While in many instances that might be true, there are unfortunately times when that is not the case. In fact, according to the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA), nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs in the United States each year.
Often people hesitate to use a dog bite lawyer in response to a dog attack as many bites result from that of a friend or family member’s dog and they are worried about damaging relationships. Others may feel foolish pursuing legal action due to something an animal has done and so they try to minimize what has taken place. However, if you have been injured due to a dog bite, the sooner you can find a Mesa AZ dog bite attorney, the better.
In the state of Arizona, even if a dog hasn’t had any history of biting before, you are eligible to pursue legal recourse if you are bitten by a dog either on public property or while legally on private property as long as you did not provoke the dog. In both cases, the dog’s owner would be liable for any damage from the resulting injuries.
Navigating the legal process is difficult, and you shouldn’t have to do it on your own, especially in the midst of sustaining an injury and possible trauma. At East Valley Injury Law, we will represent you as your Mesa AZ Dog bite Lawyer to help you through the legal process of pursuing a dog bite claim in a professional manner and will seek to do the following for you:
Your health should be your first priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if the bite seems minor, since dog bites can lead to serious infections. If possible, report the incident to local animal control, take photos of your injuries, gather the dog owner’s contact information, and document the location and circumstances of the attack. Then, contact an experienced dog bite attorney to discuss your legal options.
Under Arizona law, dog owners are strictly liable (meaning they are financially responsible) for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. If you were lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, you are entitled to recover compensation from the owner’s insurance or other available coverage.
In most instances, Arizona’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the injury. However, there is a unique aspect relating to the statute of limitations in dog bite cases: In order to hold the dog owner strictly liable (where you do not have to prove the dog owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous/vicious), you must either settle the claim or file a lawsuit within 1 year of the date of the bite/attack. You may still file the claim after the one year mark, but it will be difficult to prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensity. Thus, it is ALWAYS best to settle the claim or file suit within one year.
Depending on your case, you may be able to recover compensation for medical expenses, future medical treatment, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring or disfigurement, and other damages related to the attack.
Many dog bite victims worry about filing a claim against someone they know. In many cases, compensation comes through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy rather than directly from their personal finances. When the dog is owned by a family member or friend, it is important to find an attorney who understands the need to keep relationships intact. East Valley Injury Law attorneys have decades of experience handling claims against the insurance companies of family and friends of our clients. We will do everything possible to ensure the relationship remains unaffected due to the claim.
While you are not required to hire an attorney, having experienced legal representation can make a significant difference. A dog bite lawyer can investigate the incident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and work to recover the full compensation you deserve while you focus on your recovery. At East Valley Injury Law, we help our clients work with skilled physicians (often plastic surgeons in dog bite cases) to help you recover and who will wait for payment until the end of the claim.
If you have suffered an injury due to a dog bite, call us today at 480-542-5000 to schedule your free consultation.
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