Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog bite, seeking legal representation from an experienced Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer is essential. At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, we advocate for victims of dog attacks, providing skilled and compassionate legal assistance to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. To arrange a free consultation today, call (702) 747-8499 or send us a message online.

Why Choose Harris & Harris Injury Law to Represent You?

With more than 23 years of dedicated service to our community, Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers is steadfast in our commitment to offering outstanding legal representation and service to each client. Our mission is to assist clients in rebuilding their lives and ensuring that every case receives the thorough attention required to secure the maximum compensation possible.

• We understand the physical and emotional trauma that can result from a dog bite. Our lawyers approach each case with empathy, prioritizing your well-being throughout the legal process.

• With a history of successful outcomes, we have secured fair settlements and verdicts for our clients, addressing both immediate and long-term consequences.

How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

A Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer can provide invaluable assistance in navigating the complexities of your claim. They can bring in-depth knowledge of the specific laws and regulations in Arizona governing such incidents, as well as conduct a thorough investigation to gather relevant evidence and establish liability. A Dog Bite Lawyer is equipped to negotiate with insurance companies, ensuring that you receive fair compensation for your short and long-term needs. Their experience and resources allow them to build a strong legal strategy to maximize your chances of a successful outcome and will provide the support you need during the legal process.

Who is Liable for My Injuries?

In Arizona, liability for a dog bite injury is typically determined by the state’s strict liability laws. According to Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1025(A):

“The owner of a dog that bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.”

This means that the dog’s owner is liable for your injury and losses, and you do not need to prove their negligence.

Should I Report a Dog Bite to the Police?

Arizona law mandates that individuals possessing direct knowledge of a dog attack promptly report the incident to a county enforcement agency, such as the Animal Care and Control Department.

Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1014(E)

“If an animal bites any person, the incident shall be reported to the county enforcement agent immediately by any person having direct knowledge.”

This obligation applies to anyone who witnesses a dog bite, encompassing dog owners, victims, and observers. Reporting the attack can be done online or by calling (602) 506-PETS (7387).

How To Prove Negligence in a Phoenix Dog Bite Case

Under Arizona’s strict liability statute, victims are not required to prove the owner was negligent or had prior knowledge of the dog having a violent history. However, if the owner’s negligence did lead to the attack, you do have the option to pursue compensation through both common law negligence and a strict liability claim.

By pursuing a claim based on negligence, you may be able to recover punitive damages if you can demonstrate the dog owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care. Punitive damages can potentially increase your award significantly.

A few examples of dog owner negligence include:

• Disregarding state and local leash laws in public places.
• Failing to warn visitors about a dangerous dog.
• Allowing the dog to run at large.
• Neglecting to properly confine the animal in their yard.
• Permitting a known dangerous dog to roam freely.

Proving negligence involves establishing key elements to hold the dog owner liable. Firstly, it must be demonstrated that the owner had a duty of care to prevent harm, typically involving controlling and restraining the dog. The next element is a breach of this duty, showcasing instances where the owner failed to take reasonable precautions, such as ignoring leash laws or allowing a known aggressive dog to roam freely. Causation is crucial, linking the owner’s breach directly to the injuries you suffered. Foreseeability is also important, indicating that the owner could reasonably anticipate the potential danger posed by their dog based on its behavior or history. Finally, to pursue a successful claim, you must show tangible damages resulting from the dog bite, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What Types of Compensation Can I Receive?

The types of compensation available in a Phoenix dog bite claim may include:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for all current and future medical costs related to treating the injuries sustained in the dog bite incident, including surgeries, hospital stays, medications, and rehabilitation.

• Lost Wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.

• Pain and Suffering: A type of non-economic damages that is meant to compensate for the physical and emotional distress, pain, and suffering resulting from the dog bite.

• Scarring and Disfigurement: Additional compensation for any permanent scarring or disfigurement.

• Emotional Distress: Compensation for the psychological impact and emotional trauma experienced.

• Property Damage: If personal property, such as clothing or accessories, was damaged during the incident, compensation may be sought for these losses.

• Wrongful Death Damages: In the tragic event of a fatal dog bite, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim for damages, including funeral expenses and compensation for the loss of financial support and companionship.

Since each case is unique, the types and amount of compensation must be determined on a case by case basis. An experienced dog bite lawyer can provide guidance on the specific damages applicable to your case.

Arizona Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

In Arizona, dog bite claims are subject to two distinct statutes of limitations, depending on the nature of the case. The statute of limitations is a law that limits the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit.

When filing under Arizona’s strict liability statute, which does not require proving negligence or prior knowledge of aggressive behavior, you have one year to initiate a dog bite lawsuit.

Arizona Revised Statute 12-541

“There shall be commenced and prosecuted within one year after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward, the following actions…Upon a liability created by statute, other than a penalty or forfeiture.”

Alternatively, if you choose to file a claim based on negligence, the timeframe is lengthened to two years.

Arizona Revised Statute 12-542

“Except as provided in section 12-551 there shall be commenced and prosecuted within two years after the cause of action accrues, and not afterward…For injuries done to the person of another…”

These time limits ensure timely legal action and are critical to know because if you miss the deadline, you will likely lose your right to compensation.

Call Our Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you have been a victim of a dog bite, reach out to Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation. Our Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve. Call (702) 766-4817 or send us a message online.