Though we often picture dogs as cuddly and friendly, they can quickly become aggressive when threatened or afraid. You may have read reports of dogs severely injuring people. Such injuries can lead to months of medical treatment, lifetime scars, and even more serious complications.
Dog bite injury victims often face expensive medical bills and extended time away from work, which can result in financial hardship for the family. Fortunately, dog attack victims have legal recourse to seek compensation, and a Phoenix personal injury lawyer can make the claims process easier.
Your Phoenix dog bite lawyer from Zinda Law Group understands the emotional distress, pain, and expense of a dog attack. Our firm fights for the rights of injury victims. We can help you navigate the bite claim process to maximize the financial compensation you recover when you contact our office to request a free consultation.
Dog Bite Injuries Can Be Very Serious
About 4.5 million individuals are bitten by dogs annually, as reported by the American Veterinary Medical Association. While around 400 people have lost their lives due to dog attacks between 2005 and 2016, hundreds of thousands more have needed medical attention. Dog bite incidents are relatively common in Arizona.
In 2018, there were about 400 documented cases of bites. The injuries from animal attacks can take considerable time to treat and result in emotional trauma. Some of the most common dog bite injuries your dog bite lawyer in Phoenix, AZ, with Zinda Law Group sees include:
- Deep tissue bruising
- Muscle and nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Amputation
- Eye injuries
In Arizona, dog bite injuries can range from extremely painful or result in fatality. An aggressive dog’s powerful jaws and teeth can cause serious lacerations or major blood loss in an attack. Dog bite victims may sustain severe injuries that call for substantial medical treatment and attention.
If you do not get treatment early enough, the effects of the injury could be permanent. Because of this, it is crucial to work with a law firm with the resources to ensure your rights and claims are protected. We can help you navigate the complex legal system and secure fair compensation for your suffering.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Phoenix, call 800-863-5312
CASE RESULTS
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationArizona Dog Bite Laws
Though some states require a dog bite victim to show that a dog owner was negligent to receive compensation, Arizona observes strict liability law in these cases per ARS §11-1025. This means that a dog owner is strictly liable when his or her dog bites another individual who is legally on public or private property. The dog owner will be legally responsible for the dog bite even if he or she did not know that his or her dog had a tendency to bite.
To put it more simply, a dog owner will be automatically responsible for a victim of a bite from his or her dog in most cases. Some exceptions, such as trespassing on a dog owner’s property, may relieve the owner of some liability. A dog bite attorney in Phoenix, AZ, can investigate your situation and explain the exceptions to this law.
It Is Important to Protect Your Claim
Strict liability in Arizona laws pertaining to dog bites will make it easier for anyone who has been bitten to receive compensation. However, this does not guarantee that you will receive adequate compensatory damages to cover their losses and medical expenses. Insurance companies frequently try to undervalue damages and engage in cost-reducing tactics, it is wise to have legal representation when filing a claim.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Reasons for Dog Bites in Phoenix
Dog bites and animal attacks can occur for a variety of reasons. Most often, they happen because animals are defending themselves or become scared. Some of the most common reasons dog attacks occur in Phoenix include:
Failure to Leash
If you are in a public location, according to Phoenix City Code 8-14, you are required to leash your dog. However, many irresponsible dog owners fail to follow these rules and regulations. This leaves them open to liability when their unleashed dog attacks someone without provocation.
Failing to Provide Adequate Enclosure
Dogs often escape and attack individuals despite being confined to the dog owner’s backyard. This frequently occurs when dog owners do not install adequate fencing or allow their dogs to live outdoors. It is up to the dog owner to ensure their animal will not escape the yard and potentially bite or attack passersby.
Provocation
Dogs are unpredictable creatures. They may attack or bite when they are provoked. It is not unusual for children to suffer dog bite injuries when they are aggressive towards a dog or a dog feels threatened by them.
- James Hatfield
- Stefanie Necak
- Krys Jordan
- Dillon Zschiesche
- Kylie Zavala
- Xena Burris
- Kym Kaisler
- Carol Howe
- Danielle Morris
Contact our Arizona dog bite lawyer today
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 ConsultationDangerous Breeds
Some dog breeds are more aggressive than normal. These dogs are much more likely to attack strangers on a whim. Though some dog breed advocates claim that a dog cannot be inherently dangerous and that only a dog’s owner should be blamed for a dog’s violent disposition, this is not always the case.
