Dog Bite Attorney

Handling Even The Most Complex Personal Injury Cases in Arizona

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Apache County Dog Bite Lawyer

Experienced Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Serving Clients in Apache County, AZ and the Surrounding Areas

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, you understand the trauma and physical pain that can follow such an experience. At Belén Law Firm, we understand the intricacies of a dog bite lawsuit and are committed to holding responsible parties accountable when you’ve been injured by someone else’s dog.

Our Apache County dog bite lawyers are here to provide compassionate, experienced legal guidance to ensure that you receive the justice and compensation you deserve. Let us help you navigate the legal process and work to turn a distressing situation into a path toward healing and resolution.

To speak with a dog bite lawyer from our Apache County personal injury law firm, give us a call at (602) 715-0908 or contact us online for a free case evaluation.

Common Causes of Dog Bites

Dog bites can occur for a number of reasons, and understanding these can be crucial in prevention and education. Here are some of the most common causes of dog bites:

Fear or Provocation: Many dogs bite out of fear or when they feel threatened. A dog that is startled or feels cornered may bite to defend itself.
Protective Instincts: Most dogs are naturally protective of their territory, their offspring, and their human family members. An aggressive dog may bite to guard what it considers its property.
Pain or Sickness: A dog experiencing pain from an injury or illness may bite.
Prey Drive: Certain breeds have a high prey drive and may bite if their instinct to chase and capture is triggered, for instance, by a running child or small animal.
Poor Socialization: Dogs that are not properly socialized may become fearful or aggressive toward unfamiliar people or animals, which can lead to biting.
Behavioral Issues: Some dogs may have behavioral issues due to their upbringing or experiences, particularly if they’ve been abused, which can contribute to biting incidents.
Most Dangerous Dog Breeds: While any dog can bite, certain breeds are often labeled as more dangerous due to statistics on reported bites. Pit bulls and German Shepherds, for example, are frequently cited as being the most dangerous dog breeds in bite statistics. However, it’s important to note that most dogs of any breed are not aggressive and that responsible ownership and training are critical factors in preventing dog bites.
Lack of Training: Dogs that lack proper training may not understand how to behave appropriately with humans and other animals, which can lead to biting.
Maternal Instincts: Female dogs with puppies are often more prone to biting due to their instinct to protect their litter.

It’s important to approach the topic of dog bites with a balanced perspective, recognizing that while certain breeds are often identified in bite-related incidents, the behavior of most dogs is largely influenced by their environment, training, and the behavior of those around them.

Common Injuries Suffered Following Dog Bite Attacks

Dog bite injuries can range from minor to severe, but all require immediate medical attention to prevent further complications. Here are some of the common injuries suffered following dog bite attacks:

Puncture Wounds
Lacerations
Rabies and Other Infections
Crush Injuries
Scarring and Disfigurement
Nerve Damage
Emotional Trauma

It is crucial for anyone who has suffered from dog bite injuries to seek immediate medical attention. Whether they are serious injuries or seemingly minor injuries, both can have serious consequences if not properly treated.

Arizona Dog Bite Laws

It’s important for dog bite victims in Arizona to understand their rights and for dog owners to understand their responsibilities.

Arizona law is quite specific when it comes to dog bite claims to offer protection for the dog bite victim. Under Arizona Revised Statutes Section 11-1025, the owner of a dog that bites a person, regardless of whether the victim was on public or private property, is liable for damages and injuries caused by the bite. The state does not adhere to the “one bite rule” that some other states follow, which often allows a dog one free bite before the owner is held liable. Instead, Arizona imposes strict liability on dog owners for dog bite injuries.

Strict Liability Laws for Dog Bites

Strict liability means that a dog’s owner can be held strictly liable for a dog bite if the victim was bitten in a public place or lawfully in a private place, which includes the dog owner’s property. The law applies regardless of whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior or bitten someone before. Strict liability claims are designed to protect individuals who are bitten by a dog without needing to prove negligence from the dog owner.

Arizona Dog Bite Statute of Limitations

For the dog owner to be held liable, the person bitten must bring the negligence claim within one year for a strict liability claim and within two years for a negligence claim. Additionally, the victim must not have provoked the dog, and the injury must have been caused by a bite.

