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Dog attacks are traumatic events that can cause serious, even life-threatening injuries. When dogs attack, they often go for vulnerable areas such as the face, head, and neck. Even minor dog bites can cause painful puncture wounds and lacerations and lasting injury. If you or a family member has been attacked and injured by a dog, contact the Scottsdale dog bite lawyers at Shapiro Law Team for a free consultation. We serve Scottsdale, Phoenix and the surrounding areas.
In Arizona, the owner of a dog which bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.
Known as strict liability, a pet owner can be held liable for the damages his or her pet causes without being negligent. You will not need to prove the dog owner’s negligence for the law to entitle you to damages. The pet owner will owe you compensation as long as you can show that a dog bite caused your injury and you were in a public place or had permission to be in a private place at the time of the attack.
Arizona’s strict liability law is plaintiff-friendly. It contrasts with the one-bite law found in many other states. In a one-bite state, a dog bite injury victim has to demonstrate the pet owner’s negligence to recover compensation. The plaintiff will have the burden of proving the dog had previously bitten someone before or the pet owner had another reason to suspect the pet’s propensity for viciousness yet failed to prevent an attack. You will not have to prove negligence to recover compensation in Arizona, however.
Make sure you collect enough information and evidence to be able to establish the pet owner’s liability for your medical bills and other damages. After a dog attack in Scottsdale, take photos of the dog, the location of the attack, and your bite marks. Write down the name of the owner, his or her contact number, the type of dog, whether it is up to date on its shots, and other details of the incident. Go to the hospital for professional wound treatment. You may need debridement to rid the wound of dirt and debris, as well as an antiseptic to prevent infection. Ask for copies of your medical bills and records.
Report the dog bite injury to the Maricopa County animal control center right away. Your municipal office – the Department of Public Health – can investigate and document the incident. Animal control can also supervise a quarantine of the animal to check for rabies and other diseases. Then, contact Shapiro Law Team to discuss your right to compensation. We may be able to help you build a claim and hold the pet owner accountable for damages.
A successful personal injury claim against a dog owner in Scottsdale could repay you for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, missed work, emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder, property damages, and legal fees. The value of your case can depend on the severity of your dog bite injuries and other elements.
At Shapiro Law Team, we always strive for maximum financial compensation on behalf of our clients. We will fight for the highest possible settlement or judgment award for your dog bite injuries, even if that means going to trial for you. Our Scottsdale dog bite injury lawyers will begin your claim with a free consultation. Request yours now.