(435) 767-7777
(435) 767-7777Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys in Phoenix, Arizona
At Swenson & Shelley, our Arizona personal injury attorneys know, according to the U.S. Census Bureau’s American Housing Survey, that among major metro areas, Phoenix has the second-highest percentage of households with dogs.
About 782,000 households in the Valley reported having at least one dog in their home, representing 43% of the more than 1.8 million households in Maricopa County. Of the households with pups, 415,000 have one, 264,000 have two, 68,000 have three, and about 35,000 reported having four or more dogs.
These numbers reflect more than a dog-friendly culture in Phoenix but a dog-loving community. In cities like ours, this can make dog bites and attacks difficult for their owners to reconcile, especially if their dog bites a friend, family member, or neighbor. Unfortunately, that is the everyday reality. Nearly 75% of all dog bites are inflicted by a dog known to the victim.
The question becomes, how can you pursue someone you know and love for your damages? We can help. Our Phoenix dog bite attorneys know nothing is scarier than the uncertainties you face regarding your health, finances, and future after suffering injuries that could potentially change your life.
We have the legal experience, resources, and compassion to stand firm for those who deserve to have their voices heard. We believe Accident Victims Deserve The Relentless Pursuit of Justice™ that our firm can bring, starting with a free consultation.
Contact our Phoenix dog bite injury lawyers today to learn more about your legal rights and options to pursue the best outcome for your claim.
When the Worst Has Happened, We Fight for What’s Best for You.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Dog Bite Injuries in Arizona?
Arizona’s dog bite statute states that the owner of a dog that bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.
This strict liability law means a person is legally responsible for injury, damage, and loss, regardless of whether the person was negligent or reckless.
For example, if your neighbor’s dog bites you, your neighbor is liable for your medical bills and damages, even if your neighbor was not negligent. Even if the dog was on a leash, had never bitten anyone before, and was non-violent and not a “vicious” dog, your neighbor is still liable because of one simple fact: their dog bit you.
How Can I Pursue Damages From a Dog Owner Without Jeopardizing My Relationship with a Neighbor, Friend, or Family Member?
At Swenson & Shelley, our Phoenix dog bite injury lawyers know it is inherently challenging to pursue a friend or family member for money—even if their dog did bite you, and it led to physical, emotional, and financial damages.
The close relationship with the dog owner can make it emotionally difficult to take legal action, as it might strain or damage the relationship. Victims often also feel guilty about pursuing legal action against someone they care about, fearing it might appear as betrayal or disloyalty.
In family situations, taking legal action against a family member can create tension and conflict within the family unit, affecting other relationships and gatherings. In addition, friends and family members might pressure the victim to avoid legal action to maintain harmony within the social group.
Personal relationships aside, concerns about causing financial hardship to a friend or family member can deter victims from seeking compensation. This is why we are here.
Our skilled dog bite injury attorneys in Maricopa County educate our clients on the facts of these cases. Many people are unaware that homeowners’ or renters’ insurance might cover dog bite incidents. Our lawyers pursue the pet owner’s insurance coverage directly for our clients’ compensation needs, removing the personal relationship from the equation. This releases the dog bite victim from fear of financially burdening their friend or family member.
Contact our dedicated dog bite attorneys in Phoenix to evaluate the specific circumstances of your case and determine the best course of action. We can provide guidance on your legal rights, assess the strength of your claim, and help you pursue fair compensation for your injuries and losses, starting with a free consultation.
Are Dog Bite Damages Really Worth Pursuing the Pet Owner’s Insurance Coverage?
According to the Insurance Information Institute, U.S. insurers paid out $1.12 billion in dog-related injury claims last year.
Last year, the average cost per dog bite claim in the U.S. was $58,545.
Many people brush dog bites aside, thinking that unless they are an attack or inflicted on a child or elderly person, they cannot be that serious. In reality, dog bites can result in various injuries, some of which can be severe.
The most common injuries associated with dog bites include:
- Puncture Wounds: Deep wounds caused by the dog’s teeth penetrating the skin. Due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth, they can be prone to infection.
- Lacerations: Cuts or tears varying in depth and length in the skin and tissue, often resulting from the dog’s teeth or claws.
- Bruises and Contusions: These are caused by blunt force trauma when a dog bites or knocks into a person.
- Avulsions: This injury involves the tearing away of skin or tissue, which can be quite severe and may require reconstructive surgery.
- Fractures: In some cases, the force of a dog bite can break bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs.
- Crush Injuries: When the dog’s powerful jaws exert pressure, crushing tissues and sometimes bones.
- Facial Injuries: Bites to the face can cause significant damage, leading to scarring, disfigurement, and the need for reconstructive surgery.
- Nerve Damage: Bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation, numbness, or even paralysis in the affected area.
- Muscle and Tendon Damage: Deep bites can sever muscles and tendons, impairing movement and function.
In addition, dog bites can lead to severe infections, including:
- Cellulitis: A bacterial skin infection that can develop quickly after a dog bite. Symptoms include redness, swelling, and tenderness around the bite area.
- Abscesses: Collections of pus that can form due to bacterial infection. They often require drainage and antibiotics.
- Sepsis: A severe, body-wide response to infection that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Rabies: Although rare due to vaccination programs, rabies is a deadly virus that can be transmitted through saliva. Immediate medical attention is critical.
Severe attacks can also result in long-term psychological issues, including PTSD, along with other emotional issues that take rehabilitation and therapy to treat.
Given the variety of potential injuries, dog bite victims must seek immediate medical attention to assess the extent of the damage and to receive appropriate treatment to prevent complications.
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Contact Our Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Phoenix Today
Once you have sought medical treatment, call our Phoenix dog bite injury attorneys at Swenson & Shelley Law today at 602-497-4387 or contact us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. During this consultation, you can learn immediately whether your claim is eligible to proceed with legal action.
We do not charge any fees upfront for our services. Instead, you pay us only if we secure payment for you. That makes getting legal help accessible and allows you to focus on your recovery. Contact us now to learn more.
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