Arizona law makes a dog owner automatically liable for any damage caused by their pet, including injury from a bite or other attack. It is not necessary to prove carelessness on the part of the owner. However, this claim must be made within one year of the incident, as opposed to two years for most injury claims.
For this reason, it is very important to contact a dog bite attorney promptly after such an injury. Dog owners do have the ability to avoid liability in some cases if you or someone else provoked the dog or if you were trespassing at the time of the attack. Also, finding liability insurance can be a challenge if action is not taken immediately. These cases can be more complex than they appear, and you need the best representation to ensure that your rights are protected.
Dog Bite Injuries | Mesa, Arizona Dog Bite Attorney
Make no mistake, a dog can be a very dangerous animal. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite injury, you know exactly how much damage dogs are capable of. What you may not know is that dog owners are always responsible for the actions of their pets. An experienced Mesa, AZ dog bite lawyer can help you hold a negligent dog owner responsible for your injuries and secure the monetary damages you deserve.
The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks, Mesa, AZ dog bite attorney, is dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims who have been bitten by dogs. Whether you have a child who has suffered serious scarring after a dog bite or you have been the victim of an animal attack yourself, I will carefully investigate the circumstances surrounding your dog bite injuries and explore all your recovery options for securing the maximum amount of compensation.
The circumstances surrounding dog bites and animal attacks can vary widely. If you are unclear or confused about your own rights, as a victim, or the obligations of the animal’s owner, I can provide you straightforward answers about your recovery options. Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks to talk to a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Mesa, Arizona.
I’ve Been Bitten By A Dog In Mesa, AZ; Should I Seek Compensation For My Injuries?
For one reason or another, it is not uncommon for a person who has been bitten by a dog to not immediately consider pursuing compensation. They might feel it was their fault, or that the dog shouldn’t be blamed for what happened. They might not even immediately realize the extent of their injury and may be tempted to brush it off as no big deal. The truth is that even a seemingly minor dog bite can cause serious issues down the road, or else lead to a serious infection within a couple of days. Furthermore, the owner of the dog should understand the seriousness of the situation and take measures to prevent a potentially worse dog bite injury from occurring in the future. An experienced attorney in Mesa, AZ will be able to advise you on the wisest steps moving forward with a dog bite injury claim.
Unfortunately, there is often absolutely no question of injury and the need to pursue compensation after a dog bite incident, particularly when a young child is the victim. In addition to physical injuries, a dog bite can leave emotional wounds which quite literally last a lifetime, instilling a deep-rooted fear of the furry four-legged creatures that are everywhere you look these days. This can impact a person socially, psychologically, and practically in all facets of life, and for this reason, compensation for dog bite injuries must be pursued. Contact an attorney in Mesa, AZ today.
What Are The Most Common Injuries Associated With Dog Bites?
Some of the most common injuries associated with dog bites include the following:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Scars
- Infection
- Emotional trauma
- Facial deformity
- Crushing injuries
Due to the force with which many dogs will carry out an attack or even a quick bite, dog bite injuries often call for surgery, which can cost thousands of dollars—thousands of dollars that you shouldn’t have to pay. The sooner a dog bite attorney is contacted, the better the chances of getting the compensation that’s deserved.
What If I Was Injured While Trying To Avoid Being Attacked By A Dog In Mesa, AZ?
Many people have the misconception that a dog must physically attack or directly cause a visible wound in order for them to have a valid claim against the owner of the dog. However, according to Arizona personal injury law, if a person was injured while in the process of trying to avoid being attacked by a dog, then they may be entitled to compensation for the injuries they suffered. For example, if a person was riding a bicycle when a dog escaped from someone’s yard or broke free of a leash and began chasing them, and this caused the person to crash their bicycle and sustain a head injury, then compensation for damages to physical property (such as the bicycle) and physical and emotional injuries could be pursued.
If you or someone you love has been attacked by a dog in Mesa, AZ, your first step should be to contact an experienced dog bite attorney who is familiar with the personal injury laws that apply to your particular set of circumstances.
Investigating Your Case And Seeking The Appropriate Amount Of Damages
Just as property owners should be held responsible for any dangerous conditions that they do not properly address on their property, pet owners can and should be held legally responsible for not properly training or restraining their dangerous animals. I have handled a very wide range of different types of dog bite and animal attack claims and completely understand the factors involved in these often complicated cases. If you are a victim of a dog bite case, you can call us any time. Call For A Free Consultation (480) 588-5999.
You Will Not Pay Any Attorney Fees Unless We Recover Compensation for You
Investigating your case and your injury even further, I will help you truly understand if you have a valid claim against the dog owners or property managers of the property where the dog bite injury occurred. If you do have a valid claim, I will make sure that you receive compensation for your medical bills, lost earnings, and lost opportunities.
Children are very often the victims of dog bite injuries and many of those children will end up with serious and life-altering scarring from those injuries. An important part of your claim is not only your immediate medical concerns but your future medical concerns and the future impact of any physical impairment, including scarring. I will take each aspect of your claim carefully into account.
Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks
Don’t let the owner of a dangerous dog off the hook. If you or a loved one has suffered dog bite injuries, get the compensation you deserve. Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks today to schedule a free, no-hassle consultation with a seasoned dog bite attorney in Mesa, Arizona.