Dog Bite Injuries In Phoenix, AZ

If you have experienced a dog bite in Phoenix, Arizona, you may have the opportunity to seek compensation from the dog’s owner, a company, or even a landlord. The funds you receive can help cover medical expenses and lost income. A skilled attorney specializing in dog bite cases in Phoenix can guide you through the process of obtaining the full compensation you deserve. To discuss your dog bite injury case, reach out to Klink Law. With our extensive experience, proven track record, and financial resources, we are prepared to take on the insurance company on your behalf.

How To Prove Your Dog Bite Case In Arizona

According to Arizona law, the compensation you receive for dog bite damages depends on your ability to establish the owner’s liability. This means demonstrating that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had the potential to bite In order to prove a dog owner’s negligence in an attack, the following elements must be shown:

1. The dog was in the defendant’s possession or under their control at the time of the bite. To establish liability, it is necessary to first demonstrate that the individual against whom you are bringing a claim is indeed the owner of the animal at the time of the incident. This may or may not be the dog’s owner, depending on various factors.
2. The defendant acted irresponsibly. Holding a dog owner accountable for a bite requires showing that they were aware of the potential for the dog to bite but failed to take preventive measures. Negligence can be demonstrated by instances such as not using a leash, failing to properly restrain the animal, or neglecting to repair a hole in the fence.
3. The defendant’s negligence directly caused the dog bite. It is also necessary to prove that the injury would not have occurred if the defendant had acted with reasonable care. In other words, if the owner had taken the actions that a prudent and reasonable person would have taken in the same circumstances, the bite would not have happened.
4. You were the victim of a crime. Lastly, substantial evidence of harm resulting from the dog attack is required. This includes physical discomfort, suffering, medical expenses, loss of income, and potentially emotional or psychological trauma, which are commonly associated with dog attacks.

How Our Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

You may think that just because you know an animal that it won’t bite you. But statistics prove that nearly 2/3 of all people bitten by a dog actually knew the dog. Just because a dog bites you does not mean it is a bad dog. Some animals have a bad moment and react in unforeseen ways. Regardless of whether or not you knew the dog that has bitten you, it is crucial that you seek medical treatment and consult an attorney as soon as possible to make sure you obtain fair compensation for your injury.

With the help of an experienced attorney, you can focus on your recovery and healing process while the legalities of the case are handled for you. In Arizona dog owners and caretakers are strictly liable for all injuries caused by a dog bite. This means that the person responsible for the dog that bit you is held liable for the injury that you sustained regardless of whether the person responsible for the dog was negligent. Therefore, you may recover medical bills that you incurred as a result of the dog bite as well as other financial obligations, such as paying you for lost wages and other miscellaneous costs related to the injury.

Dog bite cases are unique because under strict liability your claim must be filed within 1-year of the bite. This is a shorter statute of limitations than a negligence case. Although you can still pursue a negligence case for a dog bite injury it is preferable to file your claim within 1 year so that you can avail yourself to all possible legal theories of recovery including strict liability against the dog’s owner or caretaker.

Depending on the injury you sustained from an animal bite or animal attack, your medical bills could easily reach into the tens of thousands of dollars, especially if you have to go under the knife and have reconstructive surgery. The healing process can oftentimes take months. It is during this time that you will want to rest and relax at ease knowing you are making as full of a recovery as possible. Contact Attorney David Klink today and you can take comfort in knowing all possible compensation will be recovered for your dog bite injury claim.

Contact Our Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney Today

In cases involving dog bites or attacks, pet owners often exhibit uncooperative behavior. They may dispute ownership and responsibility for the incident, attempt to shift blame onto the victim, or even try to evade responsibility by fleeing town. Many pet owners fear that legal action will result in the euthanization of their beloved pets. However, in reality, most dog bite claims are settled before going to trial through pre-trial settlement discussions. These settlements typically involve the pet owner fulfilling their legal obligation to compensate the victim for damages.

It is important not to negotiate a dog bite claim on your own. The pet owner’s insurance company may reject your claim or offer you an amount far below what you are entitled to. The owner may also try to undermine their responsibility by claiming that you provoked the attack. Instead of accepting a low-ball settlement for significant or irreversible injuries, it is advisable to consult with a skilled dog bite attorney in Phoenix. At Klink Law, we are dedicated to protecting your rights and will provide a thorough evaluation of your case at no charge or obligation. Contact our office today for a complimentary consultation and to learn more about how we can assist you.