Gilbert Dog Bite Lawyer

Gilbert Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are a popular pet choice in Gilbert. The vast majority of canines go their entire lives without so much as nipping their owner or others. When a dog does bite, the consequences for the victim can be serious. Anyone who was attacked by a dog can hire a Gilbert dog bite lawyer to hold the dog owner responsible for allowing their pet to attack you.

With legal representation by a Gilbert personal injury lawyer, you can be compensated for your physical injuries and mental anguish. Dog bites can also leave their victims with post-traumatic stress disorder and other mental health afflictions.

When Can a Dog Bite Lead to a Personal Injury Claim?

Some people still believe that Arizona follows the “one bite” rule for personal injury claims, meaning that the dog’s first time biting someone is not grounds for a claim. This is not true under the current law. A dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog. The owner is liable if the bite happened in public or in the dog owner’s home.

Taking legal action against the dog owner may sound easy, but personal injury claims require a deep understanding of the law. The dog owner or their attorney may claim that you provoked the dog or that you were trespassing at the time of the dog bite. If the defendant is successful in convincing the court of these two common defense strategies, you may lose your claim.

Trespassing can occur even when you are invited onto a property. For example, if you are a guest in someone’s home and enter a room that you were not told you could go to, any bite that occurred in that room could be tied to trespassing. You can improve the chances that you are successful in your claim by hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you.

With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you can prove that your case meets the strict liability rule. Your lawyer can gather evidence to prove that you suffered serious injuries as a result of the dog bite and deserve to be compensated for those injuries.

Common Injuries Following a Dog Attack

Injuries from a dog attack often involve bites, but other forms of injury could also make you eligible for compensation. Liability for dog bites, along with other injuries sustained during an attack, can be grounds for a legal claim under Arizona’s personal injury laws.

• Claw Injuries: A dog’s claws (especially those of larger breeds) can cause deep lacerations and wounds.
• Traumatic Brain Injuries: When a large dog knocks a person to the ground, this can cause severe head injuries that can lead to serious medical complications.
• Broken Bones: Falls following a dog attack can lead to fractures. Some breaks heal without the need for surgery, but severe fractures may require extensive medical treatment and cause nerve damage.
• Dog Bites: Bites can lead to tearing, bleeding, crushing injuries, and nerve damage. They can also spread communicable diseases. The trauma from a dog attack can leave mental as well as physical scars.

These types of injuries are associated with significant physical pain and psychological trauma. Victims may become anxious around dogs and experience flashbacks due to the attack.

Why Arizonans Trust Bleaman Law Firm, P.C.

After a dog bite incident, you need a tireless and experienced attorney. Many in Gilbert, Arizona, rely on Marc Bleaman at Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., for effective representation following a dog bite. Marc’s background with insurance companies equips him to handle large corporations and insurers skillfully. The firm offers personalized, straightforward service, focusing on maximizing your compensation and securing a thorough recovery without false promises.

FAQs

Q: How Much Can You Get Paid for a Dog Bite?

A: The value of your settlement is contingent, in part, on the extent and severity of your injuries. Your lawyer can calculate the full value of your financial losses, which may include loss of wages and medical expenses. You may be entitled to non-monetary compensation for pain and suffering as well.

Q: Who Pays for My Dog Bite Injuries?

A: The dog owner is financially responsible for any harm caused by their dog under state law. If the attack happens on the dog owner’s property, the homeowner’s insurance may cover part or all of the expenses for the victim’s medical needs. A personal injury lawyer can review your case to determine where the appropriate source of compensation should come from.

Q: How Do You Prove Which Party Is Liable for a Dog Bite?

A: You can prove which party is liable for a dog bite by hiring an experienced dog bite lawyer who has successfully helped dog bite victims seek fair compensation for their injuries. Two common defenses that defendants use are to allege that you either provoked the dog or trespassed. Your lawyer can collect evidence to show that you are the victim of an unprovoked dog bite.

Q: What Happens If My Dog Bites Someone in Arizona?

A: If your dog bites someone in Arizona, you can hire an attorney to represent you if the dog bite victim decides to take legal action against you. If the bite happened on your property, you can contact your homeowner’s insurance carrier to see if your insurance policy covers dog bites.

Q: What Is the Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims in Arizona?

A: In Arizona, the statute of limitations for a dog bite claim is two years. This requires plaintiffs to submit their claims to the court within two years from when the injury occurred. There are limited exceptions to this deadline. If plaintiffs fail to file within this period, they may lose the opportunity to pursue financial compensation through the legal system for their injuries.

Schedule Your Dog Bite Consultation Today

Dog bites can cause serious injuries that require immediate medical attention. However, you do not have to suffer the financial consequences of a dog owner’s negligence. By hiring an experienced personal injury attorney, you can hold the dog owner accountable and compel them to compensate you for your injuries.

Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., has helped many dog bite victims receive fair compensation following an animal attack. To schedule your consultation, contact our office today.