Dog bites can be extremely dangerous, and not just because of the damage they cause to the skin. If a dog attacks with enough force, it can break bones and even cause traumatic brain injuries if the victim is knocked down or hit their head on something after being attacked. This risk is particularly pronounced in victims who are young children or elderly, as their bones are more fragile and their bodies less able to withstand significant trauma.
In many cases, dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation from the owner of the animal. Whether the attack took place in a public space or on private property, seeking legal help from an experienced attorney may be an important step towards recovering financial damages from those responsible for an injury caused by a dog bite. Understanding what to do after being attacked by a dog can help protect the rights of the victim and ensure they receive fair and just compensation for their injuries.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a dog attack, contact an experienced personal injury attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options. A knowledgeable lawyer can evaluate your case and guide how best to seek damages for medical bills, pain, and suffering, lost wages, and other costs associated with the attack. With proper legal support, victims of dog bites can obtain the justice they deserve.
The outcome of any case will depend on the facts and circumstances surrounding the attack. An attorney can help you understand your rights, build a strong legal claim, and fight for maximum compensation for your injuries. Don’t wait to get started—contact an experienced dog bite attorney today.
Why Should I Choose Levenson Law?
At Levenson Law, our attorneys bring decades of legal know-how to each case. Our lawyers are well known for being professional and responsive to client’s needs. We’re proud of the awards and honors that we have earned in recognition of this superior service.
Our firm is unique in that we offer the best of both worlds – a boutique law firm with personal attention, but also all the resources of a large practice. This means that you get the individualized care you deserve while having access to an established network of experts who can help you comprehensively achieve your goals.
We value relationships as much as results; every client gets treated like family at Levenson Law. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you. We’ll be happy to discuss your case and provide the legal advice you need promptly. Let us show you why so many have trusted Levenson Law with their most important legal matters.
We look forward to speaking with you soon! Thank you for considering our law firm.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Injuries caused by dog bites in the city of Phoenix can range from minor to severe. The most common types of injuries include puncture wounds, lacerations, tissue damage, infection, fractures, and even death.
Puncture wounds are one of the most serious injuries associated with dog bites. These deep cuts are usually caused when a dog’s teeth penetrate deeply into the skin. They can cause extensive bleeding and require immediate medical attention for proper treatment.
Lacerations are another type of injury that often results from a dog bite. These shallow cuts or tears in the skin may be painful but do not normally require stitches unless they are particularly deep or wide. Treatment typically involves cleaning and dressing the wound, and, in some cases, antibiotics may be prescribed to prevent infection.
Tissue damage is another common injury resulting from dog bites. Tissue damage can range from mild bruising or swelling to more serious tearing and bleeding of the muscle tissue beneath the skin. Treatment for this type of injury generally consists of cleaning and dressing the wound as well as giving an antibiotic to prevent infection. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair damaged tissue.
Infection is also a major concern when it comes to injuries caused by dog bites. Even minor puncture wounds can become infected if they are not properly treated and cleaned shortly after the bite occurs. To reduce the risk of infection, any wound should be washed with soap and water immediately following the bite and a doctor should be consulted for further treatment.
Fractures can also occur because of a dog bite, especially if the victim is smaller in size or age than the attacking dog. Fracture injuries can range from minor to severe depending on the area affected and may require surgery to repair the damage.
Finally, it is important to note that death due to a dog attack is possible in some cases. This type of injury is incredibly rare, but it is still important for those living in Phoenix to be aware of the risks associated with any potential dog attack. To reduce this risk, proper safety measures should always be taken when interacting with unfamiliar dogs.
Overall, there are numerous injuries associated with dog bites in the city of Phoenix. From puncture wounds and lacerations to tissue damage, infection, fractures, and even death, residents need to understand the risks associated with dog attacks and take appropriate safety precautions.
Common Dog Bite Causes
When it comes to the causes of dog bite injuries in the city of Phoenix, there are a few that stand out above the rest. Perhaps the most common cause is when people approach an unknown or unfamiliar dog without taking proper safety precautions.
Without properly assessing a dog's body language and mood before approaching them for petting or interaction, people can easily provoke an aggressive response from the animal. This is especially true with dogs who have not been trained to respond calmly to strangers.
Similarly, children are especially vulnerable to being bitten by dogs due to their small size and inability to recognize potential signals that indicate danger. Even if they do recognize these signs, they may not be able to react quickly enough for their safety, leading to injury from a bite.
Dog owners who allow their pets to roam freely can also be held responsible for injuries that occur due to dog bites. When animals are given too much freedom and not properly supervised, they may become territorial or aggressive in the face of an unfamiliar person or animal.
This can lead to serious injury if a person is bitten. In addition, when dogs are mistreated or neglected by their owners, they may resort to aggression to protect themselves.
Finally, while it's less common than other causes of dog bite injuries, some breeds are inherently more dangerous than others and should always be handled with extreme caution. Pitbulls, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, Akitas, and Chows are some of the breeds that have been known to cause serious injury or death upon biting a person. People need to understand the risks associated with owning and interacting with these breeds to prevent injuries from occurring.
