Dog Bite Accidents Lawyer in Phoenix, Arizona

Dog bites can be brutal, leaving victims with serious physical injuries, emotional scars and big financial burdens. In Phoenix, Arizona dog bites are a serious public safety issue and the laws are in place to protect victims and hold irresponsible dog owners accountable. At Keller Swan we represent people injured by dog bites and will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and more.

Dog Bite Accidents

Dog bites are common and the consequences can be varied, depending on the severity of the attack. In some cases a bite may only leave a small puncture wound, but in more severe cases dog attacks can cause lacerations, nerve damage, broken bones and even amputations. Beyond the physical scars dog bite victims often suffer from psychological trauma which can include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression and a lifelong fear of dogs.

Dog Bite Injuries Long Term

Many dog bite victims face long term complications beyond physical injuries. These complications include:

• Infection and Disease: Dog bites can introduce bacteria like Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella and Staphylococcus into the bloodstream which can cause infections. In rare cases dog bites can cause rabies a potentially fatal disease if not treated promptly.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Severe dog bites can leave permanent scars or disfigurement especially if the bite is on the face or hands. These injuries often require multiple surgeries including skin grafts and reconstructive procedures.
• Emotional and Psychological Trauma: For many victims the emotional and psychological impact of a dog bite can be just as debilitating as the physical injuries. Victims especially children can develop phobias and anxiety disorders after a traumatic dog bite.
• Financial Burden: Dog bite injuries can result in big medical bills including emergency treatment, surgeries, follow up care and therapy. Victims may also lose wages if they can’t work due to their injuries.

Since the long term consequences are so severe it’s important for dog bite victims to get compensation that addresses both immediate and future needs.

Phoenix, Arizona Personal Injury Dog Bite Laws

Phoenix, Arizona has specific laws regarding dog bite accidents. Unlike other personal injury cases dog bite laws in Arizona don’t require proof of negligence. Instead strict liability laws apply to these cases which often work in the victim’s favor. Here are the key laws for Phoenix residents who have been bitten by a dog:

1. Strict Liability

Arizona has a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression or if the owner knew of the dog’s dangerous behavior. Victims only need to prove a bite occurred and that the bite caused an injury. No need to prove the owner was negligent or reckless. This is stated in Arizona Revised Statute (ARS) 11-1025:

• A dog owner is liable for any damages to a person bitten by the dog if the person was on public or private property at the time of the bite.
• Strict liability applies even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and has no history of aggression.

This law is to hold dog owners responsible for their pets’ actions regardless of intent or prior knowledge of dangerous behavior.

2. Time Limit to File Dog Bite Claims

In Arizona victims of dog bites have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit from the date of the incident. This statute of limitations is important because if you don’t file within this time frame you may be barred from suing and recovering damages. There are however exceptions to this rule if the bite involves a minor or if the victim was incapacitated for a period.

3. Comparative Negligence

Arizona is a pure comparative negligence state. This means even if you are found partially at fault for the incident (for example provoking the dog or trespassing) you can still recover damages. But the amount of damages awarded will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example if a victim is found 20% at fault for provoking the dog their damages will be reduced by 20%. This comparative negligence system allows victims to recover damages even if they are partially responsible for the incident.

4. Arizona Dangerous Dog Laws

Arizona has strict laws for dangerous and vicious dogs. Under ARS 11-1014 a dog can be classified as dangerous if:

• Attacks or injures a person or animal without provocation.
• Has been declared dangerous by a court due to prior incidents of aggression.

If a dog is declared dangerous the owner must take specific measures to prevent future attacks. This can include confining the dog to a secure enclosure, muzzling the dog when in public and maintaining liability insurance to cover potential injuries. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in criminal charges and increased liability in civil lawsuits.

Phoenix, Arizona Dog Bite Statistics (2023)

Dog bites are a public health and safety issue in Phoenix. In 2023 animal control and public health departments reported:

• Total Dog Bite Incidents: 350 reported dog bites in Phoenix ranging from minor to severe attacks requiring hospitalization and surgery.
• Injuries and Fatalities: 150 of those resulted in serious injuries (deep lacerations, nerve damage, serious infections) and 1 fatality (a young child attacked by a neighbor’s dog).
• Common Breeds: While dog bites can happen to any breed, certain breeds are more common in severe cases. Pit Bulls, Rottweilers and German Shepherds were over represented in severe cases. But remember any breed can bite and the behavior of a dog is often influenced by its environment, training and owner’s behavior.

