Surprise Dog Bite Lawyers

Who doesn’t like dogs? They’re man’s best friend, after all. And According to a survey by the American Pet Products Association, there were approximately 69 million dogs in the U.S. in 2022.

Unfortunately, dogs, even though they are domesticated, are still animals. With so many of them in our homes, it’s easy to forget they can be vicious.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that roughly 1 in 5 people bitten by dogs requires medical attention. The CDC also points out that children are the most common victims of dog attacks.

Dog bite attacks can cause emotional trauma, fear, injuries, and infections that could permanently alter one’s life. At Gerber Injury Law, we care deeply about Surprise victims of dog bites. We promise to treat you as family, doing our best to earn your trust and respect as we push for the best settlement or verdict.

Please contact us today for legal assistance and representation if a dog attacked you or a loved one in Surprise, Ariz.

Why Choose Gerber Injury Law?

After a dog bite, you should choose a law firm experienced in Surprise personal injury cases and one ready to exhaust all options to secure the best settlement for you. Here’s why you should choose us as your dog bite injury lawyers:

• Our lawyers know all the nuances of personal injury and strict liability laws. We know how to navigate the legal system to hold dog owners liable for bite injuries. We have won millions of dollars in personal injury cases for past clients.
• Our lawyers in Surprise have over 25 years of experience. We use exhaustive, efficient, and effective processes to achieve the best possible results for our clients.
• Gerber Injury Law operates on a contingency fee basis. This means that you don’t pay any upfront fees for our services. You only pay once we win your case, guaranteeing peace of mind during the claims process.

What Should I Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?

If a dog attacks or bites you, the first step is to try and get far away from the dog. Remember, the dog may attack you repeatedly, causing severe injuries. Don’t confront the dog’s owner on the spot. Let them secure their dog first.

Next, you should seek immediate medical care. If you are experiencing severe bleeding, call 911 or ask for help from bystanders. Don’t disregard the injury, even if it seems minor. Let a doctor treat the injury to prevent any infection.

Failing to seek medical care immediately after the accident may cause problems with the insurance company.

You’ll also have to report the incident to the relevant authorities. You can call 911 so that the police can make an official incident report. Also, contact the Animal Care and Control Unit in Maricopa County to report the incident. Once you report the incident, the unit will investigate what happened, issue citations when appropriate, and inform the dog owner about quarantine measures.

Don’t forget to gather as much information at the incident scene as possible, including photographs of injuries, names, addresses of witnesses, and damaged clothing. The most important piece of information is the name, contact details, and address of the dog owner. The compensation you receive may come from their homeowner’s insurance.

It’s also critical to contact a dog bite injury lawyer soon after the incident occurs. To build a strong personal injury case, an attorney can gather and analyze evidence, including CCTV footage from nearby stores, business premises, or homes.

Arizona’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Arizona applies the “strict liability” law when dealing with dog attacks and bites. This implies that an owner is responsible for damages arising from a dog bite injury, regardless of whether the dog had any prior bite offenses or if the dog’s aggressive tendencies were documented.

Arizona’s dog bite law explicitly states, “The owner of a dog that bites a person when the person is in or on a public place or lawfully in or on a private place, including the property of the owner of the dog, is liable for damages suffered by the person bitten, regardless of the former viciousness of the dog or the owner’s knowledge of its viciousness.”

This law contrasts the “one-bite” law adopted by 16 states, including Texas, Maryland, and Georgia. Here, the owner is only liable if the dog has bitten someone in the past or if the owner is aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior.

How Can a Surprise Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

Knowing how to go about personal injury cases and exercising your rights after a dog bite is imperative to getting justice and protecting your financial future.

The dog owner may deny fault or refuse to file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance. They may even blame you for the incident to avoid paying for your personal injury claim. A dog bite lawyer can help you learn about your options and protect your rights while gathering strong evidence to bolster your case.

Hiring an attorney gives you power during negotiations with insurance representatives. Your lawyer will assess the value of your losses, file your demand letter, and handle communications with insurers.

If the dog owner’s insurer tries to devalue or deny your claim, Gerber Injury Law will consider all available options, including taking your dog bite injury claim to court.

Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyers Today for Free Consultation

If you suffered a dog bite injury in Surprise, you need sound legal representation to help you get the justice you deserve. At Gerber Injury Law, scheduling a free case evaluation with one of our attorneys costs nothing. We can discuss your personal injury case, and you can learn how our legal team can help.

Gerber Injury Law also understands how socially awkward it can be if a friend’s or neighbor’s dog bites you or a loved one. In such situations, they may want to resolve the issue privately without involving insurers or authorities. We still advise that you follow the proper protocols and contact an attorney as soon as possible.

Have any questions about your dog bite case? Call us today at 623-486-8300 or contact us online to find out if you have a valid case.