Phoenix Animal Bite Attorneys
Attorney Representation in Phoenix, Arizona Since 1996
Animal Bites Can Cause Serious Injury in Arizona
As Phoenix dog bite attorneys we encounter multiple cases involving dog bites every year. If a dog has bit a person in your family, it is important to find the best Arizona dog bite lawyer to help them pursue their claim. Dog bites can be devastating to a person's life. Serious dog bites occur every year in Arizona. Many people do not think that their dog has the potential to bite a human being. It is important to understand that dogs are not human beings and they can bite at any time. Dog bites can cause serious injury and cause an innocent individual to incur many thousands of dollar sin medical bills. Dog bites can even cause wrongful death.
Dog bites laws vary from state to state. In Arizona, the laws of dog bite are very complex. There is a one year strict liability statute in Arizona. It does not matter if the dog has been another human being or not, the owner is still responsible. There are some defenses that the owner can use such as the dog being provoked. Even if the lawsuit is not filed in the first year, victims of dog bites in Arizona can still file in the second year, however, there are some actions that can be lost. Statute of limitations for dog bites on minors can be different as well. Since the statutes for Arizona dog bite cases can be complex, it is important to speak to an Arizona lawyer that handles dog bite claims as soon as possible.
In the United States alone millions of people are bitten by animals every year. Most dog bites occur on the hand or fingers, but can also occur on the face or neck. Dog bites are extremely painful and can be very dangerous if the dog is carrying rabies. Many people mean to keep their dog up to date on their rabies shots, but they actually do not. Although, cases of people dying from rabies in the United States are very low, it still does occur. Each year 55,000 people die worldwide as a result of rabies.
Children are more likely to be bitten by a dog than any other age group. In most cases the child is familiar with the dog that bites them. If a child is not used to being around dogs, parents should explain proper behavior to them. Children should never approach a dog without the owner's permission. We have handled many dog bite cases in Arizona and it is important to remember that dogs can respond by biting people even if they have never bit an individual before. If a dog attacks you or your child, you should immediately back off and seek medical care. Sometimes people will try to reason with a dog and more often than not that can cause the dog to bite again. Children are usually more often to be bit by a dog because a child is usually right at eye level with the dog. Dogs also smell a scent on a child that is likely not to be on another person.
When there is serious injury from a dog bite attack, it is important to get medical attention right away. Often times a plastic surgeon will be necessary to help the individual who has been bitten by a dog. Even if a dog bite does not break the skin, the pressure from the dogs mouth may cause internal injuries. If the skin is broken the person bitten is at risk for infection. Signs of infection include swelling, pain, redness, and warmth around the area bitten. A person suffering from any of these symptoms should see a doctor immediately. A doctor will wash out the wound and assess the area for any broken bones. Doctors will often use an X-ray machine to check for broken bones. Patients will be given antibiotics to stop the spread of infection and counteract the possible exposure of rabies.
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog or other animal bite the Husband and Wife Law Team are available for a free consultation regarding your Arizona dog bite injuries. You can contact the Phoenix dog bite lawyers at 602-267-1280.
