MESA DOG BITE ATTORNEYS
If you are searching for “Dog Bite Attorneys“, “Dog Bite Lawyers“, “Dog Bite Attorneys Near Me” or “Dog Bite Defense Attorney” in Mesa, Arizona, The Bradshaw Firm can help!
VICTIMS OF DOG BITE LEGAL REPRESENTATION
If you or a loved one has been harmed or injured in a dog attack, do not hesitate to get in touch with our Mesa dog bite attorneys on the team at The Bradshaw Firm. We have helped countless victims deal with their injuries and get back to normal as much as physically possible, all by holding the parties responsible for the attack at fault. Contact us and learn more about what The Bradshaw Firm can do to help you or a loved one.
WHO IS AT RISK?
Dog attacks can cause catastrophic, and in some cases life threatening injuries in a matter of seconds. A lot of dog attack victims under no circumstances expect to be harmed or injured by an animal or dog they consider a friend. Children, as well as adults, can be harmed or injured by a dog and can carry both physical and emotional scars for many years after the incident. More often than not, many dog attacks are the result of the carelessness of owners who do not take the proper steps to protect strangers, or even their friends and family.
As reported by the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly 4.7 million dog bites occur each year. Around 800,000 of these bites require some type of medical attention. Nearly half of these are young children. The highest rate of these bites occurs among children between the ages of 5 and 9 years old. Two-thirds of these injuries are among children who are younger than 4 years old and are usually to the neck and head areas. Boys are much more likely to encounter bites than girls, and among adults, men are more likely than women to experience dog bite injuries.
WHO IS LIABLE FOR MY MESA DOG BITE?
According to Arizona law (ARS-11-1025) states that a dog owner(s) is liable and responsible for any attacks caused by their dog. If you were bitten by a dog while out in a public place or while lawfully on someone else’s private property, you lawfully have the right to file a claim against that dog’s owner. Whether the dog attacked you on someone else’s property, while it is being walked, or while roaming without its owner, the dog owner is the one held responsible for the attack. On the other hand, the dog’s owner is not liable if you were teasing or irritating the dog in some way, unlawfully trespassing or acting hostile towards the dog or its owner.
STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS IN ARIZONA
According to state law, are two statutes of limitations in Arizona on dog bite claims. First, when you don’t need to prove the dog owner knew the dog was inclined to biting, you have up to one year to file your claim. Second, when you absolutely have to prove that the dog owner knew his dog was aggressive and prone to biting, you have two years to file your claim. That is why it is so important to contact an experienced and knowledgeable personal injury attorney as soon as possible after a dog bite. The attorney will evaluate your case and decide which statute of limitation is applicable to your situation.
THIRD PARTY LIABILITY IN A DOG BITE CASE
We usually think of liability in a dog bite case as being pretty straightforward – that the dog owner has to pay – but our experienced legal team at The Bradshaw Firm knows that these cases can get convoluted and complex. One way comprises of a “third party,” often including workers’ compensation.
As an example, if a dog attacks a UPS driver or a cable tv installer, workers’ compensation could kick in, granting a payout prior to the Phoenix personal injury case being resolved. However, the workers’ compensation office may put a hold on any award from the personal injury case. This type of “stacking” in on the job bite injuries can get disconcerting, and without the proper legal assistance, it can be hard for a dog bite victim to figure out whether or not they are getting all that they deserve. This is a circumstance where the representation of an experienced dog bite attorney is crucial.
WHAT IS THE COST OF A DOG ATTACK?
While dogs are usually seen as “man’s best friend,” some breeds are also dangerous. Even small breeds of dogs can cause considerable injuries because of how sharp their teeth are. In the event of a large dog attack, the injuries suffered can be catastrophic or even life changing. Victims of dog attacks often suffer from:
• Deep Cuts or Lacerations
• Muscle or Tendon Damage
• Broken or Crushed Bones
• Neck and Spinal Cord Damage
• Loss of Blood
• Wound Infections
Because of the vicious nature of dog attacks, many victims usually will suffer emotional and mental trauma, making their recovery even more difficult
DOG BITE STATISTICS
More than 4 million dog bites occur in the United States each year and nearly 1 million require medical care. If you have been attacked by a dog, you may be entitled to recover damages for your losses. After you have been attacked, it is in your best interests to speak immediately with an experienced and aggressive Arizona dog bite lawyer at The Bradshaw Firm. Our attorneys
have years of extensive experience handling dog bite cases.
Arizona applies strict liability when dogs attack and injure others. This means there is no such thing as one free bite for the animal or disputed liability. The dog owner is “strictly liable” for the injuries caused by their dog. The law does not allow the dog owner to dispute who was at fault. The owner is automatically responsible to pay for your damages.
Scarring is often a serious consequence of a dog bite. The most frequent target of dog attacks is the face, including the lips, nose, and cheeks, causing approximately 44,000 facial injuries treated in the United States each year. These wounds can result in disfiguring scars that can have lifelong physical consequences, especially for children. Scars on other areas of the body also often result in extensive medical treatments, surgeries, and permanent disfigurement. In addition to physical injuries, a dog bite victim may sustain severe mental and emotional distress. If the victim is a young child, which unfortunately is often the case, the likelihood of a long lasting fear of dogs, fear of leaving the house, and separation anxiety are even higher.
If you are a victim of a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for past and future medical treatment expenses, past and future income, emotional distress, and pain and suffering. When the negligent party refuses to take responsibility for his or her actions, we have the litigation techniques necessary to hold them accountable. We can take your case from beginning to end and fight aggressively to help you collect the damages you deserve.
Ready to Hire a Mesa Dog Bite Attorney? Get Started Today!
The Mesa dog bite attorneys at the Bradshaw Firm can help. We understand what you are having to endure as a result of an injury from a dog bite and vitally, we know the law. You can rest assured we will protect your rights. Although prevention may be key, protection is also important. Contact our Mesa personal injury attorneys today!