A dog bite is a frightening event. Often, the victim suffers major bodily injuries and emotional scars due to the attack. Unfortunately, in many circumstances, the incident should not have happened in the first place. It is the direct outcome of a dog owner’s carelessness with their pet. Victims have the right to seek justice in certain situations. At Esquire Law, we defend animal attack victims and their families in Arizona & Utah. We work hard to hold negligent dog owners accountable. A dog bite lawyer can aggressively pursue all available compensation on behalf of our clients.
Everything You Need to Know About Dog Bites
We are here to help you if you or a loved one has lately sustained severe injuries due to a dog attack. Don’t hesitate to contact our dog bite lawyer right now. According to (CDC), around 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with children aged 5 to 9 having the highest rate of dog bite-related injuries. However, according to the Insurance Information Institute, only approximately 18,000 dog bite insurance claims are made each year. Because of the gap in those figures, it appears that a large number of dog attack victims do nothing. This might be a mistake.
The Compensation You Can Expect After A Dog Bite
You have every right to get compensation for your medical expenses and other damages if a dog owner’s careless or reckless management of a dog causes you or a loved one to be injured. That is something you should do right now. Because the victim identifies the dog and its owner, a dog bite victim may avoid legal action in some situations. For example, the owner could be a family member, an acquaintance, or a neighbor. However, it’s vital to keep in mind that, in most situations, a personal injury lawsuit will not seek compensation for the dog’s assets. Instead, the damages should be covered by the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. Keep in mind that the owner is responsible for paying the insurance costs for this form of protection.
Dog bites can cause various serious, life-altering injuries, including:
- Lacerations and cuts
- Injuries to the soft tissues
- Scarring
- Damage to the nerves
- Infections and other complications
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
You shouldn’t be left with the burden of paying for medical treatment and sustaining other financial losses if a careless dog owner causes these injuries or other harm to you or a loved one. This is why you should speak with a dog bite lawyer to understand more about your rights and alternatives.
Although you have the option of dealing directly with the dog owner’s insurance company, you may wind up with a payment that is less than what you would receive if you worked with legal representation. This is because an expert dog bite lawyer will know how to get you the most money possible. Contact us today at (623) 343-9956 for a free consultation.
Why Choose Esquire Law?
The severity of dog bites and attacks vary. Many assaults are accompanied by minor discomfort and redness or bruising. On the other hand, more severe attacks might result in serious injuries, especially when the victim is a minor child or someone unable to defend themself. These painful injuries may require medical care, such as surgery or surgical or pharmacological intervention to combat infection. It can be challenging to pursue the compensation to which you are entitled when dealing with the difficulty and anguish of physical and emotional healing and the weight of medical costs and lost wages due to missed work. Having legal representation on your side can relieve you of the pressure of obtaining compensation while you concentrate on your rehabilitation.
If a dog has attacked you or a loved one, don’t put off getting the compensation and justice you deserve. To learn more about your legal rights, as well as how our firm can help you pursue the financial recovery you need and deserve, contact our law firm now to book a consultation with one of our skilled attorneys.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Lawsuits
What Should You Do If A Dog Attacks You?
When you contact our law firm about your animal attack case, you will talk directly with a legal advisor. The lawyer will pay special attention to you, learn about the facts of your case, and discover more about how the dog bite has affected your life. We understand how frightening it is to be attacked by a dog, and we will provide you with the attention and assistance you require during this difficult time.
As you prepare to speak with us about your dog bite case, make every effort to follow the procedures below:
- Seek medical assistance. An infection from a bite or scratch is very likely, and Rabies or tetanus vaccine may be required right away. You should see a doctor right away and seek care for your wounds.
- Obtain the contact information for the dog’s owner. Even if the dog owner is a relative, acquaintance, or neighbor, you should obtain the owner’s full name and current contact information.
- The dog attack should be reported. You should notify your local animal control agency, police department, or sheriff’s office as soon as possible. A report will aid in documenting the attack’s time, date, and place. (While the dog owner may face fines or other consequences, your civil suit will be handled separately.)
