Tempe Dog Bite Lawyer

No matter how friendly, small, or well-trained a dog may be, it’s still an animal, and that makes it potentially dangerous. Being bitten by a dog can be extremely painful and result in long-term health struggles that come with high medical bills and lifestyle challenges. A Tempe dog bite lawyer can help you seek accountability and compensation for the hardship you’ve suffered.

Here at Bleaman Law Firm, PC, we draw on over three decades of trial experience to help clients recover from these traumatizing situations. Our firm understands the hardship that comes with a personal injury like a dog bite, so we work diligently to take the legal load off your shoulders through comprehensive case management. We can work to understand your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance, and represent you directly in all legal hearings.

Understanding Arizona Dog Bite Laws

According to A.R.S. 11-1025, a dog owner is liable if their animal bites someone, even if the dog has never bitten anyone previously. This law stands whether the matter occurs on public or private property, giving victims more support in seeking compensation for their injuries.

A.R.S. 12-542 notes that there’s typically a two-year timeframe in which an injured person may seek to pursue a claim. This makes it critical to reach out to our office as soon as possible.

Some people mistakenly assume they are at fault if they are too close to a dog, in a public location where dogs frequently visit, or do something like speak to the dog before it attacks. This is why knowing your rights is crucial.

Our firm is highly experienced with dog bite cases. We can turn the details of your case into a fact-focused argument backed by evidence and pursued through proper channels in the Arizona legal system. From start to finish, our firm can be a vital asset in your situation.

Why Dog Bites Are a Common Injury

Arizona is one of the most dog-friendly states in the country. About 58.2% of the population are pet owners, and about 43% specifically are dog owners. Tempe is a perfect place for pet lovers to take their canines out to enjoy the community atmosphere, as the city has seven off-leash dog parks, including Clark Park, Creamery Park, Jaycee Park, Kiwanis Park, Mitchell Park, Papago Park, and Tempe Sports Complex.

However, it’s not just the prevalence of dogs that increases the risk of dog bites for others. Several factors can lead to surprising acts of aggression from these animals, even if it seems out of character. Consider the following qualities, which can be present in any dog, no matter its age, record of good behavior, or size:

• Aggression. Animals, no matter how domesticated, have an extremely long genetic lineage of being wild. Sometimes they can revert to these primal instincts, and it only takes one moment for an injury to occur.
• Territorialism. Especially if an animal is at or near its home, it may take the presence of strangers as a threat. This can cause an animal to attack a person and even pursue them to demonstrate dominance in a given area.
• Unpredictability. While many pet owners feel a deep personal connection to their dog, one may not be able to tell if their dog is sick, tired, or simply feeling off. These quiet but problematic periods of behavior can result in the animal lashing out with an attack.

If you are bitten by a dog, a Tempe dog bite attorney from Bleaman Law Firm, PC, can help. Our team understands the legalities of pet ownership, and we can help you determine how to approach this situation and pursue the resources you need for recovery.

Common Justifications for Dog Bites

Many pet owners may act surprised when their animal attacks someone. Even if their surprise is genuine and justified, because of a dog’s long history of friendliness and non-aggression, the numbers show that any dog can be a danger if it isn’t properly controlled or monitored.

According to the World Animal Foundation, dogs bite 4.5 million people each year in the United States and are the third most dangerous animal in the world. It’s not uncommon for pet owners to make claims like:

• “He’s never acted like that before. I don’t know what’s wrong.”
• “She didn’t mean it. She was just startled.”
• “They aren’t usually like that. Maybe you set them off.”
• “It looks like it barely nicked you. Good thing it wasn’t worse.”

It’s sometimes typical that pet owners may want to avoid accountability, deflect blame, or downplay harm. Some are embarrassed by their pet’s behavior, while others are legitimately caught off guard by it.

Our law firm’s priority is you. When you are suffering after an injury from a dog, our team can help you overcome the excuses of the responsible party and build a strong case in the pursuit of accountability. No matter the circumstances or extent of your injuries, we can provide support.

How a Dog Bite Could Affect You

Dog bites can range from mildly painful to severe, and every victim has the right to hire a dog bite lawyer to recover damages.

Serious bites can result in the need for invasive, reconstructive surgery. This was the case for 19,201 people in 2023, a 2.2% increase from the previous year’s total of 18,917. Bites can result in a wide array of health and mental problems, including:

• Temporary or permanent disfigurement, including scarring
• Temporary or permanent loss of mobility, muscle function, and nerve function
• Extreme fear of dogs and other animals shortly after the attack or in the long-term future
• Infections that can lead to other related health conditions

The physical pain from a dog bite and the required medical procedures to treat it can result in soreness, itching, burning, aching, sensitivity, tingling, and a combination of these uncomfortable sensations. However, the damage doesn’t stop there. Victims may also deal with the associated complications of the attack and recovery, which can include:

• High medical bills and long-term medical needs
• Home modifications if mobility issues are a problem
• Loss of life enjoyment due to physical or mental complications
• Loss of bodily functions as a result of the injury or complications
• An unwillingness to return to the location where the dog was

Our firm can help you detail the specifics of your injuries, including matters like pain and suffering, which many people neglect to consider. We can work with you through all steps of your dog bite claim, helping you pursue a resolution that’s swift, fair, and comprehensive in covering all the harm you’ve incurred.

FAQs

What Should You Do Right After Being Bitten by a Dog?

Right after being bitten by a dog, you should seek medical care. A facility like HonorHealth Tempe Medical Center, located at 1500 S. Mill Ave. Tempe, AZ, can assess your injuries and provide guidance on how to treat them. These medical reports can also be valuable evidence for your claim. After you are treated, your next step is to contact a Tempe dog bite attorney and begin building your case.

What Is a Mistake People Make in a Dog Bite Situation?

A mistake people often make in a dog bite situation is downplaying their injuries or admitting fault. These statements can be used against you. The ideal approach is to say as little as possible and let your lawyer speak on your behalf. Reach out to our firm as soon as possible for guidance on how to present your side of the story.

Where Are Dog Bite Cases Heard in Tempe?

Dog bite cases in Tempe can be heard at the Tempe Municipal Court for citations related to loose or dangerous dogs. Cases seeking damages may be heard at the Maricopa County Superior Court. No matter where your case is held or even if it doesn’t go to court and is instead settled through private negotiations, our team can represent you with our in-depth knowledge of dog bite laws.

What Evidence Can Be Used for a Dog Bite Claim?

A variety of evidence can be used for a dog bite claim. This includes photos of the injury and medical reports covering the damages and required treatments. Video footage or witness testimonies can also be helpful, as can past instances of a dog’s violent behavior. Courts may also request paperwork about the dog to determine whether it has received all necessary shots.

Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer

The pain, shock, and trauma of a dog bite can leave you feeling damaged in more ways than one. With Bleaman Law Firm, PC, you can feel relief, clarity, and confidence when pursuing your dog bite claim and seeking the compensation you deserve.

Our talented team has earned many positive reviews from past clients for our relentless pursuit of justice. By bringing a fierce, unwavering approach to the courtroom, along with a compassionate sense of dedication to our clients in their time of need, we’ve become a top legal resource for the fine people of Tempe.

Don’t let a dog bite leave you with pain, suffering, debt, and struggles that you have to deal with alone — reach out to our office today to schedule a consultation.

Tempe Dog Bite Reviews