Tucson Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites and animal attacks may occur in many situations. Even dogs that seem friendly or harmless may sometimes become aggressive unexpectedly. The resulting injuries may be incredibly challenging, impacting a person in various ways beyond physical pain. In addition to the bite wounds, an injured party may face substantial medical expenses for treatments, cosmetic surgeries, or rehabilitation. The trauma of the incident may also leave lasting emotional trauma, causing distress, fear, and anxiety long after the physical injuries have healed.

An experienced Tucson dog bite attorney can address your questions about liability in animal attack cases, legal process, and financial compensation.

Statistics on Dog Bites

Statistics highlight the frequency and severity of dog bites, emphasizing the importance of taking preventative measures and seeking immediate treatment after an animal attack:

• Over 4 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the U.S., with approximately 800,000 requiring medical attention, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
• In 2022, more than 5,300 U.S. Postal Service workers were bitten by dogs while delivering mail, according to a recent release by USPS on dog bite national rankings.
• Hospital stays due to dog bites cost, on average, approximately $18,200, as indicated in case literature reports.

If you were attacked by someone’s dog in Tucson or anywhere else in Arizona, it is important to hire an injury attorney who can protect your rights and obtain a favorable outcome on your behalf.

Common Injuries from Dog Attacks

Animal bites may result in a wide array of injuries, including:

• Scars and lacerations
• Emotional trauma
• Puncture wounds
• Nerve damage
• Infections

Steps to Take After an Animal Attack in Tucson

Dog bites are serious injuries that may lead to a wide array of complications if not properly addressed. Even minor bites may cause infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth, potentially leading to conditions such as Pasteurella multocida, or in rare cases, sepsis. The risk of rabies, though uncommon, is another serious concern, especially if the dog’s vaccination history is unknown. Given the potential for long-lasting emotional and physical harm, it is important to take these injuries seriously, seek immediate treatment, and follow these steps:

• Identify the Dog and Its Owner: Gather details about the dog and its owner, if possible. This may include the dog owner’s name, contact information, and the pet’s vaccination history.
• Collect Evidence: Preserve any evidence related to the incident. Take pictures of your injuries, the location where the incident occurred, and any relevant signs of a loose dog, like a damaged fence.
• Visible Injuries: Take photos of visible injuries from the dog bite and continue taking them as the wounds start to heal.
• Eyewitnesses: Obtain contact information for any witnesses who observed the animal attack. Your attorney will need this information to request a notarized statement from the eyewitness later.
• Report the Dog Bite: Notify the police and local animal control of the animal attack. Provide them with all the necessary information to support their investigation.
• Keep Detailed Records: Document all treatments, expenses, and losses resulting from the animal bite, including medical bills, prescriptions, and receipts for any out-of-pocket costs.  
• Contact an Injury Attorney: When you retain legal counsel, you can depend on your lawyer to guide you through the process, help gather evidence to support your case and seek full compensation.

Without proper documentation of a dog bite, such as a police report or animal control report, proving that the injuries resulting from an animal attack may be challenging. In the absence of formal evidence, it may become difficult to differentiate between injuries caused by a dog attack and hose from another source, potentially weakening the validity of a case. Without the incident report, there may also be issues establishing the dog’s identity, vaccination status, and the dog owner’s liability, all of which are important in seeking compensation. As such, it is important to reach out to a knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Tucson who can guide you through the process.

How is Negligence Proven?

To seek compensation for injuries from an animal attack, it must be proven that the dog owner’s negligence caused the incident. For example, if you were injured by a dog that was off leash in a public area, such as a park, shopping center, or residential area, this may serve as evidence of the pet owner’s negligence. Presenting this evidence can strengthen your case for obtaining the justice and maximum compensation you deserve. For more information, contact an experienced dog bite attorney in Tucson today.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Arizona

Arizona has strict liability laws regarding dog bites, meaning that a dog’s owner is generally held liable if their pet bites or attacks someone. Many homeowners’ and renters’ insurance policies cover dog bites, even if the incident occurs off the pet owner’s property. However, some insurers may exclude specific breeds from coverage. Given that each case is unique, it is best to work with an experienced Tucson dog bite attorney who can help clarify any coverage concerns and guide you through the legal process.

How Long Do You Have to File a Claim?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Arizona is generally two years from the date of the incident. This means that a bodily injury claim must reach settlement with the opposing party, or a lawsuit must be filed in civil court to protect the statute. While two years may seem like ample time to file a case, it may pass quickly when combined with the many tasks involved in the recovery process. Consulting an attorney promptly is important to ensure your Tucson dog bite case is filed within the required timeframe.

Contact a Tucson Dog Bite Lawyer Today

If you or a family member were injured in an animal attack, do not wait to seek the assistance you need. You deserve full compensation for your damages and the right injury lawyer can make that happen. Our legal team is ready to listen to your story and provide support during this difficult time. Reach out to our experienced Tucson dog bite attorneys today to take the first step toward justice. Call (602) 777-3300 to book your free consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we successfully recover compensation.