Dogs are incredibly popular pets for a number of people in Arizona, and most people enjoy friendly and lasting relationships with their animals. Some dogs may act differently toward perceived strangers, and it is not uncommon for a dog to bite a person they do not know particularly well.
A dog bite can often be a very stressful and confusing experience for a person to deal with, as victims could face significant medical expenses relating to their recovery. Arizona Revised Statute § 11-1025 establishes that the state imposes strict liability on dog owners, which is different from other states that use the so-called “one bite” rule that can prevent liability when a dog has no history of viciousness.
If you or your loved one was recently bitten by a dog in the greater Phoenix area, you will want to be sure that you quickly contact Gary Phillips Accident Law Professionals. Our firm has office locations in Phoenix, Kingman, and Bullhead City.
NOTE: Although the general statute of limitations for dog bites is 2 years, all dog bite lawsuits should be filed within 1 year to take advantage of the Arizona strict liability statute.
One major concern that many dog bite victims have is how their filing of an injury claim could create financial difficulty for a dog owner, who is often a close personal friend, family member, or neighbor. The truth is that many dog bites are actually covered by a dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy.
Such insurance companies are rarely inclined to provide victims with adequate compensation for their injuries, and they will often offer people much less than what they are actually entitled to. Some insurers may even try to argue that a victim did something that provoked a violent response from the dog and use that as justification for a denial of their claim.
You will want to have an experienced Phoenix personal injury attorney who can negotiate a far more fair and full settlement to your case. An insurance company may offer you a lump sum settlement that is actually much less than what you are entitled to, so you will want to have legal representation that knows how to help you recover a much more just amount.
Gary Phillips Accident Law Professionals will work to ensure that you get every last dollar that you need and deserve. Our firm offers a free consultation to discuss your case and help you understand all of your legal options.
