Arizona law makes a dog owner automatically liable for any damage caused by their pet if it is at large – in other words, off-leash. It is not necessary to prove carelessness on the part of the owner. However, this claim must be made within one year of the incident, as opposed to two years for most injury claims.
For this reason, it is very important to contact a dog bite attorney promptly after such an injury. Dog owners do have the ability to avoid liability in some cases if you or someone else provoked the dog or if you were trespassing at the time of the attack. Also, finding liability insurance can be a challenge if action is not taken immediately. These cases can be more complex than they appear, and you need the best representation to ensure that your rights are protected.
Make no mistake, a dog can be a very dangerous animal. If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite injury, you know exactly how much damage a dog can do.
The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks, is dedicated to protecting the rights of personal injury victims who have been bitten by dogs. Whether you have a child who has suffered serious scarring after a dog bite or you have been the victim of an animal attack yourself, I will carefully investigate the circumstances surrounding your dog bite injuries and explore all your recovery options for securing the maximum amount of compensation.
The circumstances surrounding dog bites and animal attacks can vary widely. If you are unclear or confused about your own rights as a victim, or the obligations of the animal’s owner, I can provide you straightforward answers about your recovery options. Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks to talk to a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Mesa, Arizona.
For one reason or another, it is not uncommon for a person who has been bitten by a dog to not immediately consider pursuing compensation. They might feel it was their fault, or that the dog shouldn’t be blamed for what happened. They might not even immediately realize the extent of their injury and may be tempted to brush it off as no big deal. The truth is that even a seemingly minor dog bite can cause serious issues down the road, including serious infection. n experienced attorney in Mesa, AZ will be able to advise you on the wisest steps moving forward with a dog bite injury claim.
Unfortunately, there is often absolutely no question of injury and the need to pursue compensation after a dog bite incident, particularly when a young child is the victim. In addition to physical injuries, a dog bite can leave emotional wounds which quite literally last a lifetime. Contact us if you or a loved one has been attacked by a pet of any kind.
Many people have the misconception that a dog must physically attack or directly cause a visible wound in order for them to have a valid claim against the owner of the dog. However, according to Arizona personal injury law, if a person was injured while in the process of trying to avoid being attacked by a dog, then they may be entitled to compensation for the injuries they suffered. For example, if a person was riding a bicycle when a dog escaped from someone’s yard or broke free of a leash and began chasing them, and this caused the person to crash their bicycle, then compensation for damages could be pursued.
Call For A Free Consultation (480) 588-5999. Contact The Law Office of J. Ridge Hicks today to schedule a free, no-hassle consultation with a seasoned dog bite attorney.