Why You Need an Apache County Personal Injury Lawyer for Your Dog Bite Claim

Navigating the aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to legal matters. This is where the experience of an Apache County, Arizona dog bite lawyer becomes invaluable. Dog attacks often involve complex legal issues that require a thorough understanding of both state statutes and the nuances of personal injury law. An experienced lawyer from a reputable Arizona personal injury law firm can provide the necessary guidance and representation to ensure your rights are protected throughout the entire legal process. When you’re dealing with injuries from a dog bite, your primary focus should be on recovery and receiving the appropriate medical treatment. However, the burden of medical bills, potential lost wages, and the emotional impact of the incident can add to the stress. An Arizona dog bite lawyer will handle the legalities, from gathering evidence to prove liability to negotiating with dog owners and their insurance company. They also know the ins and outs of the Arizona court system, ensuring that all filings are completed correctly and deadlines are met, which is crucial in preserving your claim. Law firms specializing in personal injury and dog bite cases, such as our own, understand the significance of securing compensation that truly reflects the extent of your damages. As such, our attorneys are skilled in quantifying both economic and non-economic losses, including the cost of future medical treatment that may be necessary. Without a knowledgeable Phoenix dog bite lawyer by your side, you might not receive the full compensation you’re entitled to, which can be detrimental in the long term.

Fighting for Maximum Compensation for Dog Bite Victims

At Belén Law Firm, our Apache County personal injury lawyers have handled many dog bite cases and are deeply familiar with the physical, emotional, and financial toll these incidents can take on victims. That’s why we are committed to fighting tirelessly for maximum compensation for our clients, fully understanding that the consequences of a dog bite extend beyond the initial injury. Our approach involves a meticulous review of not only the current medical expenses but also lost wages, emotional trauma, and the potential for future medical bills that may arise from long-term complications. We are skilled negotiators who stand up to insurance companies, ensuring they do not undervalue or dismiss the serious nature of your claim. Our goal is to secure a settlement or court award that covers all your damages, providing you with the financial support you need to heal and move forward with your life. With an Arizona dog bite attorney from Belén Law Firm on your side, you have a relentless advocate in your corner, dedicated to achieving the justice and compensation you deserve.

Call the Apache County Dog Bite Lawyers at Belén Law Firm For a Free Consultation Today

If you or a family member have been the victim of an animal attack in Apache County, Maricopa County, Coconino County, Gila County, or Navajo County, the Arizona dog bite lawyers at Belén Law Firm are here to help. We understand the urgency of your dog bite case and the significant impact it can have on your life, from future medical expenses to the emotional distress it causes. Our dedicated team is committed to providing you with the personalized attention and aggressive representation needed to navigate your personal injury case successfully.

Don’t let the burden of a dog bite injury overwhelm you or your family. Contact Belén Law Firm today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve to support your journey to recovery and beyond. You can reach us by calling (602) 715-0908 or completing our online intake form today.

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What Our Clients Say

"We first hired Belen and her highly esteemed team of expert litigators. For her integrity and professionalism, but during the course of our representation, we gained a degree of personal trust and reliance far exceeding our expectations. Belen demonstrated an amazing level of genuine care and compassion and an implicit desire to keep us informed and knowledgeable of each step in the process. She is a diligent and hard worker and leaves no stone unturned. Our representation was nothing short of brilliant, creative and successful! She is without a doubt the Lady I want in my corner. I would HIGHLY recommend her to anyone interested in winning their case with the least amount of headaches throughout the process."

"Belén is hands down the BEST defense attorney out there. She has the heart, compassion, determination, backbone and most of all, the desire to help her clients. Belén’s expertise and experience helped mitigate our case to receive a reduced sentence. She spent thousands of hours over the year and a half she represented our family to challenge the prosecution at every corner and on every angle. She went above what most attorneys do by hiring her own experts and investigators to ensure she went to battle fully loaded. Due to her dedication, determination and commitment, my family felt extremely satisfied and confident that she obtained the best outcome with a reduced sentence. Belén is a stand up human being who, not only represented our family, but became family. If you want the best defense attorney, Belen is your choice!"

"At a time where we felt helpless and, quite frankly traumatized, Belen stepped in and reassured us that we had options and assured us she would work her hardest for a satisfactory resolution. My teenage son needed defense against law enforcement and my family needed legal advice and support in the worst way. Despite being beaten black and blue by police officers that said he was resisting arrest, they also charged him with two felonies. We were all at a loss and Belen was able to keep us grounded as we went through the process explaining every step along the way. She worked extremely hard to expose the truth about the officer involved, and because of her hard work, the felonies were dropped. My son can go on with his life without having his record and character tarnished by these unjust accusations."

"Hire this one! I spoke to several firms before using Belen. Every other firm connected me to a sales person who refused to allow me to speak with an attorney. Belen was put on the phone when I called at 7pm on a Saturday. Belen cared about my son. He had a warrant for his arrest and did not know until he was pulled over and hauled off to jail. Belen went to the jail on Saturday, stood with my son in jail in front of the jailhouse court judge and told that judge how it was. My son walked out 2 hours later without paying for bail. The following week, she called the prosecutor and was able to get the plea reinstated from years prior that resulted in the case being fully dismissed. Also, her fees for everything were lower than the other attorneys who were trying to get me to pay over the phone. I highly recommend Belen!"