Avondale Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog owners are responsible for their dogs, including making sure those dogs don’t hurt others. If a dog causes damage, including serious injuries, the dog’s owners can be held liable for the cost of that damage. If you’ve been hurt by someone’s dog, an Avondale dog bite lawyer can help you file a claim to recover your losses, including medical costs, lost income, reduced quality of life, and more. Dog bites have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries, and you deserve support.

Bleaman Law Firm, P.C.: Dedicated Avondale Dog Bite Attorney

At Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., we can help you take the next steps to protect your financial needs. Our firm’s team has spent over 20 years helping injured individuals and their families recover the financial support they need. We understand the immense costs of these incidents, as well as the pain and emotional trauma. Our team brings you compassionate support and diligent legal guidance.

You don’t have to deal with the costs and stressors of these injuries alone. Our firm works with you to determine the value of your claim and build a strong case. We negotiate for you with insurance companies and file your case in court when it’s needed.

The personal injury attorneys at our firm have handled injury cases in many local courts, including the Judicial Branch of Arizona for Maricopa County and the East Court Building in Phoenix.

Dog Bite Laws in Arizona

There are an estimated 4.5 million dog bites each year in the U.S. While some states only hold dog owners liable for damage done by dogs that have already bitten someone, that is not the case in Arizona.

Arizona uses strict liability laws for dog bites. Any damage done by a dog is the responsibility of the dog’s owner, and the owner can be held legally and financially responsible for that damage. The owner does not have to have known that the dog was dangerous to be held liable.

There are only two reasons that a dog owner would not be liable for an injury or other damage caused by their dog:

1. Trespassing. If you were trespassing on private property, or were otherwise not lawfully on private property, the dog’s owner is not liable for damages.
2. Provoking. If you provoked the dog, and this caused it to attack, the owner can use this as a defense to liability. This defense is determined based on whether or not a reasonable person could assume that your conduct would have provoked the dog.

These defenses are used by both dog owners and their insurance companies to try to avoid liability, even when they don’t apply to your case. That’s why it’s important to build a case that proves you did not provoke the dog and were on public property or lawfully on private property. An attorney helps you gather this evidence.

Dog Bite Regulations in Avondale

In Avondale, local regulation states that the dog’s owner or any person responsible for the dog when the dog causes damage is fully responsible for the property damage or injury. This specifically applies to dogs that are at large.

There are other dog bite regulations in Avondale that may affect a case, including that it is illegal for a person to allow a dangerous and vicious animal to be at large, and that any animal bite must be reported to an enforcement agent.

What Compensation Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Claim?

In a claim for compensation after a dog bite, you might recover damages like:

• Existing medical bills
• Lost wages and benefits
• Future medical costs for long-term treatment or expected complications
• Lost earning capacity, if your injury prevents you from returning to work
• The costs of any property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Lost enjoyment or quality of life
• Disability and disfigurement

The exact damages in a personal injury claim will depend on the losses you suffered because of the dog’s attack, and an attorney can help you calculate those damages.

FAQs

How Much Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Cost?

The cost of a dog bite lawyer depends on the lawyer and your specific case. Generally, dog bite lawyers charge a contingency fee. This means they recover a portion of the final settlement or verdict. This also minimizes your upfront legal costs and prevents you from paying fees if no compensation is secured. A more experienced attorney may charge a higher percentage, but may also be able to recover a greater settlement with their experience.

What Is the Average Payout for a Dog Bite Civil Claim?

The average payout for a dog bite civil claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the proof that supports your case, and the skill of the attorney you work with.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the average combined costs of a dog bite that led to hospitalization was $73,213 per person in 2024, while the average combined costs for a bite that led to an emergency department visit was $26,286 per person.

Is It Worth Filing a Civil Claim Over a Dog Bite?

It can be worth filing a civil claim over a dog bite, but it depends entirely on your specific circumstances. Many dog bite cases start with an insurance claim, such as against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy. If the insurance company won’t settle for a reasonable amount of compensation, then a civil claim may be needed to recover those damages. If your case has supporting evidence, it is likely worth filing a claim to get full compensation.

Should You Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Avondale?

Yes, you should hire a dog bite lawyer in Avondale, Arizona. Although it isn’t required, it makes your claim much easier and more likely to recover the most compensation available.

Your attorney helps in several ways, including investigating the incident, calculating the cost of your current and future medical bills, assessing the cost of your other damages, and working against claims that you provoked the dog. They negotiate with the insurer and advocate for you in court in a civil claim.

Act Quickly to File Your Dog Bite Claim in Avondale

If you or a loved one was attacked in Avondale, get in contact with Bleaman Law Firm, P.C., today.

Avondale Dog Bite Lawyer Reviews