WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I GET BIT BY A DOG?
Nina Zade • January 25, 2022
Dog bites are quite common in the United States. Each year, close to 4.5 million dog bites occur and, of these injuries, nearly 20-25 percent require some type of emergent medical care. No matter how big or small the dog’s size, the potential for a dog bite exists. If you get bitten by a dog, call a dog bite lawyer Phoenix. Dog bites can cause serious injuries. They can cause severe damage to the body, and many victims can be left with life-long post-traumatic stress syndrome or a fear of dogs for the rest of their lives. Some of the common dog bite injuries include the following:
- Puncture wounds can be deep and injure blood vessels or nerves.
- Facial injuries may include injury to the eye, nose, lips, or cheeks. In many cases, the skin may be torn off; even after successful surgery, the individual can be left with lifelong scars.
- Broken bones in arms or legs.
- Torn muscles.
- Infections.
- Rabies is very rare and there are only a handful of cases in the United States. Most rabies cases are not from dogs.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
For the most part, dogs do not bite spontaneously. Dogs are more likely to come near you, sniff you, and go away. There are times, however, when a dog will bite, and the reasons can include the following:
- Fear: Some dogs have an inherent fear or might be fearful if you venture into their space. When people enter a dog’s space, the animal can become scared or afraid and it may respond by biting. Thus, the best way to avoid such dog bites is to keep away from the dog’s space if you don't know the animal.
- The owner: In many cases, the dog’s aggressive behavior may be due to the owner. The dog may be poorly treated, abused, tied up all day, and/or taught to be aggressive. Many dogs who bite have been trained to do so by their owners.
- Startled: Sometimes a dog who gets startled will bite. For example, if the dog is asleep and a stranger tries to pet the animal, he may startle the animal who may bite – only in an attempt to protect itself. This is particularly true of older dogs who have poor eyesight or are hard of hearing. If you have children in the home, always teach them to avoid startling the dog.
- Protection: The majority of dog bites occur because the animal is just protecting itself or the property. Some dogs do not like their people to touch their food while eating, and they can become very aggressive.
- Frustration. Frustration is another reason why a dog can bite. Some owners keep the dog caged, never take it out for a walk, and this can lead to frustration. Dogs like the outdoors and it is important to take them out for a walk and exercise. Keeping a dog indoors 24/7 creates severe frustration that can lead to property damage and dog bites.
- Pain: Sometimes a dog may be sick or injured and/or is in pain. Even the most well-behaved dog can bite in such situations if they are handled inappropriately.
- Play: Many smaller dogs like to nip and bite during play. The bite is usually only a nip and it is a common behavior. While adults may not find the nip bothersome, it can cause deep injuries to a child. In rare cases, the dog may get carried away during play and induce a painful bite.
What To Do After A Dog Bite
If you have suffered from a dog bite injury,
contact a dog bite lawyer. Following a dog bite, here are some tips on what to do next:
- If the injury is serious, seek immediate medical attention. For example, any dog bite to the face, groin, or hand needs to be managed as soon as possible. You may need a tetanus shot, wound cleaning, or possibly even a rabies shot. Make sure the healthcare provider documents the details of your injury because you will need the full report if you plan to file a claim with a dog bite lawyer Phoenix. Do not forget to give the healthcare provider the dog owner's name and contact information because he or she will need to verify the vaccination status of the dog and/or speak to the dog’s veterinarian.
- The next step is to file a report with the local police department. Explain in detail what happened and offer the police the names of any witnesses who may have seen what transpired. Also, submit any photos of your injury and the medical report as well.
Importance of Filing a Police Report
It is always important to file a report following a dog bite if you plan to file a claim with help from a dog bite lawyer. Without documenting your injuries or damages, there is
usually no compensation. In addition, if the owner refuses to pay for your medical bills, then with the evidence you have, you can file a lawsuit. Also, if you file a police report, the local animal control agency will get involved to determine if the dog is aggressive or being treated poorly. This will help ensure that the dog will not bite anyone else in the future.
Animal Control Agency
In the majority of dog bite cases, the local animal control agency will get involved. They have
legal authority when it comes to the investigation of dog bites. First, they will determine if the dog is aggressive, or dangerous. Second, if the vaccination status is unknown, they may quarantine the dog for 5-7 days to look for signs of infection. Third, If the dog has a history of biting people, it may be seized and even euthanized.