- Take pictures. You should photograph your wounds if possible, and you should also take images of the dog and the incident scene if possible.
- Keep track of everything that has to do with the attack. Keep the clothes you or a loved one were wearing on the day they were attacked. Keep copies of medical bills for other expenses related to the dog bite. Any letters or e-mails you get from an insurance company should be saved as well.
- Talking with the insurance company is not a good idea. The company that provides the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance may contact you immediately after the occurrence. Giving access to your medical records is something you should avoid. It would be best if you never accepted a settlement offer or signed a release without first consulting with a lawyer.
What Legal Options Do You Have If A Dog Bites You?
As you move forward, you should be aware of the legal choices open to you in your situation. These alternatives will be determined by various circumstances, including the location of the attack, and this is because dog bite regulations differ from state to state.
A dog owner can be held responsible if the victim can show that:
- The owner’s dog inflicted injuries.
- They were either in a public location or legitimately on another’s private property.
- The dog was not kept under “reasonable control” and permitted its owner to “run at large.”
However, there are some exceptions to the legislation, which animal attack lawyers could explain. According to the law, a dog owner cannot be held accountable if:
- The dog was “on duty” as a military or police dog.
- The dog was defending someone from the victim’s attack.
- The dog was kept in a box, kennel, or other safe confinement.
- Trespassing was a crime committed by the victim, and the victim provoked the attacker.
In a dog bite lawsuit, how much money can you get?
We will aggressively pursue total compensation for the harm you have experienced due to a dog bite or animal attack at our law firm. Whether the incident happened, the damages we seek in a personal injury claim on your behalf could include:
- Medical bills from the past and future
- Wages lost and future earning capacity harmed Pain and suffering
- Loss of pleasure in life
- Scarring and deformity are common side effects of surgery
- Damages for retaliation
If a loved one was killed due to a dog bite, our firm could file a wrongful death claim on your behalf. A wrongful death claim would seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, as well as the loss of your loved one’s affection and company, as well as the financial assistance they would have offered.
What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
It’s critical to be aware of the time limits for bringing dog bite claims, and these limitations are known as “statutes of limitations.”
Remember that it will take time for your lawyer to thoroughly investigate, research, and prepare your dog bite injury claim. As a result, you should call our law firm, Esquire Law, as soon as you are ready to take action.
Dog Bite Injury Lawsuit Process
Seek medical care
Following a dog bite, the first and most critical action is to get medical help. Even minor injuries necessitate medical care. The shock of the circumstance frequently prevents people from experiencing the agony of their wounds or realizing how serious they are. It’s easy to dismiss a dog bite as a minor inconvenience. Getting treatment from a medical practitioner, on the other hand, is not only excellent for your health, but it can also help you prove your case by providing evidence.
Keep a record of the incident
Do your best to take photos of the incident scene on camera. Take photos of the area where the dog bit you, as well as anything else that may be relevant. If there was a sign that said Beware of dog, make a note of it. If there was a dog cage and chain on the property, make a note of it. Anything that could help or hurt your claim should be documented. You must keep track of your injuries as quickly as possible. Within hours of the bite, wounds might heal swiftly or change. You’ll need proof that reveals exactly what happened to you at the time of the accident.
Consult an attorney
Please speak with a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bite claims before communicating with the responsible party or their insurance company. Having an experienced attorney looking out for your best interests can make all the difference when seeking compensation for your claim.
Investigate
You must prove that the dog owner’s negligence caused your injuries or that strict liability applies to collect compensation. This necessitates a dog attack inquiry. We may investigate on your behalf as your legal team, allowing you to focus on your physical and mental recovery.
Negotiation
Every claim necessitates some compromise. Your claim determines the amount, and an expert attorney will carefully weigh any offers provided by the liable party against you in a lawsuit. Suppose you feel that what you’re being provided is unfair, insufficient, or improper. In that case, your lawyer can bargain on your behalf to ensure that your best interests and needs are fulfilled throughout the legal process.