Compensation in Dog Bite Cases

Available compensation in dog bite cases will differ for each victim due to the unique challenges presented. The following factors may be considered when determining the settlement value:

• The extent of your injury
• Level of negligence
• Current and future medical expenses
• Lost income and earning capacity

To get an idea of what you could be granted, you can use our personal injury settlement calculator by entering the expenses you sustained due to the attack.

Typically, economic damages and non-economic damages are awarded in a dog bite claim.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are financial expenses you sustained from the incident, including medical bills and lost wages.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refer to intangible losses that are difficult to quantify in monetary terms, such as:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Schedule a FREE Consultation with an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney Today

Dog bite victims are entitled to sue to recover compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, you can get personalized legal services from a Phoenix dog bite lawyer. Our team is readily available to guide you every step of the way, ensuring you are taken care of and satisfied with the results we deliver.

To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our experienced dog bite lawyers, you can connect with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our quick online contact form.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites

Who Is Responsible if a Dog Bites Someone?

Under Arizona’s strict liability law, the dog owner is usually held responsible for injuries caused by their pet regardless of whether they were negligent or aware of the animal’s behavior. However, there are a few exceptions: the dog was working with military or police forces or being harassed or provoked to attack (ARS 11-1025).

According to ARS 11-1027, if an individual is injured because of the attack, the presence of provocation can serve as a defense against a dog bite lawsuit for damages. So, if the animal’s owner can prove that the victim provoked the dog, it can release them of liability for their pet’s actions.

What if I was Trespassing When Bitten?

If you were trespassing on someone else’s private property and were bitten by a dog, the owner may have a defense against liability. Furthermore, if warning signs were posted around the premises, this might further reduce the owner’s responsibility for the dog attack. It is advisable to discuss such matters with a dog bite injury attorney as cases will vary based on the circumstances involved.

Do I Need a Tetanus Shot After a Dog Bite?

There are a few factors to consider when needing a tetanus shot after a dog bite. If you have not gotten it in the past five years, and the wound appears deep and dirty, you should have a medical professional evaluate the affected area to know whether you should get one. If you do, you will need to get it done within 48 hours of your dog bite injury.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

Homeowners insurance usually covers dog bites. Coverage will depend on what policy you are on along with the dog’s history.

A new Arizona law, ARS 20-1510, became effective June 30, 2023, prohibiting insurers from claiming a dog’s breed as the primary factor in underwriting or assessing risk for homeowner’s insurance policies. Instead, they will need to focus on a broader range of factors when determining liability, premiums, or coverage options. The intent for this regulation is to promote fair treatment of dog owners regardless of what breed they own.