Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney 

Legal Support for Dog Bite Victims in Arizona 

Every year, innocent children and adults are seriously injured or killed by dogs. Thousands are left scarred by dog bites. In Arizona, a dog owner is held to the high standard of strict liability, meaning he or she may be held accountable for any injuries that the dog causes – with or without a history of aggression. The only defense is provocation.

Strict liability has a shorter statute of limitations than a claim for negligence against the dog owner. To assure valuable rights are not lost, it is important to retain an experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney as soon as possible. 

At Alex & Associates, our attorneys have handled dog bite cases for over 43 years. Please contact our office at (602) 483-6114 to arrange a free consultation. Se habla español.

Understanding Dog Bite Incidents and Statistics

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and one in five dog bites results in injuries that require medical attention.

How big is the problem?

• About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year.
• Almost one in five of those who are bitten (a total of 885,000 people) require medical attention for dog bite-related injuries.
• In 2006, more than 31,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery as a result of being bitten by dogs.

The first thing to do if you are the victim of a dog bite is to immediately call 911. The 911 operator should alert emergency personnel and contact the animal rabies control unit. Animal rabies control will typically quarantine the dog for rabies and identify the dog owner and address. This is becoming increasingly important as dog owners are more frequently denying that they own the animal in question.

Maximizing Your Dog Bite Injury Claim in Arizona

Dog bite victims rights include the right to pursue compensation for any of the following:

• Medical bills
• Plastic surgery
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering (past and future)
• Permanent injuries such as scarring, disfigurement, and emotional stress

A high number of victims of dog bites and animal attacks are children. When determining the full extent of a child’s injury, our dog bite attorneys retain medical, psychological, and economic experts to ensure that our client receives maximum compensation.

Dog Bite Lawsuit FAQ:

Q. Should I report a dog bite to the police? - Even if the owner of the dog who bit you is a friend, you are still required by Arizona law (11-1014 E) to report animal bites to the county enforcement agent. While you are not required to file a lawsuit against the liable party, reporting is mandatory.

Q. What is dog bite "strict liability?" - Strict liability states that the owner of a dog is liable for any injuries they cause, regardless of whether or not they knew the dog would bite. Arizona follows the strict liability dog bite statute. Other states only allow owners to be held liable if the owner had reason to believe that the dog would bite someone.

Q. What is the statute of limitations for dog bites in Arizona? - Arizona dog bite law allows victims of dog bites to file a lawsuit up to 2 years after the event occurs.

Q: What should I do immediately after a dog bite incident in Arizona? - If you are bitten by a dog in Arizona, the first step is to call 911 to report the incident. This ensures that emergency personnel can provide medical assistance if needed. Additionally, the 911 operator will notify the animal rabies control unit, which is crucial for identifying the dog and its owner. This step is vital, especially since some owners may deny ownership of the dog. Prompt reporting can help protect your rights and ensure that the dog is quarantined for rabies testing, which is essential for your safety and health.

Q: What are the common injuries associated with dog bites? - Dog bites can lead to a variety of injuries, ranging from minor to severe. Common injuries include lacerations, puncture wounds, and abrasions, which can become infected if not treated properly. In more serious cases, victims may suffer from nerve damage, broken bones, or even disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery. Emotional trauma is also a significant concern, especially for children who may develop a fear of dogs after an attack. Understanding the potential injuries can help victims seek appropriate medical care and legal support.

Recommended Reading:

• What to Do if a Dog Attacks You
• How To Protect Children From Dog Bites
• Dog Bite Fatalities

To begin pursuing a dog attack lawsuit or settlement, please call us for a free consultation at (602) 483-6114.