While they are considered some of our favorite companions, dogs can quickly become a source of serious personal injury when they bite or otherwise act aggressively or violently toward a victim.

Dog bite injuries can happen on the property of another person, such as while you are a guest in their home, or while you are enjoying a recreational activity — they can even affect you during the course of your work, sometimes. If you’ve suffered injuries due to a dog bite, you need to know your rights regarding liability and legal actions.

What Are Some Common Dog Bite Injuries?

A dog bite can lead to serious personal injuries, some of which may prove to be catastrophic or even fatal. Dog bites can result in:

• Abrasions, punctures, avulsions, or lacerations to the skin
• Broken or fractured bones
• Infections, including serious issues such as rabies, MRSA, or tetanus
• Facial scarring or disfigurement
• Throat injuries
• Internal injuries or bleeding
• Mental anguish and emotional trauma
• Nerve, muscle, or tissue damage
• The need for hospitalization, aftercare, rehabilitation, and therapy
• In the most catastrophic cases, wrongful death

What Should You Know About Arizona Dog Bite Claims?

Typically, if you file a claim in Arizona based on your dog bite injuries, you will need to prove the elements of negligence, including liability and damages. You will need to show the following:

• That the owner of the dog had a duty of reasonable care towards you, such as by properly restraining their dog
• That the owner breached their duty of reasonable care, such as by failing to contain the dog if they knew it was dangerous
• That the dog bite directly caused your injuries
• That you have suffered actual damages as a result of the dog bite

There are various factors that may affect your Arizona dog bite claim, including whether the owner knew — or should have known — that the dog had a propensity to bite. It is important to note that the owner of the dog isn’t the only party who may be held accountable for your injuries: another person who was responsible for the dog at the time of your injury may also be liable.

As part of your investigation of the facts of your case, it will be important to know whether the dog has been involved in any other bites or violent incidents in the past. The dog’s breed may also matter, particularly as it relates to insurance liability and coverage.

You will need to prove, ultimately, that the dog owner should be held liable for the injuries caused by the dog and, because liability in dog bite cases is rarely clear-cut, you should consult with an Arizona dog bite lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options.

In addition to liability, you will need to prove the full extent of your damages, which are the financial losses you have incurred as a result of your personal injuries. These include your medical bills, doctor’s visits, any hospitalization, and rehabilitative or therapeutic care.

They can also include any income or wages you have lost if you are unable to work as a result of your injuries. Moreover, you may be able to recoup general damages, such as the costs of your pain and suffering, scarring or disfigurement, and a decline in your quality of life.

Why Should You Trust Gerber Injury Law with Your Arizona Dog Bite Claim?

At Gerber Injury Law, we have helped clients achieve justice and fair recoveries for their injuries for nearly 30 years. Clients throughout Arizona trust us with their most complex cases. In fact, we have recovered more than $100 million in settlements and verdicts since 2001.

A dog bite injury claim can quickly become complicated, particularly where insurance companies are involved — it is important to understand how liability coverage may work in your case against the dog owner, as well as what limitations might be in place. You need an Arizona dog bite lawyer on your side who can handle even the toughest negotiations against large insurers, who often have large legal teams and significant resources on their side.

If a fair and reasonable settlement is not possible, our Arizona dog bite attorneys are ready to represent you at trial. Some of our most recent victories showcase the recoveries we achieve through aggressive litigation. We are trial attorneys. Some personal injury cases in Arizona do not resolve through settlements. You need an attorney with experience going to trial and achieving positive verdicts.

We exclusively practice personal injury law to give us an edge over firms with broader scopes. We can meet with you one-on-one to discuss how we will use our tailored legal strategies to help you achieve your goals, and we will guide you through the claims process to make it as stress-free as possible. Call our Arizona personal injury attorneys for a free consultation at 623-486-8300 or click here to reach us online.