Dog bites can lead to severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. However, if someone else’s negligence caused the animal attack, you could recover damages. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you pursue compensation.
At Zinda Law Group, one of our core personal injury practice areas is dog and animal attacks. Our Tucson dog bite attorneys have experience in helping animal attack victims seek damages. Call our legal team today to schedule a free initial consultation.
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What to Do After an Animal Attack or Dog Bite
If you’ve been the victim of an animal attack, there are several steps that you’ll want to take to ensure that your injury heals properly. What you do after the dog bite incident will also impact your chances of financial recovery.
Seek Medical Care
No matter the size of the injury, the first step is to obtain medical treatment, as an untreated wound could lead to many complications. A doctor will properly treat your injury and create an official medical record that will be helpful for future insurance and legal matters.
Dog attacks can lead to severe injuries, including lacerations, cuts, and wounds. Victims also face the possibility that they could become infected with diseases such as rabies.
This is why you must seek medical attention as soon as possible after the attack has occurred. Quick treatment may also help keep scar tissue at a minimum.
Contact the Dog Owner
Next, you need to contact the animal’s owner or find a way to get their contact info. These details could be necessary if the owner is to blame for your injuries.
Report the Attack
You should report the accident to the police, even if you don’t intend to sue the liable party. If you eventually decide to hire a Tucson dog bite attorney, a detailed police report will be highly beneficial.
Collect Evidence
You should also compile and preserve all documents related to the attack and your injuries. Take detailed photographs of the wounds immediately after the attack and keep records of all doctor’s visits and expenses related to the injury.
Once you’ve taken these steps, you should consult with experienced dog bite lawyers in Tucson, AZ, to identify which legal options are open to you.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Tucson
Dealing with the legal aftermath of a dog bite incident can easily become overwhelming. Working with an experienced lawyer will allow you to focus on what matters most, your physical and psychological recovery.
Our Tucson dog bite lawyers are knowledgeable about Arizona dog bite laws and can navigate your case through the recovery process. We also make sure that you understand how state laws apply to your case so you can make informed decisions about your future.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationDog Bite Victims May Be Eligible for Compensation
A dog bite incident can have a significant financial impact on the victim. However, if the owner’s negligence caused the incident, you have a right to receive damages.
In most cases, you can access compensatory damages, which help you recover from the dog bite incident’s physical, emotional, and financial impact. These divide into economic and non-economic damages to cover different areas of your losses.
Economic Damages
These aim to cover the tangible financial losses resulting from the incident. Economic damages are easy to quantify and prove, as they address your financial losses due to the accident.
We could help you recover the following economic damages:
- Medical expenses
- Cost of future medical care
- Property damage
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning potential
Non-Economic Damages
These acknowledge the emotional and psychological toll the incident may have had on you. In addition, non-economic damages aim to provide comfort and compensation for your non-financial hardships.
You could qualify for non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Loss of joy
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon Mistakes by Dog Owners
Dog owners can easily avoid a few common mistakes that could lead to a dog bite incident. Responsible pet ownership involves understanding and following certain guidelines to prevent harm to others.
Many dog owners forego having their dogs professionally trained, which can help prevent the dog from developing dangerous behaviors. It’s also important to not let puppies chew on things, as they could learn that this is a normal act and continue the habit when older.
If owners want their dogs to behave well and understand how to do so in public, they should have their dogs socialize with other people and dogs regularly. Pets will learn how to be comfortable in these situations.
If pet owners take these preventive actions, there’s a good chance that the dog won’t bite anyone:
- Get professional training for the dog: A professional dog trainer can assess dog traits and personality issues. They can help owners train their dogs and break any poor habits.
- Don’t let a puppy chew things or nip: When puppies are allowed to chew, they learn this behavior is acceptable. When that 10-pound puppy is a full-grown 70-pound dog with adult teeth, even playful nipping could be painful and break the skin, especially if it is on young children.
- Socialize the dog: Dogs that are accustomed to people and other dogs from an early age learn proper social etiquette and do not develop fear or anxiety. Take your dog to the park for walks and expose them to other social settings to become comfortable around new people and situations.
- Don’t keep a dog confined: A chained or confined dog is anxious. They have pent-up energy, stress, and anxiety due to their constraints.
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 ConsultationCall Our Experienced Tucson Dog Bite Lawyers
At Zinda Law Group, our Tucson dog bite attorneys have the knowledge and resources to help you seek compensation for injuries from a dog bite or animal attack, including medical bills and lost wages.
Call our law office today to schedule a free initial consultation. We will evaluate your case, answer your questions, and review your legal options.
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