Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyers

While dogs are deeply loved members of many families, they can cause serious harm when they bite or attack. Understanding the nature of these injuries and the types of compensation available can help an injured party make informed decisions. Retaining legal counsel is important to ensure your rights are protected and to help navigate the complexities of a dog attack case, maximizing your chances of a successful result.

An experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney can help you hold the responsible parties accountable and secure the compensation you need after an attack.

Statistics on Dog Attacks and Bites

Many assume dog attacks are rare or unlikely to affect them–but in Phoenix, Arizona, the statistics tell an entirely different story. In 2022 alone, approximately 78 postal employees were attacked by dogs, 32 of which occurred in Phoenix. Across the nation, over 5,300 postal employees were attacked in 2022, according to a 2023 report by the United States Postal Service Newsroom.

In 2021, Arizona ranked among the top states for homeowners' insurance claims related to dog bites, with an estimated 489 claims totaling approximately $21.1 million in payouts. This resulted in an average cost of about $43,059 per claim, according to the Insurance Information Institute (III). Injury claims for dog bites accounted for more than one-third of all homeowners' liability claims paid out across the nation, totaling $881 million.

Common Injuries from Dog Bites and Attacks

Dog bites may result in a wide array of serious and often life-altering injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 18 percent of wounds from dog bites become infected, with some infections posing severe health risks. Common bacterial infections from dog bites include rabies, Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and Tetanus.

Beyond infections, those bitten or attacked by dogs may suffer from physical injuries, such as deep puncture wounds, severe lacerations and cuts, permanent scarring and disfigurement, crushed tissue, avulsions, amputations, bone fractures, joint dislocations, nerve damage, tendon injuries, head trauma, back injuries, emotional distress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Dog bite injuries may lead to extensive medical treatment, long-term care, and significant financial hardship. A 2015 report by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the year for which most comprehensive data is available, indicated that over 28,000 individuals in the United States required reconstructive surgery due to dog bite-related injuries. If attacked by someone’s dog, contact an experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney for assistance.

Key Evidence to Support a Dog Attack Injury Claim

Building a strong Phoenix dog bite case requires clear and compelling evidence to prove liability and the extent of damages incurred. The more documentation and proof provided, the better the chances of securing maximum compensation. Below are some of the most important types of evidence used in bodily injury claims for dog attacks:

• Photographs and Videos: Clear images of dog bite-related injuries, the scene of the attack, and the dog involved can serve as powerful visual proof. If there is any surveillance video from nearby homes or businesses, that can be incredibly valuable.
• Medical Records: Detailed documentation of treatment, diagnosis, and future medical needs helps demonstrate the severity of injuries and cost of care. Attend all appointments to avoid gaps in treatment and follow the medical provider’s recommendations.
• Animal Control or Police Reports: If local law enforcement was notified of the attack and responded to the scene, these official reports may confirm key facts about the incident and the dog’s history.
• Veterinary Records: Documents showing the dog’s vaccination status or any past aggressive behavior can be used to establish negligence. These records can reveal if the dog had a known history of biting or if the owner failed to follow proper care.
• Property Records or Lease Agreements: If the dog owner was a tenant of the residence where the dog resided, property-related documents may help show a landlord or property owner’s liability.
• Lost Wage Documentation: Pay stub, employer statements, or tax documents may be used to calculate lost income and future earning potential. This evidence is crucial in demonstrating how dog bite-related injuries impacted the ability to work after the incident.

Gathering and preserving evidence in a dog attack case is important. An experienced dog bite attorney serving Phoenix and surrounding areas can help you collect the right documentation and build a compelling case on your behalf. Get started by scheduling a free consultation today.

When Property Owners or Landlords May Be Liable for Dog Bite Injuries

Although dog owners are typically the primary party held accountable for injuries and losses after an attack, property owners or landlords may also be partially responsible under specific circumstances. For instance:

If a landlord was aware that a tenant’s dog had aggressive tendencies and failed to address the risk

If negligent property maintenance–such as a broken gate or fence–allowed a dog to escape and attack someone

In some cases, more than one party may be held liable for the harm caused. A knowledgeable Phoenix dog bite lawyer can investigate the facts and circumstances of a case, determine all sources of financial recovery, and help you maximize your recovery.

Types of Compensation in Injury Cases for Dog Attacks

Dog attacks do not just leave physical scars–they often lead to financial and emotional hardships for injured parties and their families. Under Arizona personal injury law, individuals harmed by someone else’s negligence may have the right to seek compensation. There are two types of damages available in a Phoenix dog bite case, including economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages cover measurable, out-of-pocket expenses incurred as a result of a dog attack, including:

• Medical bills for emergency care, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation
• Future medical treatment for long-term recovery needs
• Lost wages from missed work
• Loss of earning capacity if dog bite-related injuries prevent you from returning to work

Non-economic damages address the emotional and personal toll a dog bite has taken on your life, such as:

• Mental anguish and emotional distress, including fear of dogs
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and related symptoms
• Loss of enjoyment of life, companionship, or daily activities
• Pain and suffering from physical and emotional trauma

Understanding the full scope of compensation available in an injury case for a dog bite is key to ensuring you are not left covering damages caused by someone else’s negligence. An experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney can help you seek the maximum recovery allowed under Arizona law. At Southwest Injury Law, we are committed to helping clients rebuild their lives after a dog attack. Call or message us online for a free consultation today.

Scarring and Disfigurement in Dog Attack Claims

Scarring and disfigurement resulting from a dog bite can have both physical and emotional consequences, often affecting the injured party’s self-esteem, quality of life, and appearance. The value of compensation for scarring and disfigurement in a dog bite case depends on several factors, including the severity and location of the injury, the need for reconstructive surgery, and the long-term impact on the injured party’s well-being.

Scarring on visible areas, such as the face, can lead to more significant emotional distress. If the injury requires extensive medical treatment, including multiple surgeries or therapy, the value of the case will reflect these ongoing costs. An experienced dog bite attorney in Phoenix, Arizona, can help assess how these factors contribute to the overall value of an injury case and ensure you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.

Proving Liability in a Phoenix Dog Bite Case

Dog owners are not automatically held liable for injuries. The burden of proof is on the plaintiff, or injured party, to establish that the dog caused the harm. To build a strong claim, it must be proven that:

• The dog was owned by the defendant
• That specific dog was involved in the incident causing injury
• The bite or attack occurred in a public area or while the plaintiff was legally on private property

Establishing these elements is key to securing maximum compensation. That is why having an experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney on your side can make all the difference in proving liability and protecting your rights.

What to Expect from an Injury Attorney for a Dog Attack Case

Your Phoenix dog bite attorney will discuss the full extent of injuries and losses–from medical treatment for scarring or infections to potential nerve or orthopedic damage, reconstructive or plastic surgery needs, emotional trauma, and lost wages. The goal of an injury lawyer is to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve for the immediate and long-term impact of a dog attack on your life.

How a Phoenix Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help You

It is important to understand your rights and the types of compensation you may be entitled to after a dog bite injury. The sooner you speak with a knowledgeable injury attorney, the better your chances of protecting your rights and obtaining a favorable case result. Take the first step toward recovery and contact an experienced Phoenix dog bite attorney for assistance. Set up a free consultation at (602) 777-3300.