For instance, pit bulls are often overrepresented when looking at statistics measuring dog bites. Some other dog breeds that are known to be more aggressive than normal are as follows:
- Rottweilers
- German Shepherds
- Mastiffs
- Jack Russell terriers
- Mixed-Breed
Regardless of the breed, all dog bites can be serious and may lead to infections and other complications. It is important to seek medical treatment and speak with a Phoenix dog bite injury attorney after you have been bitten. Our dog bite injury guide can help answer some of your questions.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Injuries Seen in Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
The injuries seen in animal attacks and dog bites can be devastating. It is not unusual for victims to require immediate medical attention and suffer the consequences of their injuries for years to come. Some of the most common injuries our clients have reported include:
- Permanent disfigurement
- Lacerations that could become infected and lead to septic shock
- Increased risk of developing tetanus or rabies
- Skin scarring or permanent disability
- Damage to the nerves or tendons in the affected area
- Amputation
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Extreme anxiety and fear of dogs or animals
- Depression and social isolation
- Broken and fractured bones
If your injuries have had an adverse impact on your life, take action. Consult a dog bite attorney at our firm to discuss your potential legal options. As long as we can introduce evidence that the dog’s owner failed to maintain control of their pet, the jury should return a verdict in your favor.
Complete a Free Case Evaluation form now
What to Do in the Event of a Dog Bite
The steps you take after a dog bite are critical. They can provide essential supporting evidence and help us build a case against the dog’s owner or other liable party. These steps include:
Washing Your Wound
Even if the dog bite in question is seemingly minor, you still need to worry about infection. Immediately after the dog bites, do what you can to clean the bite with antibacterial soap. Spend about five minutes allowing water to flow over the wound to reduce the likelihood of infection, then bandage the wound with sterile bandages.
Seeking Expert Medical Treatment
Do not hesitate to get medical treatment. These medical records will be valuable evidence to support your case. If you do not get medical help, not only could the defense attempt to use this against you, but you may find your condition worsens without medical intervention.
Consulting an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer in Phoenix
It has never been more important for you to understand your rights. Contact a knowledgeable dog bite attorney with Zinda Law Group to get answers and explore your legal options. We can negotiate with the insurance company and liable party on your behalf and are prepared to present your case at trial when appropriate.
Dog Bite Compensation
In general, compensation in a dog bite injury claim is calculated by accounting for the victim’s economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses are financial. They can include many factors, such as:
- Cost of medical treatment
- Airlift expenses
- Ambulance fees
- Surgical intervention
- Rehabilitation
- Reconstructive surgery
- Ongoing medical care
- Loss of income
- Loss of future potential earnings
- Loss of employee benefits packages
- Personal property damages, including damaged electronic devices
You could also be entitled to compensation for non-economic damages. These are not as straightforward, as their value is entirely subjective and intangible. Examples of potentially recoverable non-economic damages in Phoenix dog bite lawsuits include:
- Post-traumatic stress
- Emotional distress
- Disfigurement
- Permanent skin scars
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Mental anguish
- Diminished quality of life
- Embarrassment and fear
- Reputational damage
Punitive Damages
Besides compensation for economic and non-economic losses, dog bite victims may also be able to receive punitive damages. Punitive damages depend on the conduct of the dog owner per ARS §12-820.04. For example, if a dog owner behaved especially egregiously or intentionally, they may be liable for punitive damages to punish them for their conduct.
Statute of Limitations
Every state has what is called a statute of limitations, or time limit, for filing lawsuits. In Arizona, if you suffered an injury from a dog bite, you have one year to file a lawsuit, as dog bites fall under the statute of limitations for strict liability per ARS §12-542. If you fail to file a lawsuit within one year, you may still have a negligence claim against the dog owner, in which case the statute of limitations is two years.
You may have a negligence claim if you can prove that the dog owner had let his or her dog roam free or that the dog owner knew that his or her dog had a propensity for violence. However, if you do not file a lawsuit within two years, you may be barred from filing any lawsuit. An experienced dog bite lawyer in Phoenix may help you determine the best course of action and ensure your claim is filed on time.
How Long Does It Take for a Dog Bite Settlement?
A dog bite settlement can range from months to years. Because each case is unique, there is no standard timeframe to settle a dog bite claim. Some factors that may impact how long your claim takes include:
- How long the investigation takes
- How many parties are involved
- How severe your injuries were
- How much compensation you are seeking
- Whether the at-fault party had insurance
- How cooperative the dog owner is
This is not an exhaustive list. Consulting with a dog bite attorney in Phoenix can give you a clearer picture of how complex your case is and how long you might expect it to take.
Contact a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer
Working with a highly experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney with Zinda Law Group could be the answer you have been looking for. You deserve a legal advocate who will prioritize your best interests and fight tirelessly to get you the compensation you deserve. We work for you on contingency, so you never have to pay anything until we win.
Schedule your 100% free consultation today. Fill out our contact form or call us to get started on your case. When you have access to the financial support you need to put this experience behind you, you will be glad you did.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
