If you have been bit by a dog in Arizona, it is important to reach out to an experienced Phoenix dog bite lawyer for assistance. Their aim is to guarantee that you receive all of the compensation necessary to recover from your injuries.
Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries that necessitate costly medical attention and leave you unable to work. Furthermore, they leave emotional scars which take time to heal.
Identifying the Dog’s Owner
If you are injured due to the negligence of a dog, it is essential that you identify its owner in order to receive financial compensation.
An Arizona dog bite lawyer can assist in tracing the owner of a dog that has bit you. Usually, this is done through asking neighbors and contacting local animal control services for assistance.
It is wise to get your dog a collar or tattoo as this can make it easier for you to locate them if they become lost or stolen.
Dogs can be extremely dangerous if not properly trained and leashed. They have a reputation for attacking and injuring people in public places.
Identifying the Dog’s Injuries
When your dog is injured, they’ll display symptoms. Your pup may appear in an unfamiliar location, their appetite may be altered, and their behavior may also alter.
Injury can affect your dog from inside or outside, and range from a minor cut to serious trauma such as being bit by a car or falling from an elevated vantage point. If the wound becomes infected, they could become very ill and even succumb if not treated promptly.
One of the first signs to look for is limping and swelling in the affected leg. This is usually caused by a strained ligament or muscle, but can also happen as a result of a broken bone.
Documenting Your Injuries
If you decide to file a lawsuit, your attorney will need evidence of the extent of your injuries and medical treatment received. This may include receipts, doctor’s notes and more.
Keep a record of any out-of-pocket expenses and other losses caused by the dog bite. These documents can be useful when negotiating with the insurance company or filing your case in court.
Additionally, document the toll your injury has taken on your life – emotional trauma, physical pain, lost wages and more. Doing this will allow your lawyer to demonstrate the financial burden caused by a dog bite and determine an equitable amount of compensation for you.
Negotiating with the Insurance Company
A personal injury attorney with expertise in handling dog bite claims can assist you in negotiating a fair settlement from the insurance company. This is essential, as insurers often make lowball offers to devalue your claim in order to preserve their own profits.
After a dog bite attack, you may be eligible for compensation to cover medical expenses, lost wages and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. While these losses cannot be quantified in dollars, they are still essential in aiding with your healing process from injuries.
A skilled lawyer can also secure expert witness testimony to support your case. For instance, if you suffered serious neck injuries during a dog attack, then a doctor who specializes in treating such injuries could testify on your behalf.
Filing a Lawsuit
Dog bites can be devastating, often leading to long-term medical expenses. A dog bite attorney is your advocate in receiving justice for your expenses and suffering caused by the attack.
Most states require you to file a lawsuit against the dog owner within a specific time, known as the statute of limitations. Typically, this period ranges between one and three years but may extend longer in certain instances.
A knowledgeable personal injury attorney is familiar with all state laws and the potential defenses dog owners might use. They can also assist in calculating your damages and presenting the strongest evidence possible.