Economic and Emotional Damages

The economic cost of dog bite injuries in Phoenix is huge. In 2023 alone medical expenses for dog bite victims exceeded $2 million and additional losses for lost wages, rehabilitation and psychological counseling.

Beyond the economic impact many victims suffer long term emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable to the psychological effects of dog bites as they are more likely to develop phobias or anxiety disorders as a result of the attack. This is why full compensation should cover both physical injuries and emotional recovery.

Phoenix Personal Injury Case: A Settlement

One of the biggest dog bite cases in Phoenix was a 5 year old boy who was attacked by his neighbor’s Pit Bull in 2018. The boy was playing in his backyard when the dog escaped from its enclosure and entered the property and attacked him. The boy suffered severe injuries to his face and arms and required multiple surgeries including reconstructive facial surgery.

The boy’s family filed a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner claiming the owner failed to keep the dog restrained and failed to warn others about the dog’s aggressive behavior. The case was highly publicized and settled for $5 million to cover the boy’s medical expenses, future treatment, emotional distress and pain and suffering.

This case shows the importance of Arizona’s strict liability law which holds dog owners responsible for their pet’s actions regardless of prior behavior or intent. The settlement also shows the financial burden dog bite injuries can put on victims and their families when the injuries require long term care and psychological support.

Why Choose Keller Swan for Your Dog Bite Accident?

At Keller Swan we know the impact dog bite injuries can have on victims and their families. Our lawyers will fight to protect your rights and get you the compensation you deserve. Here’s why Keller Swan is the best for your dog bite case:

1. Legal Expertise

Our lawyers are familiar with Arizona’s strict liability dog bite laws and know how to navigate personal injury cases. We build strong cases for our clients so they get maximum compensation for medical bills, lost wages, rehabilitation and pain and suffering.

2. Client Care

At Keller Swan we understand the emotional impact of dog bite injuries. We provide client support throughout the process, with empathy and professionalism. We put your needs first so you feel supported and informed every step of the way.

3. Results

We have a long history of success with dog bite cases in Phoenix and beyond. We’ve gotten big settlements for our clients so they get compensation for immediate medical needs and long term financial security.

Dog Bite Accidents

Dog bites can happen in many ways but here are common causes. Knowing these causes can help prevent future bites and hold the responsible parties accountable. Common causes:

1. No Restraint

Many dog bites happen when dogs are allowed to run free without a leash or proper containment. Dog owners have a legal duty to restrain their pets especially in public areas or when around children.

2. Not Socialized or Trained

Dogs not socialized or trained may become fearful or aggressive in new situations. Lack of training often leads to unpredictable behavior which increases the risk of bites when the dog feels threatened or anxious.

3. Breed or History of Aggression

Some breeds of dogs, especially those with a history of aggression, require extra precautions from their owners. Dogs that have bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior may be required to be confined to a secure area or muzzled in public.

4. Victim Provocation

While provocation doesn’t excuse a dog owner from liability under Arizona’s strict liability laws, it can impact the amount of compensation awarded to the victim. For example if the victim taunts or harasses the dog the court may reduce the compensation awarded to the victim in proportion to the victim’s involvement in the incident.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, do the following to protect your health and legal rights:

1. Get Medical Attention Right Away

Even minor dog bites can become serious infections or complications. Get medical attention right away, document your injuries and follow up with any necessary treatment. Make sure your doctor documents the injuries thoroughly as this will be important for your case.

2. Report the Incident

Report the dog bite to local animal control or law enforcement. This way the incident is documented and action can be taken against the dog and owner.

3. Get Evidence

Take photos of the injuries, the scene of the attack and any other relevant information. Get the contact info of any witnesses who saw the attack. This information will be important when you file your claim.

4. Call a Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite cases are complex and require the help of an experienced attorney. At Keller Swan we can help you file your claim, negotiate with insurance companies and represent you in court if needed.

Contact Keller Swan Now

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Phoenix, Arizona, call now for legal help. The lawyers at Keller Swan will help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries, medical bills, emotional distress and more.

Call now for a free consultation.