Dog bites may produce permanent damage, scarring, and a fear of dogs that did not exist before being bitten. Unfortunately, dog bites can be deadly to Phoenix residents. Reporting a dog bite in Phoenix protects you and others who may risk potential injury when encountering a dog that bites.
Reporting a Phoenix dog bite provides an avenue to document the injuries you suffer legally. A Phoenix dog bite lawyer at Zinda Law Group offers exceptional experience in navigating the laws surrounding dog bites in Arizona, including filing a claim or lawsuit when necessary. Filing a dog bite report is the initial step in taking protective action and establishing your injuries resulting from a dog bite in Phoenix.
File a Phoenix Dog Bite Report
A report should be filed if you are bitten by a dog in Phoenix, according to the Maricopa County government site. It is critical to get medical care first for your injuries. To file a Phoenix dog bite report:
- Fill out the Maricopa County online form.
- Contact Maricopa County Animal Care and Control (MCACC) by calling 602-506-7387.
- Call 602-747-7500 to report the incident to the Maricopa County Department of Public Health if you suspect you have been exposed to rabies.
A dog’s owner may be liable for your injuries. A dog bite report is vital evidence a Phoenix personal injury lawyer may use to document your damages resulting from negligence. Taking additional steps to document your injuries may support an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhy It Is Necessary to File a Phoenix Dog Bite Report
Filing an incident report protects your best interests and may prevent others from suffering similar injuries. Knowing what to do when your friend’s dog bites and how claims work will provide a better understanding of why it is best to report any dog bite, whether you know the owner or not. A dog bite report may supply the following essential data:
- Information about the dog’s owner
- Whether a dog has a history of aggressive behavior
- If rabies exposure is a concern
- Facts about liability in a dog bite
Keep a copy of the report for your records to help determine when can you sue for a dog bite injury and to provide a dog bite lawyer in Phoenix insight into the incident leading to your injuries. Filing a report also ensures you have taken the necessary legal steps. Without it, your claim may be denied.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationHow to Document a Phoenix Dog Bite
Phoenix dog owners face strict liability under Arizona law for damages resulting from a dog bite. Critical evidence may be collected when the incident occurs as proof of your injuries. To document a Phoenix dog bite:
- Seek medical attention for a dog bite wound as soon as possible or within 24 hours due to infection risks. Soft tissue damage and severe bruising under the skin can occur.
- Take pictures of the injuries to show the extent of the damage.
- Follow your care team’s recovery protocol to strive for maximum healing and demonstrate your willingness to receive care.
- Keep all medical records and invoices.
- File a claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance.
A dog bite attorney in Phoenix can assist with determining whether renter’s insurance covers dog bites. Reviewing and compiling a comprehensive list of damages you experienced as a result of a Phoenix dog bite will ensure the appropriate compensation amount is presented to the insurance company for your injuries. A Phoenix dog bite attorney can mediate between you and the insurance company to protect your claim and document your injuries effectively.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Not to Do After Filing a Phoenix Dog Bite Report
You may experience intense emotions after a dog injures you or someone you care for. Any behavior following the incident may impact you if legal action is necessary. Refrain from these behaviors to protect your rights:
- Commenting or posting pictures about the incident on social media
- Threatening a dog’s owner
- Discussing the events of a dog bite with others
Zinda Law Group will strive to protect your case when you work with a personal injury attorney from our team. Keep off social media until the incident has been investigated, a claim has been filed, and any pending legal action is complete. Information shared online is public information the insurance company may use to disprove your claim.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationReduce Your Risk of a Phoenix Dog Bite
Knowing the most common circumstances surrounding reported dog bites may help prevent an unwanted encounter. A National Library of Medicine report highlights the factors surrounding dog bite incidents. Frequency data on dog bites indicates:
- Most dog bites are inflicted by a neighborhood dog as opposed to an owner’s dog or an unknown dog
- Dogs who bite are often wandering at large or have escaped their yard
- Dog bite survivors were most often bitten while outside of their yard
- Dog bites were the result of harassment in at least 42% of cases, while incidents remain unknown in other cases in the study
Never approach a dog you are unfamiliar with. Certain behaviors may cause a dog to bite instinctively. Always supervise a child around a dog regardless of familiarity.
Seeking Compensation After Filing a Phoenix Dog Bite Report
You may experience extensive injury from a dog bite in Phoenix. To cover these damages, you may wonder what compensation you can get from a dog bite injury. Compensation is dependent on your specific case and may include:
- All medical expenses related to treatment for a dog bite
- Surgery and rehabilitative costs
- Lost income and future earnings
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
Provoking a dog or trespassing can impact your ability to seek compensation. Failing to file a dog bite report may also impact your case. Discuss the potential compensation you may receive after filing a dog bite report.
Contact a Phoenix Dog Bite Attorney
Arizona’s law holds owners accountable for their dog’s actions. However, this does not always guarantee you will be fairly compensated for your injuries. Contact Zinda Law Group to schedule a free case evaluation and work with a dog bite attorney in Phoenix who will seek fair compensation for your injuries.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