Should I Contact A Dog Bite Attorney?
If you are bitten by a dog and have serious injuries, you will likely be faced with a long list of medical bills that include a visit to the hospital, wound care, a tetanus shot, and perhaps even a rabies shot. In addition, if the bite is deep, it may even need to be explored in the emergency room to manage any bleeding or nerve injury. Facial wounds can lead to eye damage, torn lips, and lifelong scars. In addition, you can have prolonged pain from the incident. In any of the aforementioned scenarios, a dog bite lawyer Phoenix will definitely be an asset to you.
What Type of Compensation Can Be Received?
Like other personal injuries, the compensation following a dog bite will usually include the following:
- All your medical expenses
- Any loss of wages and future income
- Counseling if you develop a profound fear of dogs
- Surgery for scar repair
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical expenses
CONCLUSION
To recover any damages, the best option is to
consult with a dog bite lawyer Phoenix who can advise you of your rights and assess the validity of your claims. By working with a dog bite lawyer, you will be better prepared and able to recover all your damages, including any potential future surgeries to repair scars. The dog bite injury lawyer can also represent your interests when negotiating with the insurer so that you will not be convinced to accept a lower sum of money as a settlement than you deserve. Also, if the insurer is not willing to negotiate or is offering a minimal sum of money, the lawyer can also file a lawsuit on your behalf. It is important to remember that there is a statute of limitations in Arizona. If you are the victim of a dog bite, Arizona law states that you should file a lawsuit against the dog owner within 12 months from the day of the attack, or your case will be thrown out. Arizona has very strict laws regarding dog bites; therefore, it would be in your best interest to contact a dog bite lawyer Phoenix. The
Law Offices of Richard A. Gullette are experienced in handling dog bite cases. Call
Rick today at 1-602-230-2916. As he always says, experience matters.
What happens if my dog bites another dog? What happens if my dog is bitten by another dog? Let's look at the legal ramifications.
If you have had an incident with a dog, and you are looking for more information about Arizona dog bite laws, or want to contact an Arizona dog bite attorney, then read more here.
How do you prevent a wrongful death? Of course there's no way to prevent any and all bad things from happening, but let's take a look at how your workplace can ensure you have your bases covered.
Suddenly losing a loved member of a family because of the negligent or careless actions of another person can be devastating. Further, it can also deprive the family of income if the deceased individual was the sole breadwinner. In some cases, one aid for the survivors is to file a wrongful death lawsuit. There are many lawyers in Arizona from whom to choose; what are the best characteristics to look for? Below are tips on a few things to note when searching to find the best wrongful death attorney. Empathy and Compassion: When a family has lost a loved one, grief is a common emotion. Therefore, you want to select a professional who understands your grief and is sensitive to your tragedy. A lawyer who understands what survivors go through or has even gone through the same experience himself/herself will be better able to fight for your case and your legal rights. Experience: Wrongful death cases are not a given to win; in all cases, the defendant will have his or her lawyers who will deny all the allegations. Thus, you need a lawyer who has experience not only in court matters, but also one who knows how to negotiate and undertake the investigation to determine who was at fault and negligent. Not all personal injury lawyers have the experience to win wrongful death cases and you should always ask how much experience the lawyer has and his success rate. You need someone who can argue your case with confidence and be able to back it up with evidence. Ability to Communicate: There are many good wrongful death lawyers but not all of them can communicate effectively. They often use legal terminology without explaining what it means. Also, many lawyers are very busy and often have very little time to communicate with the client. Sometimes the client is never given an update on the case or only hears from the junior staff. You preferably want someone who knows the importance of communicating with you, who is able to patiently explain to you all the legal terminology and the steps involved in a wrongful death case and update you frequently as to how the case is progressing. At all times, the best wrongful death attorney should keep you fully informed about the next steps in the case. Amicability/Approachability: Even though there are some outstanding lawyers who have won wrongful death cases, some do not come across as friendly or approachable. Some may make you feel nervous, anxious, or you may feel afraid of asking questions . This is not the type of lawyer you want. You should select someone who is warm, approachable, and easy to talk to. You should never be afraid to ask or speak to your lawyer. In general, lawyers that work for large firms are often busy and are hard to get hold of. You are more likely to find personable and friendly lawyers in smaller or solo firms. Most of the time, you will find these down-to-earth lawyers will take ample time to sit