Dogs are a staple of American life for many families and they hold a place of endearment for still others. With more than 75 million households in the country reporting one or more dogs, it is clear that dog ownership is widespread and that the number of dogs in the nation is quite high as a result. Many of these dogs will live their entire lives without displaying signs of aggression or without being involved in an incident of violence with a human; however, every year, dog bite and attack incidents happen in the greater Phoenix area and many of those involve animals that did not display any issues prior to the attack. These incidents often produce injuries that require medical treatment and may cause lasting damage if the attack leaves scarring on a victim. Even more tragically, people are killed every year in dog attack cases and some of those occur in Arizona. In 2011, for example, 32 people lost their lives across the country in dog bite incidents.
Regardless of the type or breed of dog involved, the laws in Phoenix remain clear: if a dog bites or attacks a person and that person is injured, he or she may be entitled to bring a legal claim for relief against the owner of the dog or other person responsible and the victim may be able to recover monetary compensation for any injuries that occur. When in doubt, speaking with a personal injury lawyer who practices in Maricopa County or in Arizona generally may be a good place to start to learn about the laws, how they apply if you have been injured, and whether you have a valid claim for your damages.
Police in Phoenix have confirmed that two young children were injured by an attacking dog as the children walked home from school on Tuesday. The incident occurred near Camelback and 54th Avenue between 3:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. and witnesses state that two dogs were in the area. Reportedly, a three-year-old female and a six-year-old male were walking home from school when the dogs approached the children and one dog bit both kids. Both children sustained bite-related injuries and were transported to an area hospital in serious condition but with both expected to survive.
An investigation into the incident is ongoing at this time and it is not yet clear what action will be taken, if any, against the owner of the dogs, who allegedly is a resident in the area. It is also not clear whether either dog will be taken into custody or euthanized.
Victims of dog bite incidents in Phoenix likely have numerous questions and concerns. Often, the first issues surround the medical treatment that a victim may need and how to obtain it. By initiating a personal injury action, victims may be able to secure treatment needed to help them heal physically from their wounds and to make sure that they obtain the best medical advice possible.
Victims next may wonder about their ability to obtain payment for their injuries. Often, dog bite victims are left with unsightly scars or permanent damage to their limbs. In other cases, victims may be forced to miss time from work and therefore may be unable to earn a living while they recover from an attack. These and other damages, including pain and suffering, may be compensable if action is taken by the victim within a time period specified by local and state laws.
These cases can be complex and confusion to understand so the personal injury attorneys at Abels & Annes, P.C. are standing by 24 hours a day, seven days a week to help victims process their rights. We offer a free case consultation without an obligation to those who call us toll free at (855) PHX-LAWYER or locally at (602) 819-5191 and we will keep everything discussed during the consultation confidential. If you have been injured in a dog bite incident or if your loved one was hurt or killed, we are standing by now to take your call and to help you fight for the relief you deserve.
The lawyers at Abels & Annes, P.C. have helped several dog bite victims obtain payment for their losses and we are ready to get to work for you. If an attack has harmed you, do not let your rights be ignored. Call Abels & Annes, P.C. today.
Prior Blog Entry:
Boy Dies after Phoenix Swimming Pool Accident, Phoenix Injury Lawyer Blog, published April 27, 2015.
Resource:
Two children attacked by dog, by Tami Hoey, CBS5AZ.com, published April 29, 2015.