Yuma Dog Bite Lawyers

Whether you are strolling through your neighborhood, walking on a sidewalk, or at the park, the last thing on your mind is being attacked by a dog. It is reasonable to expect that dog owners will manage their pets properly – keeping them leashed in public or contained within their homes. The unfortunate reality is that this expectation is not always met. Many unsuspecting people in Yuma and surrounding communities experience serious injuries from dog attacks each year. An animal attack that results in persistent pain, scarring, or disfigurement may have lasting effects.

An experienced Yuma dog bite attorney can hold the pet owner liable for your injuries by proving negligence and seeking compensation for your losses.

Statistics on Dog Bite-Related Injuries in Arizona

The Arizona Department of Health Services gathers valuable data and provides tips to help both new and experienced pet owners prevent dog bites. According to statistics by the AZ DHS, children under 14 accounted for nearly 33 percent of all injuries associated with dog bites. Specifically, those aged 5-14 made up 22 percent of all emergency department visits due to animal bites within this age group and were twice as likely to require an emergency department visit compared to being hospitalized. AZ DHS indicated in the report that most dog bite injuries involved a single site.

Importance of Immediate Treatment After an Animal Attack

Dog bites can be not only extremely painful but also pose a significant risk of infection. Since dogs carry a considerable amount of bacteria in their saliva, bites have the potential to lead to serious infections or transmit diseases such as tetanus and rabies. Because of this, it is important to clean the wound immediately and apply topical antibiotics to any breaks in the skin. Seek immediate medical attention after an animal attack to document the incident, especially if:

• The dog’s vaccination history is unknown
• Tendons, muscle, or bones are exposed
• You are experiencing severe pain
• Feel confused, faint, or weak
• You develop a fever

Under Arizona’s strict liability laws for dog bites, an injured party may hold the dog owner liable if it can be proven that the owner was negligent or failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling their pet. When it comes to animal attacks specifically, the pet owner may be held liable even if they had no prior knowledge or reason to believe that the dog would become aggressive. For more information, contact an experienced animal attack attorney in Yuma for a free case review.

What Evidence is Needed for a Dog Bite Case?

The following evidence is crucial for establishing causation and damages in a personal injury case for an animal attack occurring in Yuma, Arizona:

• Medical records for relevant treatment
• Photos of damaged fences or gates
• Torn or bloodied clothing
• Photos of visible injuries
• Eyewitness statements
• Animal control reports
• Surveillance footage
• Expert testimony
• Police reports

Gathering this evidence can strengthen your case, prove liability, and establish the extent of damages incurred.

Understanding Recoverable Damages from Animal Attack Cases

Bringing a personal injury claim for a dog bite may be challenging for a wide array of reasons, especially if the pet owner is someone you know. Nonetheless, it is important to understand your rights, including your right to receive fair compensation for your losses:

• Past and future medical expenses for necessary and reasonable treatment
• Loss of earnings and diminished earning potential
• Scarring and disfigurement

The amount of compensation that can be recovered will be based on the severity of dog bite-related injuries. If the animal attack results in a loss of life, the decedent’s surviving family members may be eligible to seek damages from the dog owner and other relevant defendants.

How is Fault Proven in a Dog Bite Injury Claim?

For a favorable case resolution in an animal attack case, it must be proven through sufficient and clear evidence that the dog owner failed to take reasonable steps to control their pet. This may include but not limited to:

• Allowing the dog to roam freely without a leash in a public setting, such as a park, shopping center, or neighborhood
• Neglecting to repair a broken gate or fence at the residence, allowing the dog to escape
• Failing to properly restrain the dog, especially if aware of its aggressive tendencies
• Housing the dog in a hazardous or unsafe environment
• Other lack of reasonable precautions

Under Arizona law, dog owners may be held strictly liable for injuries and losses caused by their pets. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as provocation or trespassing. For more details, contact an experienced Yuma animal attack attorney today.

Understanding How Liability is Disputed in Animal Attack Cases

The dog owner may want to dispute liability and avoid paying compensation for injuries caused by their pet. It is not uncommon for insurance companies representing negligent pet owners to build a defense strategy to shift the blame onto an injured party to avoid payouts. Common defense tactics in dog bite cases include:

• Claiming that the injured party was trespassing when the animal attack occurred, suggesting that they provided the pet and was responsible for their own injuries.
• Alleging that the injured person harmed the dog in the past, which justified the animal attack.

To ensure these arguments do not undermine your personal injury claim, it is important to retain legal counsel. An experienced Yuma dog bite attorney will not only explain your rights but handle all the legal procedures, allowing you to focus on recovery while they work to secure the maximum financial compensation you deserve.

What is the Time Limit for an Animal Bite Case in Arizona?

Dog bite claims in Arizona fall under personal injury and are subject to a time limit known as the statute of limitations. In Arizona, this period is two years, meaning that the injured party has two years from the date of the animal attack to file a lawsuit against the dog owner and other defendants. If you are unsure about the statute of limitations and how it applies to your case, it is important to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer serving Yuma, Arizona. At our law office, we offer free consultations. Reach us by phone or submit an online contact form today.

Is It Expensive to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer for an Animal Attack Claim?

At Southwest Injury Law, our legal services are provided on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not need to pay any upfront or out-of-pocket costs when you choose to work with our firm. Instead of charging fees at the start, we only receive payment if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf. This ensures that you can focus on your recovery without the worry of costs of legal representation, while our Yuma dog bite attorneys remain fully committed to achieving a favorable outcome in your case.

How an Attorney Can Assist You with Your Personal Injury Case

Building a strong case following an animal attack involves thorough documentation, investigation, and a comprehensive understanding of Arizona’s strict liability law for dog bites. For this reason, it is important to retain legal counsel that is well-versed in these types of cases. Your lawyer can:

• Investigate all aspects of the incident and gather evidence that may have been overlooked
• Identify and secure crucial records, such as animal control reports detailing the dog’s history
• Build a strong case backed by evidence, relevant statutes, and legal precedents
• Calculate the fair and reasonable value of damages and negotiate with insurers to reach a mutual settlement agreement
• Take the case to court if the insurance carrier is unwilling to provide a reasonable offer that covers the damages incurred by the injured party

Avoid attempting to negotiate with the pet owner or insurance company on your own. Dog bite cases are often challenging due to the complex liability laws at play. By having a skilled Yuma animal attack attorney on your side, you greatly improve your chances of a favorable case result.

Discuss Your Case with a Yuma Dog Bite Lawyer Today

After a dog bite, it is important to understand the options for financial recovery that may be available to you. A personal injury law firm that is well-versed in these cases can help you navigate the process of seeking compensation for your damages. At Southwest Injury Law, we offer experienced legal representation for injured parties in Yuma County and across the state of Arizona. If you were injured in an animal attack, our experienced Yuma dog bite attorneys are here to help you. We provide free consultations at (602) 777-3300.