Arizona Dog Bite Lawyer

According to dogsbite.org, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the U.S. In 2018, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery due to a dog bite, usually in the face. Dog bites are definitely up in the United States, with an 86 percent increase in dog bite-related hospitalizations between 1993 and 2008. Rural areas tend to have significantly more dog bite incidents, with four times as many dog bite-related ER visits and three times as many hospital stays as urban areas. 

While dogs provide love and companionship, sometimes the most even-tempered dog can cause injury to others. If you have been bitten by a dog and have severe injuries, you may need a strong legal advocate in your corner. You need someone who really cares about the outcome of your dog bite or dog attack and who will ensure the dog’s owner is held responsible for your injuries, lost wages, and other damages. 

If you suffered an injury in a dog bite in Arizona, you need a law firm on your side from the start. Call Ciccarelli Law Offices to learn more about your legal options. We can help you collect the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious dog bite injury. 

Dog Bite Accidents in Arizona

In Arizona, the dog bite statutes require a person injured by a dog bite to be on public property or lawfully on private property when the bite occurs. The owner of the dog may not be responsible when the person bitten by the dog is unlawfully on private property or trespassing. Further, under Section 11-1027 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, a dog owner is not liable if the dog was provoked. In all other cases, you can bring a claim against the dog owner when you have serious injuries resulting from a dog bite. Arizona’s dog bite law is based on a theory of “strict liability.” 

This means the owner can be held liable for the dog bite, even if the dog had never bitten before and the owner had no idea the dog was potentially dangerous. About half of the states in the U.S. base their dog bite laws on the theory of negligence, meaning a victim can only file a dog bite injury lawsuit against the owner if the owner knew or had reason to know the dog was potentially dangerous. Arizona does not require that a dog owner has prior knowledge that the dog could be aggressive.  

If you suffered an injury in a dog bite in Arizona, you need a law firm on your side from the start. Call Ciccarelli Law Offices to learn more about your legal options. We can help you collect the compensation you need to rebuild your life after a serious dog bite injury. 

Why Choose the Arizona Dog Bite Lawyers from Ciccarelli Law Offices?

Being bitten by a dog can be an extremely traumatic experience. Perhaps you were lawfully on private property or on public property when a dog bit you, causing serious injury. You may feel anxious about your future, particularly if your injuries have prevented you from returning to work, or if those injuries caused disfigurement. You need an advocate in your corner that understands the laws surrounding Arizona dog bites and how the dog bite has affected your life and your future. 

The Ciccarelli Law Offices have significant experience and knowledge regarding dog bites. We will use our knowledge and experience to ensure your medical expenses and lost wages are fully covered and that you receive compensation for your pain and suffering. Dog bites can cause emotional trauma and physical injuries, leaving you fearful of even leaving your home. With hundreds of Five-Star Reviews from satisfied Clients, attorney Lee Ciccarelli has been recognized as:

• Super Lawyer 
• Top 100 Trial Lawyer by the National Trial Lawyers Association
• TEN Best Client Satisfaction Award by the American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys 
• Having the highest rating (10.0) by AVVO 
• One of the Top 100 Litigation Attorneys by the American Society of Legal Advocates. 

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, we understand that you have choices, and we hope you will choose Ciccarelli Law Offices for your dog bite injuries. 

What Compensation is Available Following an Arizona Dog Bite Injury?

Following your Arizona dog bite injury, you may be entitled to both special and general damages, depending on the circumstances of your injury. Special damages can be easily quantified—that is, they are easy to place an exact monetary amount on because there are receipts and records of those amounts. 

Special damages include medical expenses and lost wages. Medical expenses can include ER costs, the cost of an ambulance, surgical expenses, physician expenses, prescription drug expenses, and rehabilitative therapy costs. If you must travel a significant difference to receive specialized medical care, you may also be entitled to reimbursement for hotel, meals, and gas. 

If your dog bite injury prevented you from returning to work, you may be entitled to lost wages. If your injuries are so severe that you will be unable to return to work for months or longer, you could also be entitled to receive lost future wages. 