and explain the whole process involved in a wrongful death lawsuit to you. Integrity: Like in all professions, there are some lawyers who have good morals, are ethical, and have excellent character, and then there are others who may not be trustworthy. Before you even step into the lawyer’s office, you should have scanned the internet and read the reviews . You need to select a lawyer who is honest, transparent, and trustworthy. You should be able to tell that during the first consultation if this is the lawyer you want. An honest and the best wrongful death attorney will answer all your questions, be upfront about the fees, and will explain everything to you in detail. If you are ever unsure about a wrongful death lawyer, seek a second opinion. Recommendations: Always speak to friends and families who have dealt with a wrongful death lawyer and learn about their experiences. In many cases, this is perhaps the best way to find a good lawyer. Strong recommendations from family and friends are a good indication that this is the best wrongful death attorney with whom you should consult. Do not make a final decision until you actually speak with the lawyer. Time: You also want to know how much time the lawyer will devote to your case . With large firms, the case is usually assigned to junior staff, but in smaller or solo firms, the lawyer will himself be involved in your case from start to finish. The Right Rapport: Sometimes when talking with someone, you will instantly develop a good rapport. Both of you will just “sync” and this is what you want in a lawyer. You want someone with whom you have a good relationship because, remember, you will be working together for many months. When you first consult with the lawyer, assess his/her demeanor, patience, and use of words; if he or she is on the mobile phone every other minute, this is the last person you want as your lawyer because obviously they have no time for your case. Conclusion Finding a good Arizona wrongful death lawyer to handle wrongful death cases is not difficult as long as you do your homework. Before walking into the lawyer’s office, you should know something about his or her education, training, and what online reviews have said. In most cases, you will be able to tell at the first consultation if this is the lawyer you want. Besides amiability and a good personality, you also want someone who has good experience and excellent communication. If you have had a sudden death in your family due to the negligent actions of another person, call the Law Offices of Richard A. Gullette at 1-602-230-2916. Rick Gullette has the motto that he offers “Personal Attention that puts you and your family first.” That’s the kind of lawyer you want.
Injuries and deaths frequently occur in the workplace, on the road, at the ballpark, recreational park, etc., and, in some cases, the fault is due to the negligence or carelessness of a person or persons. For example, you may be waiting at a crosswalk for the light to turn green, and suddenly a driver who is texting crashes into you causing injuries that prove fatal. Or your father was given the wrong dose of a medication by the pharmacist which resulted in a fatal stroke. In such scenarios, the survivor(s) may suffer significant financial loss if the deceased was the only breadwinner. In addition, if the deceased had small children and/or had bills to pay, the survivors would probably end up homeless if they didn’t have any financial resources . In such cases, the opposing party/individual may offer compensation, but, more often than not, the amount is small and will not cover long-term expenses. In the majority of cases, the survivors have little idea how much compensation is adequate and if it comes with any restrictions. For this reason, many people turn to lawyers and file a wrongful death lawsuit. But many people are not sure how to file a wrongful death lawsuit and/or what legal rights they have. Therefore, if you are not sure about the process, the first step is to consult an Arizona wrongful death attorney. Before you visit the wrongful death attorney, here are a few things you should know. CHOOSING A WRONGFUL DEATH ATTORNEY Selecting a wrongful death attorney for your case can be a challenge because there are so many lawyers in Arizona. Many lawyers frequently advertise their services on the radio, TV, internet, and billboards, but how is an ordinary citizen supposed to know who will be the best choice and who is the most experienced? The fact is that not all lawyers have experience in court and some are just in the beginning phase of their career. Sometimes you may have to consult with a few lawyers before you can pick one. In any case, when consulting with a wrongful death lawyer for the first time, here are a few things to ask: Today, there is no excuse for not knowing a few details about an attorney you are selecting. If you don’t own a computer or smartphone, visit your local library. Perform a Google search and read the reviews. In addition, visit the attorney’s website and get a glimpse of his education, training, and expertise. Read what others have to say in reviews about past experiences with the attorney. Finally, speak to friends and family if they know or have heard anything about the lawyer that you want to hire. The more you know about the attorney, the better you will be able to make an informed decision about the selection process. What does the attorney specialize in? Preferably you would want an attorney with wrongful death experience. Dealing with a wrongful death case is