By being aware of the most common causes of dog bite injuries in Phoenix, you can take steps to ensure your safety when around animals. Knowing how to properly interact with dogs, ensuring that your pets are always supervised, and avoiding dangerous breeds can go a long way toward preventing dog bite injuries in the city.
Dog Bite Injury Law Firm
How Can A Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Assist Me In My Case?
A Phoenix dog bite lawyer is an invaluable asset for anyone who has been injured by a dog bite. By examining the facts of the case, gathering evidence, and representing clients in court, they help victims get the justice and compensation they deserve.
The first step any Phoenix dog bite lawyer will take is to assess the incident and determine if there are grounds for legal action. In Arizona, strict liability applies to most cases involving animal bites; this means that the owner of the animal may be held liable even if they weren't aware of any prior aggressive behavior from their pet. An experienced lawyer can evaluate all circumstances associated with the attack and decide whether it's worth pursuing a claim.
Next, your Phoenix dog bite lawyer will review all relevant laws and statutes related to the case. They will also interview any witnesses who were present, gather evidence, and generally act as your advocate throughout the legal process.
At the same time, they'll work with local law enforcement and medical professionals to properly document your injuries, ensuring that you are fairly compensated for any pain or suffering you endured due to the attack.
Finally, a Phoenix dog bite lawyer can represent you in court if necessary. From pleading your case before a judge or jury to negotiating a settlement, they should be well-versed in various areas of personal injury law and have an intimate knowledge of Arizona state laws.
A Phoenix dog bite lawyer is invaluable when it comes to seeking justice for a dog bite injury. While the services of such a lawyer aren't cheap, they can provide peace of mind and ensure that victims get the best possible outcome in their case.
By leveraging their expertise and resources, you can rest assured that your legal rights will be protected every step of the way. With an experienced attorney on your side, you have a much better chance of being fully compensated for any injuries or losses you incurred due to the attack.
What Compensation Can I Collect In My Dog Bite Case?
MedPay coverage is an insurance policy available for Phoenix dog bite injury victims. It can cover medical expenses incurred up to the limits of the policy. The claimant must provide proof that they have incurred medical bills to receive compensation through MedPay, as well as any associated costs such as travel and lodging.
Another form of compensation available to Phoenix dog bite injury victims is a settlement from the negligent party’s insurance company. These settlements are typically based on factors such as past and future medical expenses, lost wages, pain, and suffering, and so on. If successful, a settlement will be negotiated between both parties which generally covers all past medical bills plus some amount for additional damages.
Finally, so-called “pain and suffering” damages may also be available to Phoenix dog bite injury victims. These seek to compensate the victim for any mental anguish or physical pain they’ve experienced because of the incident.
This type of compensation has been awarded in several cases, though it is not guaranteed. A personal injury attorney can help evaluate your case and determine if these types of damages are applicable.
Compensation for Phoenix dog bite injuries is dependent on the specifics of each case, but these three forms—MedPay coverage, settlements from insurance companies, and pain and suffering damages—are commonly available options for those who have suffered serious harm from a dog attack. It’s important to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer to ensure that you are pursuing the best possible outcome for your case.
An attorney can provide valuable guidance throughout the process and help secure the full compensation you deserve for your suffering. With their assistance, you can recoup both past and future losses related to the incident—and begin rebuilding your life after a traumatic experience.
Phoenix Dog Bite Statute Of Limitations
In Phoenix, Arizona, dog bite cases have a two-year statute of limitations from the date of the incident. This means that if the victim has not filed suit within two years of being bitten by a dog, they may be barred from seeking damages for their injury. Furthermore, the law applies to both adults and children who have been injured in this way.
Additionally, it is important to note that there are some exceptions to this rule. If an adult or child was mentally disabled or legally incapacitated at the time of the attack, there may be additional time granted by a court of law for filing a lawsuit against a responsible party.
Moreover, in cases where negligence on behalf of another person caused or contributed to the dog bite incident, the statute of limitations may not begin until after that person's negligence is discovered.
Phoenix law enforcement and animal control officers can determine if a dog has become a "dangerous" or "vicious" animal under state law. If this occurs, the owner of the animal is subject to additional liability for any injury caused by the pet as well as increased civil penalties. It is also important to note that in cases where a dangerous or vicious dog causes injury, legal claims can still be filed even after the two-year statute of limitations has expired.
Overall, it is important for anyone who has been injured by a dog bite in Phoenix to understand the city's laws and statutes regarding such claims. By being aware of the statute of limitations, victims will be able to seek justice and compensation for their injuries promptly.
Additionally, individuals should familiarize themselves with any exceptions that may exist in their situation that could potentially extend the amount of time they have to file a lawsuit.
If you or someone you know has been injured by a dog bite in Phoenix, contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney will be able to assess your case and guide you through the legal process so that you can get the compensation that you deserve.