General damages are less easy to place a specific dollar amount on. Pain and suffering damages fall under general damages. Pain can include physical pain resulting from the dog bite, or emotional pain and trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD. 

In rare cases, you may also be entitled to punitive damages. Punitive damages would be awarded if it was shown that the owner was grossly negligent or willfully or intentionally allowed an aggressive dog to roam. 

While your exact compensation will depend on your dog bite’s facts and circumstances, attorney Lee Ciccarelli and his legal team will fight to get you the settlement you need and deserve. We understand how a dog bite injury can adversely alter your life, and we believe in holding the dog owner responsible for your injuries. 

What Are the Statutes of Limitations for Dog Bites in Arizona?

It is important to know that in the state of Arizona, dog bite claims have a shorter statute of limitations—a window of time in which you have to file your claim—than other personal injury claims. 

The statute of limitations for dog bite injuries in Arizona is one year from the incident. If your dog bite injury claim is brought to the dog’s owner at any time within that one-year window, the owner may be held immediately liable.

Under common law negligence statutes, there is a two-year statute of limitations. However, it is highly recommended that you seek legal action quickly to ensure your case has the best chance of success. 

Does It Cost Anything to Hire an Arizona Dog Bite Attorney?

Following dog bite injuries, the last thing you need is to have more bills to deal with. You are likely already facing medical expenses and possibly lost wages. Missing time at work can cause you to be unable to pay your normal monthly expenses. Even if you have health insurance, your co-pays and deductibles for your dog bite injuries can add up quickly. These financial setbacks can result in stress and anxiety. Hiring a dog bite lawyer may seem like you are adding another financial obligation into your life.  

In reality, most experienced dog bite attorneys operate on contingency fees. If there is no settlement for your dog bite injury, your attorney gets nothing. There are no upfront costs and no constant worrying about how you will pay your lawyer. Contingency fee structures create a win-win situation. Your attorney has the incentive to secure the highest possible settlement on your behalf because they share the risk. Contingency fees are agreed on between you and your attorney and are typically about a third of the final settlement.  There is no fee and no obligation to speak to an experienced dog bite attorney from Ciccarelli Law Offices—you have nothing to lose and everything to gain. 

How Long Do Arizona Dog Bite Claims Take to Settle?

If your dog bite claim is very straightforward, it could be resolved within one to three months. If your injuries are very severe or liability is not apparent, it could take much longer. Suppose you are still receiving medical treatment and will be receiving treatments for a significant amount of time. It can be more difficult to determine what you are entitled to receive as far as future medical expenses. 

Your attorney will want to know the amount of money it will cost to cover the treatments for your injuries now and in the future. Even if you decide to wait to file a dog bite claim until you recover from your injuries, you should still seek legal assistance as quickly as possible. When your attorney is on the case from the beginning, they are better able to investigate, determine liability, help you get the medical treatments you need, and ensure you receive a fair settlement for your injuries. 

What Should You Do Following an Arizona Dog Bite?

Seeking medical treatment for your injuries is the first thing you should do. Contact animal control and inform local law enforcement of the attack if you are physically able. Obtain contact information from witnesses. Witness statements can help your attorney prove liability. 

After you receive medical treatment for your dog bite injuries, write down everything you can remember regarding the incident, and keep all receipts for medical treatment. Contact a reputable dog bite injury attorney, so you can focus on healing while your attorney ensures you receive compensation for your injuries. 

Call Our Arizona Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or someone you love is a dog bite victim in Phoenix, Chandler, Tempe, or anywhere in Arizona, you need an experienced Arizona dog bite attorney in your corner. You need a law firm that can help you fight for justice and hold negligent dog owners responsible for the harm you’ve suffered. 

At Ciccarelli Law Offices, our Arizona dog bite attorneys have the experience and resources you need, and we can handle these complex cases from the start. Let Attorneys Lee Ciccarelli and Julia Rogers help you through this challenging time in your life. Call us today to begin fighting for justice.