much different than dealing with a dog bite injury. Has the attorney undertaken a similar case before and how much experience does the lawyer have? Does the attorney have resources to undertake the case? For example, some wrongful death cases require an enormous amount of documentation, and, in some cases, discussion with expert witnesses. You want an attorney for wrongful death who has both the financial resources and a team of expert witnesses (doctors, knowledgeable medical personnel) to whom he or she can call upon to determine the causation and negligence in the case. Working with an Arizona wrongful death attorney sends a signal to the insurer of the defendant that you are serious about getting the compensation you are owed. Once an insurer receives a demand letter from an attorney, they immediately realize that this is serious and most likely are willing to come to the negotiating table. But you need to select an attorney for wrongful death who is not only skilled at negotiations but also not afraid to go to trial in case the negotiations fail. The attorney must send the signal to the insurer that he or she will do whatever it takes to get just compensation for his client. Does the attorney work alone or does he work with a team of lawyers? In general, consulting with an attorney who works with a team of other lawyers can be beneficial if he or she seeks expertise in other areas so that the client gets the maximum benefit. What are the costs associated with hiring a wrongful death attorney? This is a very important question; in general, the majority of wrongful death attorneys are paid on a contingency basis. This means that they get paid if they win the case and recover damages. The contingency fee varies from 30-35 percent. For example, if you are awarded $1 million in compensation, the attorney will get $350K as part of the contingency fee. You should also clarify with the lawyer if there will be any other “hidden” fees, like administrative costs, photocopying fees, etc. In most cases, the contingency fee is inclusive, but, in any case, it is vital to get all the costs in writing so that there are no disputes at the end of the case. How will the attorney initiate your wrongful death case? You should have some idea about the steps involved in filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Once you hire an attorney for wrongful death, he or she will obtain all the documents, speak to witnesses, review the medical records, and, with the help of experts, reconstruct the fatal scene. In addition, the attorney may also ask you to submit any paperwork from the opposing party that you have in your possession (defendant/company/insurer). Once your Arizona wrongful death attorney receives all the paperwork and documents, he or she will contact the individual or company at fault or their insurer. In Arizona, the law requires that both parties must start some type of mediation to come to a settlement before going to trial. Hence, your attorney will contact the other party and try to negotiate a fair settlement first. If the two sides are not able to come to a settlement , your attorney will file a lawsuit in the appropriate county. A trial usually requires more extensive investigations, including depositions and consulting with expert witnesses. The case is usually heard in front of a judge and decided by a jury who will determine the amount of compensation. How Much Compensation Can You Expect? The amount of compensation usually depends on the case and is hard to predict ahead of time because many factors are involved in determining the final award. Your attorney will generally include the following when arguing for your compensation: Lost wages Medical bills Pain and suffering Loss of companionship If the jury decides the case in your favor , you will receive some type of compensation for all the injuries and death that your loved one suffered. In general, high six-figure awards are not uncommon in Arizona. Conclusion It is important to be aware that in Arizona, there is a statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death case. The case has to be filed within two years from the time of death. Because there is an enormous amount of documentation and investigation required, it is important to seek an experienced Arizona wrongful death attorney as soon as possible. While no amount of compensation can bring back your loved one, an attorney for wrongful death can at least try to get you compensation for all the pain and suffering that you have been through. Reach out to us today , and let's start a conversation.
If someone in your family has suffered a death due to the careless, intentional, or negligent actions of another individual or party, a wrongful death attorney can do several things for you.
A wrongful death case is usually filed with assistance from a personal injury lawyer. How much are wrongful death attorney fees?
When a person dies as a result of careless behavior or neglectful actions of another individual or party, the surviving members of the family have the legal right to file for a wrongful death case in civil court.
The untimely death of a loved one is a traumatic experience for most people. Wrongful death is one that could have been avoided but occurs due to the negligence or wrongful actions of an individual, hospital, or company.
A medical malpractice claim usually occurs when a healthcare professional, such as a nurse or a doctor, provides care that is deemed to be below the accepted standard of care resulting in a negative effect on the patient.
