Dog bites can be serious and cause significant physical and emotional harm. In Arizona, there are specific laws that govern dog bite incidents. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take appropriate action to ensure proper medical treatment, gather information about the dog and its owner, report the incident, consider legal action, and work to prevent future attacks.

Here’s everything you need to know about what to do after a dog bite accident in Arizona and how an attorney can help you with the case. 

1. Seek Medical Attention

The first priority after a dog-bite attack is to seek medical attention. Even seemingly minor bites can result in serious infections, so it’s important to clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical treatment promptly. Common injuries associated with dog bites include puncture wounds, lacerations, and infections. A medical professional can provide the necessary treatment and evaluate whether additional medical intervention is required.

1. Gather Information and Identify the Dog

After seeking medical attention, it’s important to gather information about the dog and its owner. Obtain the owner’s name and contact information, as well as information about the dog’s breed and vaccination history. This information is important for medical and legal purposes. If the dog is a stray or its owner is unknown, contact local animal control agencies for assistance in identifying the dog.

1. Report the Incident

Reporting the incident to the local animal control agency and/or filing a police report is important for public safety and legal reasons. The incident will be documented and investigated, which can help prevent future attacks and hold the dog owner accountable if necessary.

1. Consider Legal Action

Arizona’s dog bite laws provide protection for victims of dog bite attacks. If the dog owner is found to be negligent, they may be liable for any damages incurred. It’s important to consult with an attorney who has experience with dog bite cases to determine whether legal action is appropriate.

1. Preventing Future Dog Bite Attacks:

To prevent future dog bite attacks, it’s important to educate the public about responsible pet ownership. This includes proper training and socialization of dogs, as well as keeping them on a leash or in a secure area. It’s also important for individuals to understand the potential danger of dogs and how to respond appropriately in situations where a dog may be aggressive.

What are the laws governing dog bite accidents in Arizona?

It’s important for dog owners to understand Arizona’s dog bite laws and take appropriate steps to prevent their dogs from injuring others. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in Arizona, it’s important to seek legal advice from an experienced attorney who specializes in dog bite cases. Arizona has specific laws that govern dog bite incidents, including the following:

1. Strict Liability

Arizona is a strict liability state for dog bites. This means that dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause, even if the dog has no history of aggression and the owner was not negligent.

1. One Bite Rule 

In Arizona, there is no “one bite” rule. This means that the owner of a dog that has bitten someone before can still be held liable for subsequent bites, even if they were not aware of the dog’s previous behavior.

1. Contributory Negligence

Arizona also recognizes the concept of contributory negligence. This means that if the victim contributed to their own injuries by provoking the dog or otherwise acting recklessly, their damages may be reduced.

1. Statute of Limitations

In Arizona, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit related to a dog bite incident. This means that legal action must be taken within two years of the incident, or the victim may lose their right to seek compensation.

1. Dangerous Dogs

Arizona has a dangerous dog law, which allows for dogs that have a history of aggressive behavior to be declared “dangerous.” Owners of dangerous dogs are required to take specific steps to prevent future attacks, including obtaining liability insurance and keeping the dog securely restrained.

How can an attorney help you in a dog bite attack case?

An attorney can provide valuable assistance after a dog bite attack in several ways:

Legal advice

An attorney who specializes in dog bite cases can provide legal advice regarding the victim’s rights and options. They can help determine if there is a case for legal action, what damages may be recoverable, and the best course of action to pursue.

Investigation

An attorney can conduct an investigation into the incident to determine liability and identify potential defendants. This may include gathering witness statements, reviewing medical records, and obtaining information about the dog and its owner.

Negotiation

An attorney can negotiate with the dog owner’s insurance company or legal representation to try to reach a settlement outside of court. This can help avoid the time and expense of a trial while still achieving a fair outcome for the victim.

Representation

If a settlement cannot be reached, an attorney can represent the victim in court. They can present evidence and argue on behalf of the victim to try to achieve a favorable outcome.

Maximizing compensation 

An attorney can help maximize the compensation the victim receives. This may include compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and any other damages incurred as a result of the dog bite.

Schenk Podolsky Mesa, Arizona

An attorney can provide invaluable assistance after a dog bite accident by helping victims understand their rights, navigate the legal process, and achieve the best possible outcome.

Give us a call for a free consultation at Schenk Podolsky Attorneys at Law to know more about what to do after a dog bite attack in Arizona.