Being attacked and bitten by a dog can be a traumatic, life-altering experience. In addition to the physical pain and emotional trauma, dog bites often lead to substantial medical bills, lost income from missing work, and permanent disfigurement or disability. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in the Chandler area, you may be wondering if you need a dog bite lawyer to help recover compensation for your injuries and other damages.
Chandler’s “One Bite Rule”
Like most cities in Arizona, Chandler follows the “one bite rule” when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner is only liable for injuries caused by their dog if they knew or should have known that the animal was dangerous. Specifically, the owner must have knowledge that the dog exhibited dangerous tendencies prior to the bite in order to be held legally responsible.
However, there are exceptions to Chandler’s one-bite rule. An owner can still be liable even without knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies if:
- The owner intentionally used the animal to cause injury or death to another person
- The owner was grossly negligent (meaning they acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others) in controlling the dog or preventing the attack
- The bite occurred on the owner’s property
Additionally, the one-bite rule only applies to the owner of the dog. Other parties involved, such as a landlord renting to the owner or a dog sitter entrusted with caring for the dog, can still be held liable for an attack regardless of whether they were previously aware of aggressive behavior.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhy Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Chandler?
Given the complex legal issues surrounding dog bite cases, working with an experienced Arizona dog bite attorney is highly recommended if you want to maximize compensation for your claim. An attorney can help in the following ways:
- Determine all potentially liable parties – In addition to investigating the dog owner’s liability, an attorney will explore whether any other parties – such as a landlord, employer, homeowner’s association, or animal control agency – may share responsibility for the attack.
- Handle communication with insurance companies – Insurance providers often try to lowball dog bite victims on settlement offers. Your lawyer can accurately calculate losses and negotiate firmly and effectively with insurers.
- File a lawsuit if necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation, an attorney can file a dog bite lawsuit on your behalf and represent your interests in court. Few cases actually go to trial, but your lawyer will not hesitate to litigate your claim if that becomes necessary.
- Maximize compensation for all damages – In addition to medical bills and lost income, you may be entitled to recover compensation for pain and suffering, permanent scarring/disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and emotional distress stemming from the attack. A lawyer will fight to pursue full compensation for all your damages.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Damages Can I Recover After a Chandler Dog Attack?
Some specific types of monetary damages that may be available to dog bite victims through insurance claims or personal injury lawsuits include:
- Past and future medical expenses – Any costs related to immediate medical treatment, reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, etc. You can also recover compensation for expected future medical costs.
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity – If bite injuries prevent you from working, you can claim lost wages. Permanent disabilities may also reduce your future earning potential.
- Property damage – Damaged clothing, cell phones, eyeglasses, and other property destroyed in the attack.
- Pain and suffering – Money damages awarded for the physical pain and mental/emotional trauma caused by the bite and subsequent injuries.
- Disfigurement – Permanent bite-mark scars and other disfigurement may warrant additional compensation, especially if highly visible.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – Dog attacks often prevent victims from participating in activities and hobbies they previously enjoyed. Compensation can be recovered for this loss of enjoyment.
The exact value of a dog bite claim will depend on the specific details of each case. Working with one of our experienced Chandler personal injury attorneys is the best way to understand what your claim may be worth.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in Chandler
If you or someone close to you has suffered a dog bite injury, taking prompt action is essential for both medical recovery and securing fair compensation. Key steps to take include:
- Seek immediate medical care – Dog bite wounds can easily become infected. Seek emergency medical attention right away so all injuries can be properly cleaned, treated, and documented in your medical records.
- Report the Incident – File an official bite report with the Chandler Police Department or Maricopa County Animal Care and Control. Providing documentation that the attack was reported will help support your claim.
- Gather evidence – Take photos of bite wounds and property damage, obtain contact info for eyewitnesses, and keep records of all expenses related to the attack. This information will help prove liability and quantify losses.
- Consult an attorney – Speaking with an experienced Chandler dog bite lawyer early on allows critical evidence to be secured and helps ensure full legal options are preserved. Pursuing fair compensation often requires navigation of complex laws and legal arguments best handled by a lawyer.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhy Choose Zinda Law Group For Your Chandler Dog Bite Case
If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries and trauma in a Chandler dog attack, the aggressive dog bite attorneys at Zinda Law Group may be able to help. Our firm has the experience, skills, and resources to handle these complex cases and secure maximum compensation for victims and their families.
Our attorneys offer 100% free case evaluations to bite victims in Chandler and throughout Arizona. We will listen to the details of your case, answer any questions you have, and advise you on your legal options. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win compensation on your behalf. That’s our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Call Zinda Law Group today at (800) 863-5312 for a free case evaluation with our experienced dog bite lawyers in Chandler.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
